Kaikoura

Description:

Spend the day getting close to Dolphins. Travel by coach through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes, to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea. Kaikoura is world renowned for the variety of marine mammals which can be seen, not least of all the giant sperm whales and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins.

On arrival in Kaikoura you may enjoy either an early lunch (additional at own expense) at the Craypot Cafe and Bar or have free time to explore Kaikoura before being transferred to the 'Swim with Dolphins' Tour with Dolphin Encounter, where you will be fully equipped with wet suit, mask, snorkel and flippers in order to swim in the sea with the Dusky Dolphins. There will be the opportunity during the day to visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters.

Our Local Expert Says:

Definitely go out to see the whales as the experience is life changing for many. It's also great to take a walk along the beach at dusk as you can often see dolphins playing about near the shore.

Description:

This lovely little seaside town is a place to explore the life of the sea. The number one thing to do here is to go out on a boat to see dolphins and whales. The area is a nursery of sorts for whales who spend a good portion of their adolescent years feeding on the abundant seafood and generally learning how to be a "grown up" whale. You can also do a shark dive or take a flight over the area. The town itself has a few nice cafes and shops, too, so don't miss out.