| Kaikoura's claim to fame was only
recognized in 1987 during Christmas when a group of Nature Watch Charters began
whale-watching trips in the area. |
 |
And from then on, there
was no looking back. Kaikoura became the undisputed king of marine mammal watching places
and one of the most visited places in NZ. Whale Watching takes place every year
from December to March and you have to book in advance. Watch out for sperm whales, orcas,
minke, humpback and southern rights. It's a bit frustrating when it’s foggy and wet
and trips have to be delayed. So give it one or two or extra days if you really want to
spot these magnificent creatures. Call Whale Watch, Kaikoura at 319 6767, 0800 655 12 for
tours, most run throughout the year.
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Marine Mammal Watching also includes
dolphins like the Hector's dolphin, dusky dolphin, the NZ fur seal and the bottlenose
dolphins. These are some of the rarest in the world. |
Seals penguins and thousands of other birds are also seen
in the vicinity. Of course there are no guarantees that you'll see anything but the
chances are as high as you'll ever get anywhere. There are other activities like walking,
skiing, fishing and diving but the main reason anyone comes here is of course to see the
whales and dolphins.
You can even go Dolphin Swimming. It's a pleasure to swim with
these lovely creatures and you're provided with the wetsuits and other equipment. Call the
Kaikoura Wildlife Centre at 319 6622. Seal Swimming is also quite popular,
especially when they're underwater. You can even snorkel with them.
Getting there: You can get here by air from Wellington,
Blenheim and Hammer Springs. Buses run to all major towns on the island including Picton
from where you get the ferry to North Island. The train from Picton to Christchurch goes
by Kaikoura.
There are plenty of places to stop over, eat a meal or have a drink and
all manners of travellers including those on a budget can find something suitable.
For detailed country and visitor information, see New Zealand. |
