Discover all the awesome attractions and activities that are possible on north and south islands, as well as the idyllic cook islands. Kaikoura whale watching cruises new zealand whalewatching tours. Hotels near kaikoura whale watching tour, new zealand. Toothed whales feed on fish, squid, other whales and larger marine mammals. Some resorts and hotels in the maldives offer diving programs and other excursions in water. Taking in epic coastline and pristine beaches to create an exciting offthebeatentrack adventure, for the perfect 14day new zealand experience. New zealand is perhaps one of the most pristine countries in the world, boasting of abundant natural beauty. This reference reveals the best beaches, the best time to go, best way to get around, best deals on lodging, and once in alifetime experiences for thrillseekers.
Msn outlook, office, skype, bing, breaking news, and latest. Watch kaikouras magnificent resident sperm whales as well as other species of whale put on a spectacular. Whale watch kaikoura new zealand tourist attraction. Today you can explore new zealands capital city on your own.
Your customizable and curated collection of the best in trusted news plus coverage of sports, entertainment, money, weather, travel, health and lifestyle, combined with outlookhotmail, facebook. The tour includes boat trip to the island, circumnavigation, walking on island to saddle lookout. Heres your chance to get up close to the majestic giants of the sea. Overnight in this tiny coastal town, before joining your swim with dolphins cruise. There you may choose any of the offered whale watching tours, either on vessel or helicopter. New zealand whale dolphin tour new zealand self drive tour. Whale watch kaikoura is the only sea based whale watching tour in new zealand. Full day auckland city local tour deep nz tours epic.
One can never become bored with whale watching since every other tour appears to be unique. Charlotte amalie selfguided audio tour 2020 st thomas. Surfing the 100ft swell at nazare 60 minutes australia. Kaikoura is on the east coast of south island, new zealand. The content on this page was created by whale history and wildlife cruise.
According to project jonah, a whale rescue group, new zealand has one of the highest rates of whale strandings in the world, and on average about 300. Whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions in new zealand. A resident population of brydes whales is commonly seen swimming alongside the visiting bottlenose and common dolphins as well as orca, pilot whales. Te wiki o te reo maori 9th 15th september 2019, 40 1 2019. Take the road to hana at your own pace while still benefiting from the interesting information and guidance that comes with a more traditional guided tour by downloading this tour app.
This website helps visitors connect with providers of great new zealand tourism experiences. The following day is free to explore on your own or you can join an optional excursion. Operating daily within this incredible conservation area we have established nzs. Next we will visit a fur seal colony before heading into kaikoura for some free. The township of tauranga is situated on the east coast of the north island in the bay of plenty. Consider a visit to the beautiful cape winelands for a magical day winery visits and tastings. Most visits to south georgia last only three or four days and are part of a much longer itinerary. Journey from christchurch to kaikoura, where you will take a whale watch tour. Not only is it the main place to see whales in the whole country, it is also one of the most popular spots in the world where you can easily have access to sperm whales. Whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions and ranked in the top 101 must dos in new zealand. Whale island tours whakatane 2020 all you need to know. Our vr headsets connect people and redefine digital gaming and entertainment. Jun 29, 2017 aotearoa, or new zealand as it has been known since 1769, was to stay above water and become the pulse of the earth mother, or hawaiiki tautau, lemuria or mu in other languages. Set anchor at ship cove, a sheltered bay of queen charlotte sound where captain james cook landed in the late 1700s.
Experience the magic of kaikoura whale watching with one of our tours. Departing wellington, our 3night auckland break takes you on a full northern explorer journey to experience the magnificent city of sails. Milford sound attracts between 550,000 and 1 million visitors per year. Atlantic canada tours diversity and enchantment await you on a globus adventure through atlantic canada. About the size of japan or the british isles, new zealand comprises two large islands and a number of smaller ones, stretching some 1,000 miles long from north to south. Dont be surprised if you come across whale on the menu in greenland. Western pacific odyssey eco tours and holidays eagleeye. There may be a visit to new zealands scott base and the us mcmurdo station, or helicopter flights into the otherworldly dry valleys and over the ross ice shelf. In addition to the sperm whale, a number of different species of whale have been sighted off our coastline, including blues, humpbacks, rights and orca.
Viaduct harbour is located at the western end left as you are looking at the water of quay street in downtown auckland. Start your trip in christchurch, then make your way to kaikoura on the coast. The bay was given its name by captain james cook while circumnavigating new zealand in 1769, when he was impressed by the regions welcoming people and abundant resources. The best cruise to see the whales is whale watch which is the only new zealand marine based whale watching company.
The bay of islands is the place to go to see dolphins and whales in new zealand, with abundant marine life in its warm sheltered waters. Auckland dolphin and whale watching cruise on the go tours. A trip to auckland for new years eve where we spent the day on a boat seeing dolphins and brydes whales in the hauraki gulf. Experience the alpine pacific, new zealands newest touring route, 450kms of spectacular scenery winding past wineries, alpine. Experience the alpine pacific, new zealand s newest touring route, 450kms of spectacular scenery winding past wineries, alpine. Shore excursions can be cancelled or modified up to 24 hours prior to scheduled tour departure for a full refund. This is a overnight delight for all those who wish to get close to nature. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on youtube. New zealand is a land of inspiring landscapes and welcoming people where adventure comes naturally, one of our most highly. Legends of the ancient ones before the maori arrived in new. Also shown are the migration routes of the humpback whale. The hauraki gulf marine park, just outside of auckland city, is another significant whalewatching site. Youll get 10plus hours of live commentary and a handy app that can be used offline to guide you through mauis famous drive. The best places to swim with whale sharks lonely planet.
Experience stunning views of the city skyline and see the homes of the rich and famous before a day at the theme park. Any excursions will depend on the ship and, crucially, the weather. This makes the sound one of new zealand s mostvisited tourist spots even with its remote location and long journey times from the nearest population centres. The best region of new zealand to go whale watching is kaikoura. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets certain quality standards or legal obligations. Backpacking new zealand on any budget 2020 travel guide. Australia cruise globus new zealand escorted tours. Awesome spot in this planet to meet sperm whales in a very respecful way. The subtropical region of the bay of islands is a stunning maritime park with 144 islands, secluded bays, and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. How we operate whale watch tours new zealand tourist.
A unique way to get down the mountain, this stunningly beautiful guided journey. Written by a native new zealander, this guide covers every region and town, with in depth information on the maori culture, the remarkable places to stay and eat, vineyard tours, cooking schools, thermal springs, albatross and whale encounters, scenic drives, and more. Join us as we take you on an unforgettable and fun. Inquire about this tour and other new zealand tours by goway. Dive into the oceans and swim next to these amazing mammals. What is the best place to whale watch in maui answers.
Kaikoura is popular for whale tours and helicopter flights. This small, fully guided group tour also encompasses a unique and little known part of nzs whaling history and hopefully a few migrating whales in the cook strait. Enjoy views from atop mount victoria, stroll through the citys botanic gardens, or sample some fresh seafood and local wine. Rolling vineyards, a beautiful coastline, mountain vistas, dense rainforests, whales, dolphins, seals and the constant threat of earthquakes. A kaikoura whalewatching cruise and dolphin swim are the highlights of this delightful 2day nature tour, roundtrip from christchurch. From june to december you can also choose to go whale watching in hermanus, the selfproclaimed whale watching capital of the world. The island is 15 x 5 km wide and elongated in an eastwest direction. Go in search of the marine animals that frequent the picturesque hauraki gulf on this halfday whale and dolphin safari from auckland with expert guides on hand. Being somewhat sheltered, the area is ideal for yachting, fishing, kayaking and diving.
Travel to sea world in style with a daily ferry service departing from surfers paradise in the morning and returning from sea world in the afternoon. New zealands only marine based whale watching company offering an exciting upclose encounter with giant. You have a chance of encountering ten species of cetaceans. Common and bottlenose dolphins are frequent visitors, as well as orca and larger migrating whales. Includes a pickup from christchurch airport as well as 2nights accommodation in christchurch to ensure maximum comfort. The resident population of sperm whales at kaikoura can be seen all year round. Brydes whales are also residents in hauraki gulf and can be seen during most of the tours. New zealand tourist visa about fees,requirements,application. Whale watching has a certain tradition in new zealand. Taste the gourmet delights new zealand is famous for on a wine and chocolate shore excursion to the south islands renowned marlborough wine region.
Choose the best local experiences and guided day trips in the south island of new zealand. Sea world ferry service direct from surfers paradise sea. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and yearround residents. Discover iconic hotspots and hidden gems on this road trip through both of new zealands islands. Moutohora is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealands north island, about 9 kilometres 5. Whale watch tours are extremely popular so early bookings are recommended. Greenland travel tips and useful information on the go tours. San francisco is 6,200 miles away, and australia lies 990 miles to the west. This full day tour includes a scenic drive from christchurch over the canterbury plains before arriving in the majestic seaside village of kaikoura. Many tourists take one of the boat tours which usually last one to two hours. If youre backpacking new zealand for nature, this is the itinerary for you.
Rolling countryside, tidal estuaries, mangroves, sparkling and long silvery beaches abound. Discover a wealth of natural wonders and fascinating culture year round in the land of fire and ice. Your marine experience includes a visit to a new zealand fur seal colony and suiting up in snorkel gear to swim alongside the amazing dusky dolphins. Kaikoura whale and dolphin overnight tour from christchurch. Whale watching whats hot new zealand destination nz. Boasting breathtaking views, secluded beaches, and iconic landmarks, auckland is just waiting to be explored and there is no better way to do so than by a locally guided small group tour with deep nz.
The reason for this is simply because the inuit, as indigenous people, are allowed by the international whaling commission to hunt a small number of certain whale species in order to support their own existence. Whale watch is new zealands only vessel based whale watching company offering an exciting upclose encounter with the worlds largest toothed predator the. Sperm whales, the largest of the toothed whales, grow to over 15 metres in length. Explore the executive wings of new zealand parliament buildings. Whaletrips new zealand best tips for whale watching in. Also, since a couple of years, research is done in how far whales are bothered by commercial whale watching. If you have an avg toolbar or similar application installed in your browser this can also disrupt correct function of the bookme website, using a different web browser or different computer device without the avg toolbar.
As well as sighting whales, a typical trip will cruise by colonies of new zealand fur seals and perhaps take in. Whale watch kaikoura kaikoura tour hasslefree tours. Kaikoura whale watching best time of the day to go. Kaikoura, on the east coast of the south island, is one of the only places in the world where you can easily see sperm whales. There were many who lived here then, including the patupaiarehe commonly referred to as the fairy people of nz but of course being much more than that. Whale watch is located in the small coastal town of kaikoura on the east coast of new zealands south island a scenic two and a halfhour drive north from christchurch and.
Take time to stroll the picturesque town, marvel at the colonial architecture, and enjoy the frenchinspired and kiwimade cheeses and wine while soaking up the stunning scenery. Updating your browser or downloading a new web browser, or trying again from a different device should solve this issue. Excludes tours involving flights, trains, special events, overnight stays, hotel stays, celebrity exclusives, multiday adventures and private journeys. The largest whale watching operation is based in kaikoura, where tours focus on sperm whales that frequent underwater canyons close to shore, as well as. Download a vibrantlynarrated mp3 audio guide combined with a map detailing the area of your tour. Choose our whale watch kaikoura package from christchurch to experience one of new zealand s most phenomenal adventures. Choose from our escorted trips or experience the route of the legendary sunlander on an exciting journey through wide bay and the tropical north. Occasionally you can also see orcas around the northern island. Australia spiritual adventure tour 2017 with new zealand. Journey through the north island of new zealand and explore waitomo, rotorua and lake taupo, and discover the natural beauty of kaikoura and christchurch on this 5day trip from auckland to christchurch or vice versa. For those keen on spotting whale sharks in maldives, the best option is to secure a base hotelresort in the south ari atoll as the region is renowned as a whale shark hotspot and will give you easy access to the local whale shark tour packages or the opportunity to organise your sighting tour from the. Queensland rail tours and holiday packages escorted trips. During this halfday nature cruise in the marlborough sounds, enthusiastic marine biologists point out wildlife including new zealand fur seals and several species of dolphins. It moves from the antarctic up the coasts of new zealand to tropical waters around tonga, and then back down again.
In addition to te papa, oriental bay and the hills, parliament buildings are one of wellingtons bestknown landmarks. Extensions andor combinations are available for this vacation. Continue west to cheticamp, for scenic views of the st. Visit new zealand, take a whale watching vacation to new zealand, and enjoy a whale watching trip in new zealand.
If youre a wine person, drink up some sauvignon blanc at the marlborough sounds. Known as the whale capital, kaikoura is a worldfamous whale watching site, in particular for sperm whales which is currently the most abundant of large whales in new zealand waters. Explorer during a whale watching trip into the hauraki gulf marine park. Get up close to the teeming wildlife of the spectacular hauraki gulf marine park in new zealand on an auckland whale and dolphin safari. New zealand, indeed, is one of the most isolated countries in the world. About whale island tours guided walking tours of whale moutohora island sanctuary, a pristine wildlife reserve 9kms from whakatane. It is an area known for its exotic marine life in fact, more than 22 species of whales and dolphins have been sighted in the vicinity.
Once in kaikoura we will make our way to a lookout to enjoy spectacular views of this pretty seaside village, the majestic mountains and the beautiful pacific ocean. Every new zealand whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Enjoy an amazing 3day tour to kaikoura from christchurch. Upon arrival by foot, you will need to look for the new zealand maritime museum entrance on your right immediately after the large kz1 yacht. The whales also share their home with a number of dolphin species, seals and albatross which can all be seen on a typical tour. The right whale was once very common around new zealand but is now largely confined to the auckland and campbell islands. Whale watching in kaikoura nz kaikoura new zealand travel. Do as the locals do, and prepare to discover the beautiful city of sails with a local twist on an epic full day tour of auckland city. But, overall, youll be rewarded with a journey like no other. Combine this scenic beauty with a modern lifestyle and access to technology, and new zealand becomes a truly unique destination in its own right. A 95% success rate means a guaranteed 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. This is still an area of volcanic activity and there are hot springs on the.
Kaikoura is known as new zealands capital of whale watching. You may also wish to join in an optional city sightseeing tour, partake in a tasting tour featuring regional cheeses, fruits, chocolates, and coffees, or. Akaroa is new zealands only town to have originally been established by the french and is the oldest european settlement on the south island. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and. Whale watch kaikoura, which works closely with new zealands department of. We may have been lucky but we had a fantastic experience with whale watch kaikoura and saw 2 sperm whales, a pod of hector dolphins with two babies, albatrosses, seals, and a blue shark. Also, since a couple of years, research is done in how far. These must be cancelled 30 days prior to sailing to avoid cancellation penalties. Whale and dolphin watching kaikoura best time to visit top.
New zealand is a small country that welcomes millions of visitors because it is big on adventure. Whale motuhora island forms the summit of a largely submerged pleistocene daciticandesitic complex volcano that lies 11 km offshore from whakatane in the bay of plenty. Discover the stunning landscapes, real life movie sets and vibrant cities of new zealand with our range of day tours and activities. By clicking on or navigating the site, you agree to our use of cookies. This site uses cookies to improve your experience, to enhance site security and to show you personalized advertising. Tours are offered since the 90ies, mostly on the southern island, the northern island following its lead. Book spectacular queensland rail tours and holiday packages with railway adventures. The kea 6line zipline adventure tour offers an experience that is faster, longer and finishes with an amazing flying fox ride that descends 30 storeys at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour over some gorgeous natural forestry in new zealand s queenstown region. The adventure, the experiences, the meditations, the initiations, the personal transformations, the friendships, the funare lifechanging. Marine mammal spotlight dusky dolphins, 160 3 2019 not only do we have the sperm whale off our coastline all year round but kaikoura is also home to the resident dusky dolphin. South georgia is the jewel of the south atlantic ocean. View the mighty sperm whale from boats that have been custom designed for whale watching and ensuring passenger comfort with a team of friendly skippers and guides experienced at interacting with the whales and other marine. This exotic audio guided tour of charlotte amalie, the largest city in the us virgin islands will take you through an incredible journey where you will be enchanted with sights such as blackbeards castle and the kings wharf.
Some wellknown species of baleen whales include the blue whale and the humpback whale. Our tours are licensed by new zealands department of conservation watch the dolphins playful antics from the viewing deck of a purposebuilt catamaran. The 354mhigh central dome complex is flanked by east. Come aboard our luxury catamaran from downtown auckland, minutes from city hotels, for breathtaking encounters with an incredible variety of wildlife including whales, dolphins, seabirds, seals, penguins and more. Some wellknown species of toothed whales include sperm whales and orca whales. This incredibly remote and wild island is home to an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
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