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Kaikoura Whale Watching

Kaikoura is one of New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destinations offering a variety of exciting activities and experiences. Despite the recent rise in tourist numbers, the town retains much of its historical charm. Many new motels, cafes and restaurants can be found in beautifully restored old buildings. Fresh local seafood is always on the menu. The retention of the town's distinctive character has made Kaikoura extremely attractive to artists. Their work, inspired by the remarkable landscape and wildlife, can be seen all over town.

Few places on Earth possess the magic of Kaik?ura. Many who visit leave transformed. It is a special part of New Zealand, imbued with powerful natural energy. A place where tectonic plates collide, towering peaks fall to the sea and ocean currents converge.
Such rare combinations lure an abundance of marine wildlife, the most famous being the Giant Sperm Whale. It was a whale that led the M?ori ancestor Paikea to New Zealand many centuries ago. His descendants live in Kaik?ura today. Fittingly, the whale continues to guide the people of Kaik?ura and the visitors they host.


WHALES
Kaik?ura is one of the few places in the world where Sperm Whales can be seen year-round and close to shore. They congregate here because the 3km deep Kaik?ura Canyon runs right up against the coast creating a rare system of sea currents that sustain an incredibly rich marine food chain.


SEALS AND MARINE LIFE
Kekeno (New Zealand fur seal) are the most common seals in New Zealand waters. They are very good swimmers and weaned pups will turn up almost anywhere around New Zealand. They can be observed from various points along the road that hugs the Kaik?ura Coast.

DOLPHINS
Dusky dolphins are highly social animals, living together in groups called pods, which in the Kaik?ura region can consist of individuals numbering anywhere from 100 to 800 in each pod.

 

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