Feast on a Meal of Crayfish and
More at Kaikoura New Zealand

900-year archeological remains at Rocky Blue Bay Kaikoura extend from fertile farmland beneath the mountains to reveal rich marine life heritage. The Maori name translates to “meal of crayfish,” for which the ecological region’s traditionally famous.

Captain Cook first discovered the peninsula, thought it to be an island, in 1770. A booming whaling industry followed much later (1843) near the site of Fyffe House, the first whaling station. Declining whaling operations ceased in New Zealand in 1964. Now, Kaikoura New Zealand emphasizes conservation of this species, as well as dolphins and seals.

Today, this ecologically minded township is part of the Southern Hemisphere Whale Sanctuary and is a feast for not only crayfish, but also for protection of a larger population of marine life. Different times of year yield different whale species, but most notable and omnipresent are the huge Sperm Whales.

These whales feast on a rich local Pacific diet until they build up enough strength to move northward toward warmer mating grounds. They’re known to dive 1 to 3 kilometers while holding their breath up to two hours, gulping down grouper or wrestling giant squid in the process.

Whale watching here stars among New Zealand vacation attractions, with sightings of killer whales and their clean, sharp fins a popular occurrence. Great opportunities exist to take pictures of Orca blue whales, Dusky Dolphin, and once endangered but now plentiful fur seals resting at night on warm rocks.

Whale Watch Kaikoura guarantees and 80% refund if no whales are spotted on their boat tours that also feature seal, royal albatross, and gull watching. Wings Over Whales offers aerial whale-watching tours.

Even sharks are on the adventure dive tour list. Shark Dive Kaikoura .drops more adventurous tourists into shark territory for a glimpse at Jaw’s relatives through bite-proof cages.

Dolphin Encounter puts vacationers into wetsuits for the highlight experience of swimming with dolphins playfully circling around. Another star attraction is the Point Kean seal colony, a major fur seal breeding site where visitors can literally walk among the seals. A marked seal viewing lookout is located at Ohua Point, 30 km. north of town.

Sightseeing backpackers seeking birds will find abundant assortment of seabirds enjoying the sea’s rich harvest. Albatross Encounters and Ocean Wings run boat tours to view giant albatross and small seabirds squawk as they compete for pieces of fish liver thrown overboard.

Several walks exist in the Mt. Fyffe area, including the Omihi Scenic Reserve lookout walk where you can spot trains crossing the railway line (see “Breaking the Journey,” http://www.nzine.co.nz/features/kaikoura.html).

Other New Zealand outdoor activities – low tide rock pool exploration, hiking, mountain biking, diving, kayaking, horse treks, and picnicking — appeal to all ages. New Zealand adventure travel links Kaikoura as part of the Alpine Pacific Triangle tour route, just 45 minutes from Christchurch, where rural village lifestyle, pastoral vistas, mountains, rivers, forests, hot springs, and seascapes can be explored as part of the South Island tour itinerary.