Kaikoura In the Māori language, Kaikoura translates to 'meal of crayfish' (kai - food, koura - crayfish) and it is crayfish for which the region has been traditionally famous. Map of Kaikoura Accommodation Options
Whale Watching: A short drive from Blenheim or Picton is the seaside village of Kaikoura. Come face to face with these magnificent creatures in their own environment aboard vessels designed specifically for this purpose. Giant Sperm Whales grow to 20 meters long and are present in these waters year round. Other species include migratory Humpback whales, Orca (killer whales), tiny Hector dolphins, the high-spirited Dusky Dolphins and fur seals. Whale watching also available by air. * Departure times: 7.15am; 10.00am; 12.45pm; 3.30pm Nov - Mar
Māori Tours: During this half-day tour, you will develop a unique understanding of Māori values, our history and our future. Enrich your soul as we take you on a journey through our history to discover cultural similarities and differences. Visit ancient sites of pre-European days, hear how they were once settled by our ancestors and see the stories the land still tells. Explore one of Kaikoura's bush walkways to learn some of the traditional indigenous uses of the trees and plants as food and medicine.
Surfing: Kaikoura
has
an
abundance
of
great
surf
breaks,
all
within
minutes
of
the
town
centre,
known
predominantly
for
its
clean
right
hander’s
such
as
the
Kahutara
and
Mangamanu.
Hire
a
surf
instructor
to
show
you
the
hot
spots,
or,
try
a
new
experience
-
learn
to
surf
with
professionals
and
an
accredited
NZQA
SNZ
Surf
Coach
on
some
of
the
best
waves
the
South
Island
has
to
offer.
You'll
learn
about
safety
in
the
water,
board
design
and
how
the
board
works
in
the
water,
board
control
and
how
to
negotiate
waves,
standing
and
balancing
fitness
and
more!
Good
for
beginner
to
intermediate.
Kaikoura Night Sky: See the stars and constellations unique to the Southern Hemisphere. See the Southern Cross and how it is used to find South. Discover the night sky objects significant to the Māori. Kaikoura Night Sky is a unique tour designed to introduce you to the Spectacular Southern Hemipshere Night Sky over New Zealand. Using practical knowledge, science, Māori knoowledge and stories, your guide will take you on a journey from horizon to horizon. Also, take the opportunity to look through a powerful telescope far beyond the reaches of the natural eye, at Star Clusters, Nebula the Moon, planets and more. Tours run nightly for 1 1/2 hrs and commence approx 1 hour after sunset.
Swimming with Dolphins: Kaikoura is home to the amazing dusky dolphins. Experience the delights of a wonderful marine environment, close to our beautiful coastline during this 3 to 3 ½ hour dolphin swimming or watching tour. You may also be lucky enough to see other marine mammals such as orca (killer whales), pilot whales, New Zealand fur seals, and Hector’s dolphins. All snorkeling gear and wetsuits are provided. For maximum enjoyment, swimmers need to be confident and have a reasonable level of snorkelling experience. Minimum age 8 years.
Albatross Encounter: It is the vast offshore canyons, with their nutrient rich waters, that are responsible for the variety of sea-life off Kaikoura. Kaikoura boasts the greatest variety of ocean birds (pelagics), within a short distance, than anywhere in New Zealand, maybe even the world. Our skippers have an excellent level of knowledge of the seabirds you are likely to encounter while out at sea. Travel time out to where you begin to see seabirds can be anywhere from a few minutes to 30 minutes. We carry 'chum' (fishy bits) on the boats that attracts the seabirds very close, offering wonderful opportunities for photography.
