Whale Watching in Kaikoura

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By Richard Moore

If you are planning a visit to New Zealand's stunning South Island, then you really do have to give yourself enough time - say four days - to indulge yourself at Kaikoura.

Kaikoura is a beautiful little town tucked in between mountains and the Pacific Ocean about two hours south of Blenheim and two hours north of Christchurch.

Apart from its marvellous scenery, Kaikoura is renowned for whale spotting, fresher-than-fresh seafood, seal colonies and swimming with dolphins. And you just have to check out the giant murals on the sides of many of the buildings in the town.

Kaikoura is not only a seriously gorgeous part of the world where mountains meet the sea, it just so happens to also be the whale-spotting mecca of New Zealand.

And scores of thousands of visitors are drawn to the area each year by the chance to see these wonderful creatures in their natural environment.

There are two main ways to see the whales - by sea and by air - through Wings Over Whales and Whale Watch. These are fantastic trips offering quite different views of the giant creatures.

But Kaikoura is not just about whales. There are large seal colonies at Ohau, on the main road into town, a terrific winery and a tranquil lavender farm. You can also visit Fyffe House, an early home in the area, near to the town's own seal colony.

Of course a visit to Kaikoura would not be complete without sampling the exceptional seafood the area has to offer. You'll pay an arm and a leg for lobster in the town's eateries but roadside caravans and stores can have you eating just-caught lobster for around $28. You just have to do it.

Inland from Kaikoura is Hanmer Springs where you can indulge in thermal pools or go on some adventure activities.