Whales and Cray Tails - An Exclusive Experience with a Marine Biologist
-
Port
Kaikoura, New Zealand
-
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At (prices in USD)
$1900
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
This exciting tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand.
You'll begin with an in-depth discussion at the base in Kaikoura with a marine biologist, who will introduce you to the diverse marine life that is found in this remarkable part of the world, focusing on the activity of whales in and around the Kaikoura Trench and the Hikurangi Marine Reserve located out at sea.
Then, board an aircraft and head out to explore the maritime Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where the whales reside close to the Kaikoura coastline. You'll be watching for a variety of marine mammals, including blue whales, humpback whales, pilot whales, and killer whales, but the focus is on searching for and spotting the sperm whales that live here all year round. Questions? Great! Your biologist will be on hand to answer questions and share insights throughout.
You'll land north of Kaikoura and head to Karaka Lobster for a light and very casual crayfish (lobster) lunch. Karaka is a small café located on the coastline. It is owned and operated by the Readers -- a local family that is a third-generation fishing family. They catch the crayfish for which Kaikoura is famous. In fact, Kaikoura literally means "eat crayfish."
Back in the aircraft, you'll take off, and your pilot will take you on an aerial tour of the damage caused by the devastating 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake. Watch for the massive landslides where large swathes of mountains have tumbled down, for rivers diverted by moving faultlines, and other interesting sights visible only from the air.
Please note:
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Tour operates rain or shine but may be canceled by the operator in the event of extremely bad weather or unsuitable conditions. A crayfish lunch is included; menu substitutions are not available.