Our way from Blenheim to Kaikoura was a bit complicated, as I mentioned in the previous post, the bridge in Blenheim was closed for roadworks on that night, and Google navigator offered us a winding country road as a detour option, but it looks like it didn’t take into account the fact, that we were driving Jaguar JX… Thought the way, during the darkest night we were crossing flooded fords on the classic premium sedan car with very limited clearance and a long wheelbase, however, the Jag made it easily.
We came back to the main sealed road after approx. 40km of gravel and continued our way to Kaikoura. The next accommodation was booked at stunning Ocean & Mountain Views guesthouse, we got there about 11pm. This is a very good place, stunning views, good rooms, very friendly host, the location is easy to find. However, it is relatively expensive, so, it you want to stay there, check the price first. Anyway, it worth its price.
In the morning we came down to the Kaikoura village, we had a whale watch tour booked at Whale Watch Kaikoura (https://whalewatch.co.nz/kia-ora/). Strawberry Tree Kaikoura (https://www.strawberrytreekaikoura.co.nz/) provided us with a good breakfast for a reasonable price. There is another interesting place in Kaikoura to have a meal, called The Whaler Bar, you can find there a deal for a very good stake for $20NZD – they serve it with salad and chips – perfect meal for my opinion. They work from 3pm, so, keep this in mind when planning your meals there.
The weather was very hot and windy at a moment, when we finished our breakfast. We arrived at the Whale Watch check-in point where most of the group was already there. When I had a chance to talk to the staff member, I have been told, that the waves are too strong and it will be uncomfortable for a person, who is prone to motion sickness. We had a quick chat together and decided to skip this experience, as my brother is very sensitive to this. I didn’t want to experience anything like this as well, so, our wives refused to go by their own. We felt sorry for my brother and Raisa, as they might not come back to New Zealand in foreseen future to see whales, however, the idea to feel very sick in the sea didn’t attract us too much.
The good news, there are lots of other things to see in Kaikoura apart of watching wales from a boat. This village known as a home of a seals colony, they are living right at the shore next to people. Dispite of fact, that it is possible to get very close to them, the local laws prohibit to approach closer, than 10m to any seal and remind tourists, that seals are wild animals and may be dangerous. I used my ‘super-zoom’ camera to take some pictures and videos, they are actually very cute, when you can watch them from 10m distance.
The place itself is surrounded by scenic views, beautiful mountains with snow caps, blue ocean and sky create an unbelievable pictures, I would strongly advise everyone to visit this place in person, as it is not possible to explain by words or pictures.
At the evening, we departed from Kaikoura and headed south to Hanmer Springs, where hot springs were waiting for us, as they are waiting for everyone. However, the stunning views were through most half of our way, the ocean on the left and rocky mountains on the right, short tunnels and beautiful rocks protruding from the water.
I added some more pictures from my previous visits to Kaikoura as well, to give you some move feeling of the place.
To be continued,
Many thanks for reading.
Alex, EventsHub team.