Tag: Kaikoura New Zealand

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Kaikoura on the South Island of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean

KAIKOURA, NEW ZEALAND
A HOTSPOT FOR BLUE-EYED PENGUINS, DUSKY DOLPHINS, SPERM WHALES & FUR SEALS

Lodged between high mountains and the Pacific Ocean, on New Zealand’s South Island, it is said that no two views in Kaikoura are the same. Look left, and you’ll see snow-capped peaks and rolling meadows. Look right, and you’ll see seals hauling out on rugged shores. Look straight ahead and you’ll see nothing except the wide expanse of the Pacific.

Kaikoura’s claim to fame is its rich abundance of marine life. Visitors have a 95% chance of spotting giant sperm whales, as well as dusky dolphins, orcas, and humpback whales, regardless of whether you are traveling by boat or by air. Additionally, New Zealand Fur Seals live in the shallow waters of the town’s peninsula, and surely there can be no greater experience than swimming alongside the playful marine mammal in its natural habitat.

Very little is known about the town’s Māori history, although the word “Kaikoura” translates in the Māori language as a ‘meal of crayfish’ (‘kai’ meaning ‘food’, ‘koura’ meaning ‘crayfish’). In Māori legend, the great fisherman Maui placed his foot on the Kaikoura peninsula to steady himself while he fished the North Island from the sea with his fishhook taken from his grandmother’s jawbone. The legend attracted Māori settlers to the coast, and several of their settlements (pa) can still be seen from the peninsula.

More recently, Captain Cook discovered the region in 1770, although believed it to be an island. European settlers began a thriving whaling trade in the 1840s, which only ceased in the mid-1960s.

The name Kaikōura translates to ‘crayfish’ in Māori and is known as the crayfish capital of New Zealand.

WHALE WATCHING
Kaikoura attracts a range of magnificent wildlife due to its nutrient-rich waters created by an underwater canyon just off its shores. Whales, dolphins, albatrosses, and seals can all be seen daily, making this a hotspot for nature lovers!
Home to 20-metre-long gentle giants, Kaikōura is the place to be to see giant sperm whales close to shore. Sperm whales can be found along the Kaikōura coast all year round. Other whale species visit throughout the year; Orcas can be seen from December to March.

SIGHTS

• Kaikoura Museum
• Fyffe House
• Kaikoura Lookout
• Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
• Kaikoura Seal Colony
• Kaikoura Coast Track

Today’s Excursion – Whale Watching
We explored the largest animals on the planet in their natural habitat during this unforgettable whale-watching tour designed to
reveal Kaikoura’s hidden wildlife wonders. We discovered how a Sperm Whale survives in the dark and freezing depths of the
Kaikoura Canyon or why the green-eyed Plunket Shark is easy prey for a Giant Squid.

Cruise
We embarked on a modern catamaran equipped with engines that minimize underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger area is enclosed and air-conditioned with comfortable seating while outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities.

Whale Watching & Wildlife Sightseeing
We experienced an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest-toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural
environment at all times of the year. We encountered New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins, and the endangered Wandering Albatross.

Tonight’s dinner was in The Restaurant

Check out today’s Chronicle