Kaikoura

Navigating our way North out of Christchurch City we soon pick up SH 1 which we will follow for the majority of our trip to Kaikoura. Naturally we detour here and there along the way – It wouldn’t be one of our tours if we didn’t deviate at least once!

Our first detour and stop is at Gore Bay where we first sight the mighty Pacific Ocean and from the beach looking north can just glimpse the mighty mountains of the Kaikoura Ranges to the north. Carrying on into Cheviot we re-join SH 1 and also stop for morning tea at one of the local cafes.

From Cheviot, we resume our North-ward journey up and over the Hundalee ranges before dropping down to parallel the sea at Oaro.

From Oaro we follow the coast with all its twists and turns as its fights for survival between the ocean on our right, and the massive cliffs on our left. At one point, we even traverse a couple of tunnels before popping out on to the flats just south of Kaikoura at Peketa.

We arrive in Kaikoura itself in time for a brief exploration of the town before we arrive at our restaurant for lunch.

After lunch we explore the coastline as far north as Ohau Point where we stop to admire the seals playing (or sleeping!) on the rocks and in the rock pools below the road before slowly backtracking down the coast and before the day gets too late, we make our way back to Christchurch.

Still, we manage a few more stops along the way, and if time permits we may stop at one of the Waipara vineyards to participate in some wine tasting, and maybe purchase a few bottles if desired

• Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
• Expert, knowledgeable guide
• Photography tuition (if required)
• Late model, air conditioned transport
• Full lunch
• Snacks, beverages, and drinks
• Scenic stops

• Kaikoura Whale Watch Boat Trip