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| Canterbury, South Island, New Zealand |
The seaside town of Kaikoura is a popular ecotourism centre and is well known as one of the world’s best whale watching locations. It lies approximately 185 kilometres north of Christchurch on a narrow coastal strip of land between the sea and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. Off the coast of Kaikoura lies the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary which extends from 40 degrees south to the Antarctic ice, and is formed by part of the Pacific and Southern Oceans.
This small town of 3,800 residents was originally established as a whaling station in 1843, but as the whaling industry declined the community turned to fishing and farming. Fortunately the ocean area off the coast of Kaikoura delights in an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds, which has enabled the community to build not only a fishing industry, but tourism based on the observation of marine animals in their natural habitat. Historically the site was well known by the local Maori who gave the area its name of ‘Kai’ meaning food, and ‘Koura’ meaning crayfish, and from the abundance of crayfish the fishing industry was established. The rich waters off the coast caused by the convergence of sub-tropical and sub-Antarctic currents continue to attract many marine mammals and seabirds, and this local phenomenon has enabled the development of Kaikoura’s popular tourism industry which specialises in whale, dolphin and seal watching, and includes the observation of other marine animals and seabirds. To supplement this growing and somewhat seasonal, tourist industry the town has diversified its tourist appeal by highlighting its proximity to the wilderness areas of the Kaikoura Ranges. Within these rugged and beautiful mountains it is possible to enjoy a walk or hike through the Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve, take an adventurous 4 wheel drive or maybe experience river rafting on the Clarence River. The area surrounding Kaikoura also provides the additional activities and attractions of wine tasting, skydiving, mountain bike riding, horse trekking and snorkelling, plus walking the ‘Shoreline’ or ‘Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway’ to visit the local seal and seabird colonies. Historically Kaikoura maintains its links with the past via its regional museum and the historic Fyffe House, the oldest surviving building in town which connects Kaikoura with its former whaling industry.
Within Kaikoura can be found a Department of Conservation Visitors Centre where information can be obtained for the numerous walking and hiking tracks that permeate the area and the location of the mountain huts which can be used for accommodation.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Waves on the Esplanade
Kaikoura
 |  Eleven luxurious 5-star Qualmark-rated apartments just a stone's throw from the water's edge, and yet the closest luxury accommodation to the town centre, offering the ideal combination of lifestyle, location and a great holiday destination with the ultimate combination of expansive ocean and mounta... |
Aspen Court Motel
Kaikoura
 |  Aspen Court Motel offers beautifully apportioned accommodation within Kaikoura. With many of Kaikoura's activities located just minutes from the complex iitself, Aspen Court Kaikoura is a good choice for the quality and cost conscious traveller. |
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Whale Watch Kaikoura
Whale Watching
Kaikoura |  With Whale Watch you will 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 metres long and are present in these waters year round. Other species include migratory Humpback whales, Orcas,... |
Glenstrae Farm 4WD Off Road Adventure Tour
Biking
Kaikoura |  This quad bike activity is fantastic. It is a great way to see the Kaikoura coast from the rolling hills of an every-day farm. Offering an unforgettable outdoor adventure through 1,600 acres of coastal farmland, your journey takes you through natural bush, spectacular hill country, natural rivers ... |
Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
Dolphin Watching
Kaikoura |  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 ... |
Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura - Watching
Dolphin Watching
Kaikoura |  Dolphin Encounter has been operating tours in Kaikoura since the summer of 1989-90 and are passionate about what they do. They actually combine Dolphin Watching and swimming with the dolphins on the same tours. Dolphin watching does not have the same capacity restrictions as swimming and is not u... |
Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura - Swimming
Dolphin Watching
Kaikoura | Dolphin Encounter has been operating tours in Kaikoura since the summer of 1989-90 and are passionate about what they do. They actually combine Dolphin Watching and swimming with the dolphins on the same tours. Dolphin watching does not have the same capacity restrictions as swimming and is not u... |
Kaikoura Albatross Encounter Tour from Christchurc
Tour
Kaikoura |  Kaikoura is famous for whales and dolphins and arguably one of the world's most exciting arenas for ocean going birds. This full day tour accompanies the Kaikoura Whale Watch Tours from Christchurch. Within close proximity of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, see a considerable array of albatross, p... |
Kaikoura Whale Watch Helicopter Flight 40 minutes
Helicopter
Kaikoura | A visit to the South Island of New Zealand is not complete without a stop-over at the whale watching capital of New Zealand... Kaikoura, where visitors can enjoy the spectacular and beautiful coastal marine environment - playground to the majestic Sperm whales!
Kaikoura Helicopters is devoted to th... |
Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch
Whale Watching
Kaikoura |  Spend the day getting close to nature on a whale-watching day trip to Kaikoura, renowned for its variety of marine mammals. You'll enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, go on a whale-watching boat tour from Kaikoura, visit a seal colony and complete the day with ... |
Kaikoura Whale Watch Helicopter Flight 30 minutes
Helicopter
Kaikoura | A visit to the South Island of New Zealand is not complete without a stop-over at the whale watching capital of New Zealand... Kaikoura, where visitors can enjoy the spectacular and beautiful coastal marine environment - playground to the majestic Sperm whales!
Kaikoura Helicopters is devoted to th... |
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Scenic Highlighter - 15 Days
15 days |  The Scenic Highlighter is a great introduction to the major attractions that New Zealand has to offer. After arriving in Auckland and spending one night you will travel to Rotorua and the geo-thermal reserves for two nights. You will have lunch at a working farm, and visit Whakarewarewa Village fo... |
New Zealand Adventure
18 days |  This 18 day tour of New Zealand is an excellent way to see the major attractions and sights in this wonderful country. From Auckland to the Bay of Islands for two nights where you will have the opportunity to cruise to Cape Brett and the 'Hole in the Rock' as well as some free time to sail or sea-k... |
Best of New Zealand
17 days |  On arrival in Auckland you will meet your Tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink. From there you will travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands for two nights. Take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and weather permitting, through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’... |
New Zealand Encounter
18 days |  This great tour of New Zealand starts in the pretty city of Christchurch where you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Next day you will catch the TranzAlpine train to Arthu's Pass and cross the amazing Southern Alps. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before spending the n... |
Great New Zealand Experience
21 days |  This tour certainly is an indepth look at New Zealand and will show you many of the best attractions and sights. From the moment you arrive in Auckland until the day you say farewell, this trip is sure to impress. There are two days in Auckland to enjoy this 'city of sails' before heading to the b... |
New Zealand Highlights
15 days |  This fifteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights in New Zealand. From the beautiful and majestic Milford Sound, in the Fiordland National Park to the geothermal area of Rotorua this trip will surprise and delight you. You will see the stunning Huka Falls and Taupo... |
New Zealand Experience
14 days |  This fourteen day tour of New Zealand will introduce you to some of the best sights and attractions here. After arriving and spending your first night in Christchurch you travel across the Southern Alps to the West Coast and visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki before heading to Fox G... |
Royal New Zealand - 20 Day
20 days |  This is a great tour for those who would like to see the major attractions in New Zealand. After arriving in Auckland and exploring this lovely city you will travel to the beautiful Hokianga and Bay of Island regions before returning and travelling to Rotorua and experiencing the hot pools and the... |
Northern Explorer
12 days |  The Northern Explorer tour introduces travellers to the major attractions and scenery in the North Island, and with 12 days and two and three night stops there is plenty of time to enjoy this trip at a relaxing pace. After arriving in Auckland and your first night, you travel to Omapere to see the ... |
Scenic Sights
12 days | On this tour of New Zealand there are two, two night stays and one three night stay, therefore travellers will have the feeling of a more leisurely pace. After arriving in Auckland there is time for an afternoon activity, whether you may want to climb the Auckland Bridge, or cruise on Waitemata Har... |
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