DESTINATION: KAIKOURA

A mini escape to the coastal town of Kaikōura is due! The jewel of the South Island's east coast is just a short drive away from Ōtautahi and offers a range of activities for the whole family. Whether you're an adrenalin junkie, foodie, a nature buff or just the type that enjoys a gentle stroll, you'll have a whale of a time.

PENINSULA WALKWAY

Observe seals and seabirds, explore historic pā and whaling sites and enjoy clifftop views of the sea and mountains. Suitable for families, the whole walkway takes three hours, but you can also explore a range of shorter tracks. Its wildlife includes whales, dolphins, seals, birds, and crayfish. An impressive collection of information panels along the walkway explains the rich history, geology, animals, and plants that make the area so special.

doc.govt.nz

LLAMA TREKKING

For something a little different, why not take an intrepid trek with a Llama?! Kaikōura Llama Trekking offers half-day and full-day treks along the Kaikōura Bay, including Fyffe House, and the peninsular seal colony. The trek includes a picnic, and a hot and cold drink, and homemade cake. Full-day options are a high-country trek on private land which include spectacular views of the Kaikōura mountain ranges and more. Shorter treks are available on request.

llamatrekking.co.nz

KAIKŌURA HELICOPTERS

Put yourself in the ultimate vantage point and explore Kaikōura and its many natural wonders by helicopter. See an entire whale from head to tail, as the helicopter flies slow orbits above. Be amazed by large pods of dolphins playing in the water. Explore the unique and rugged Kaikōura coastline and fly through the towering peaks of the Kaikōura Seaward Ranges. Discover your sense of adventure by experiencing a heli-raft or picnic at altitude.

kaikourahelicopters.com

HISLOPS WHOLEFOODS

Hislops Café offers wholefood cuisine, organic seasonal wholefoods, coffee or tea, and decadent sweet treats. Here, there is always time to sit and enjoy your ambient surroundings. The stunning views from the mountains to the sea can be enjoyed at any time of the day from the covered veranda. On offer is a wide variety of gluten-free, vegan, and organic options. Genuine organically grown, Stoneground Wholemeal Bread is baked daily and accompanies the meals.

hislops-wholefoods.co.nz

FYFFE HOUSE

If you're willing to go off the beaten track, a stroll to Fyffe House could be a great way to get the legs moving. In a stunning seaside setting, Kaikōura's oldest surviving building is the last remnant of a pioneer whaling station. Full of archives and tales from the 1800s, it's also situated among some incredible landscapes – picture snow-capped mountains, lush forestry, and Kaikōura's dramatic coastline. Fyffe House is 45-minutes’ walk from the town's centre, with an entry fee of $10.

heritage.org.nz

ENCOUNTER KAIKŌURA

Where a whole world of marine adventure awaits, come and explore it all with Encounter Kaikōura. Swimming with dolphins is a life- changing experience. Joyful, social dusky dolphins, frolicking in their natural environment. Together, you'll leap and dive through the water, feeling the incomparable thrill, adventure, and joy of being truly free. People come from the world over for this opportunity, so make sure you're one of them.

dolphinencounter.co.nz