KaikōuraFri, Aug 30 at 5:17 PM
kaikoura is the most fantastic place for up-close encounters with wildlife. In their natural habitat, you can see whales, seals, dolphins, and rare birds. My friends and I had an incredible weekend exploring the animals.
We kicked off Saturday by hanging out with the Dusky Dolphins. I have to admit, I absolutely adore dolphins. They are so lively and friendly. Then, we headed to the beach to catch a stunning sunset.
The next day, we had a blast meeting seabirds like the albatross, petrels, shearwaters, shags, terns, and gulls. We also visited the Seal Lion colony.
What is Kaikoura known for?
In Māori, “Kaikōura” means “crayfish,” and it is known as the crayfish capital of New Zealand.
This remarkable place offers stunning scenic flights, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, bird watching, and kayaking alongside seals. And guess what? It’s the perfect spot to see giant sperm whales up close to the shore!
What types of dolphins exist, and why are there so many in Kaikoura?
They love hanging out in big groups of several hundred to over 1,000 all year round. In the winter, they head up north to feed at Admiralty. These dolphins really like staying close to the coast and prefer waters less than 2,000 meters deep.
The coastal waters here are super calm because of the deep underwater canyon system, which is why you find many different types of marine life.
Wildlife
Whales
Whale watching is vital in Kaikōura’s tourism industry and significantly contributes to the local economy. Throughout the year, you can spot sperm whales typically about 23 km offshore, but occasionally, you can see them closer to the shore.
You can spot Humpback whales in June and July during their winter migration and orcas from December to March.
Dolphins
You’re in for a treat as you can spot different kinds of dolphins in the waters off Kaikoura, including Dusky dolphins and the endangered Hector’s dolphin. Let’s talk about Dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus)!
They can be found all year round along the South Island’s east coast. In the warmer months, from October to May, they make a charming morning appearance closer to the shore, mainly to the southern side of the Kaikōura Peninsula. During the winter months, from June to September, they prefer to stay further offshore and cover a larger coastline area.
New Zealand Fur Seals
At the eastern edge of the town, there is a large and readily observed colony of southern fur seals.
The seals can be better viewed at low tide when the ocean gives way to a rocky base that is easily navigable by foot for quite some distance.
Seabirds
New Zealand boasts a remarkable variety of shags, penguins, petrels, and albatross species, making it renowned as the “seabird capital of the world.”
This rich diversity of seabirds includes the endangered Hutton’s shearwater, the critically endangered Chatham petrel, and the New Zealand fairy tern.
Sadly, many of these species face significant population declines, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats and ensure their survival for future generations.
Is Kaikoura worth it?
Settled along the captivating shorelines of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura is a charming coastal town renowned for its rich marine ecosystems, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking natural landscapes. With the stunning backdrop of imposing mountains and the glistening waters of the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura offers an unparalleled and enchanting experience for every visitor.
