Tour Basics:
Time for a deeper and more meaningful look at the wonders of this natural paradise, as we spend more time in the area and explore more deeply while taking our time over it to savor every morsel of this magical place. A Whale Watch tour is definitely on the cards for this tour!
Duration: 2 Days
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Itinerary
Day 1:
Heading north out of Christchurch we follow SH 1 north while occasionally dipping out to the coast as we explore a number of side roads leading out to such locations as Motunau Beach, the Hurunui River mouth, Gore Bay (for morning tea) and Claverley before arriving in Kaikoura for lunch. After lunch we continue on up the Kaikoura Coastline to Ohau Point where we can admire and photograph the seals playing or resting on the rocks while we enjoy afternoon tea. Keep an eye for trains too – in the right conditions, if you’re patient, and looking the right way, the trains can add a subtle touch to photos of the landscape
Returning to Kaikoura township, we set up for the evening in our accommodation and depending on the time of day and the weather we can either prep for dinner or head to the beach with cameras and tripods in hand ready for the sunset across the bay, with dinner later. Be warned though: that breeze can be quite chilly even after a warm day, so a good jacket is a necessity!
Day 2:
An early start for those of you that want to be able to photograph the sunrise as it appears to rise out of the sea. Make sure you’re looking over your left shoulder though because the rising sun can turn the mountainsides in spectacular colours. Especially in winter, when there is snow on the tops, and there is the opportunity to participate in a whale watch tour (Optional extra – purchased separately when booking your tour)
Leaving Kaikoura after lunch, we take the Inland Kaikoura Rd thru to Hanmer Springs in time for a swim (optional extra) and afternoon tea before working our way back out to SH 1 cameras in hand ready for the next opportunity. If time permits we can stop at one or more of the vineyards that line SH 1 through the Waipara Valley. If you’re a wine connoisseur then this is for you, before we arrive back in Christchurch early evening
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Inclusions
- Pickup from some of the main hotels within Christchurch, or alternately from the Canterbury Museum
- Expert, knowledgeable guide
- Activities and Permits
- Photography tuition (if required)
- Late model, air conditioned transport
- All meals including lunch, dinner, breakfast
- Accommodation
- Snacks, beverages, and drinks
- Scenic stops
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Optional Extras
- Whale watch tour
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools