Exploring Kaikoura we came across a rock platform which extended out some 500m from the shore. The platform had deep rock pools and large trailing tendrils of kelp that was a haven lots of small sea creatures.
Spotting a sign referring to NOT coming close to "the seals", Jo-Ann was immediately out of the car and off to do exactly that.
While staying at the White Morph Motor Inn in Kaikoura, little did we realise that the Motor Inn's restaurant had won the Hallmark of Excellence Award for the last six years in a row.
So when we rocked in late in the day to have dinner, we did not expect to be received by silver service and a large panoramic window overlooking the ocean.
Just to top it off they the restaurant has a happy hour deal, with half price crayfish meals for 2 hours only. Needless to say we had a sumptuous meal in luxurious surroundings for a very reasonable price.
The same could not be said for down town Kaikoura the next day after our whale watching experience. The main street is full of very trendy looking bistros with prices to match, very ordinary food and poor service.
I fear they have lost the plot!
Ok so both of us are whale watching tragics. The chance of getting up close and personal with the largest animals on earth is a thrill that we can't resist.
Kaikoura is on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island and is the jumping off point for whale watching. They guarantee that you will see Giant Sperm Whales which is a change from the Humpbacks we normally see in Australia.
We stayed overnight and were up early to catch the catamaran out to the deep ocean trench which is the nursery ground for adolescent Sperm Whales. We weren't disappointed sighting many whales within an hour of leaving.
The hosts on board the boats were all Maori and did a great job explaining the life cycle of the whales. The bonus for the day was that on the return we saw pods of Dusky Dolphins and Fur Seals sunning themselves on the rocks. All in all a great day out and worth the money.
Exploring Kaikoura we came across a rock platform which extended out some 500m from the shore. The platform had deep rock pools and large trailing tendrils of kelp that was a haven lots of small sea creatures.
