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About Kaikoura
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Kaikoura is a town on the east coast of the South Island, 180 km north of Christchurch. Kaikoura is overlooked by majestic mountains, which are snow-capped for many months of the year. This unique combination of ocean and mountains offers stunning coastal alpine scenery and a host of eco-tourism oriented activities, including Whale watching, Dolphin swimming, walks, and much more!
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Transportation & Accommodation
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A local shuttle service operates around the Kaikoura district. Numerous shuttle, coach and train services operate to Kaikoura from Christchurch, Blenheim, Picton and Hanmer Springs - available daily on a frequent timetable. Air travel can also be arranged to and from Kaikoura on a charter basis.
Accommodation in Kaikoura is extensive, ranging from campgrounds and backpackers, through to bed and breakfasts, farm-stays, self-contained units, motels, apartments and motor-inns.
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Visitor Attractions
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Kaikoura boasts a number of tourist attractions including whale watching, dolphin swimming, seal swimming, trout and salmon fishing, and amazing costal walks, all set under the magnificent Kaikoura ranges.
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Whale Watching
The whale watching is the most sought after activity in Kaikoura. Whale watch tours will take you right up to giant Sperm whales. Other whales that can be sighted included the Humpback Whale and the Orca. The whales spend about 45 minutes diving and then re-surface in almost the same spot to prepare for the next dive spending about 10 minutes on the surface and breathing about 6-7 times a minute while re-oxygenating. You can the option to watch the whales, on-board a custom built ferry or aerial view on-board a helicopter or plane. |
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Albatross & Dolphin Encounter
You can take a tour from Kaikoura to have a one on one with Albatross and Dolphin. You also have the option to swim with the dolphin to make the experience more adventurous. |
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Seal Colony
Visit the seal colony around the Kaikoura sea shore. Have a swimming date with the seals. |
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Other Activities
There are many other adventure activities to test your adrenalin rush, such as quad biking, rafting, sky diving, snorkeling etc.
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Suggested Itinerary
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If you are housed at Christchurch, you can take the Tranz Coastal rail route to Kaikoura. You would have the chance to journey through one of most scenic rail routes in the world. After reaching Kaikoura, you can take the whale watching tour for a duration of up to 4 hours, in time to catch the returning train from Kaikoura to Christchurch. Alternately, there are various 1-Day Kaikoura Whale watching tours operated by private coach services from both Christchurch and Picton. |
Traveler Resources
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