KAIKOURA
NEW ZEALAND
Kaikoura
is where the mountains meet the sea. Lounging Fur seals recline on rocks
just metres from the shore, while dusky and Hector’s dolphins frolic
in the sea within sight of town, meanwhile only a few kilometres further
out, giant sperm whales glide through the depths. The third largest whale
in the world, the sperm whale can be seen all year round off Kaikoura.
Kaikoura New Zealand: A Whale of a time!
On
New Zealands South Islands rugged east coast, majestic snow capped mountains
overlook the seaside settlement of Kaikoura. Like a painting by a master
artist Kaikoura is truly majestic and breathtaking.
A variety of rare marine mammals converge off this piece of coastal
beauty, sperm whales, New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and penguins.
Go
whale-watching by boat or air all year round. Sperm whales averaging
about 18 metres and weighing up to 45 tonnes can be seen all year round
off Kaikoura. Other cetacean visitors include the Blue whale at up to
29 metres , down to the Pilot and Minke whales including the Beaked,
Brydes, Fin, Humpback, Sei, Southern Right and Orcas.
Swim
with or observe dolphins on a dolphin encounter. Large pods of Dusky
Dolphins congregate in the waters of the region with them coming close
inshore during the summer months. Enjoy the sight of Common Dolphins
swimming with the Duskies while further offshore Bottlenose and the
uncommon Southern Rightwhale Dolphins may be seen. If youre lucky you
may just see one of the world's smallest and rarest, the Hectors Dolphin
may be seen near the river mouths or the Haumuri Bluffs.
Experience
seal swimming with a land-based or boat-based guided seal snorkelling
tour . The seal population here is mostly male and largely transient.
Though friendly and inquisitive animals, they will bite if they are
annoyed or harassed. 
Take
a bird watching tour, to view seabirds, albatross , molly-mawks, petrels
and many more. Bird watching off Kaikoura is an exciting and completely
under rated experience. There are many species to enjoy, from the majestic
Royal Albatross, with a wing span of over 3 metres, to the tiny Diving
Petrel at a full height of 20cms.
Shark
diving is the way to view Kaikoura’s sharks, from the safety of a shark
cage. For an adrenaline pumping experience, try Kaikoura's newest marine
attraction - NZ's original shark cage adventure! 
Hike
the Kaikoura Peninsula walkway - three hours return to visit a seal
colony, limestone formations and a seabird colonyVisit
Fyffe House, a colonial whalers cottage -
After experiencing all the history and scenery of this nationally historic area, relax in style when the day is done in on of Gisborne 's many lodging facilities.