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New Zealand
> Canterbury > Kaikoura
 Kaikoura whale
watching is famous all over New Zealand with whales present all year.
You can see the whales from the air with a helicopter ride (Kaikoura Helicopters),
fixed wing aircraft,
or take one of the
whale watch boats (pictured right).
These
beautiful, enormous creatures come to feed in
Kaikoura on the very nutritious plankton, which grows here. The sea
life varies, depending on the time of year with Sperm Whales
commonly seen. They
grow up to 20 metres long and are the largest brained
animal in the world.
Humpback Whales
can be seen in June, July – (winter), Orca
Whales in summer, or New Zealand’s own small
Hector Dolphins year round. Dusky
Dolphins also prance and glide around, as do New
Zealand Fur Seals and Albatross. Swimming
with dolphins and seals is also an option.
 Kaikoura
is a very special place, for everyone, but especially
for the Maori. The peninsula is where Maui fished up
the North Island, according to local myth and legend.
You are
very privileged to be able to view these beautiful
sea mammals in real life, up close and personal in
Kaikoura. Most people in the world will never see
this in their whole lives so, make sure, if you are
in the South Island, go and see the amazing sea life
in Kaikoura. Not to mention the beautiful scenery and
friendly locals of this magical and inspiring place!
(Note: Some whale watch operators offer part or full refunds or
rain checks if whales are not seen).
Kaikoura Township
A sea side town for fishing
and viewing seals, whales and dolphins, by boat, plane or
helicopter. .
About 1/2 way between Christchurch and Blenheim, 2 & 1/2
hours from Christchurch.
There are many annual events including:
Fishing contests; shore fishing in January -
(Lions Club).
February, boat fishing - (Coastguard).
Horse racing - Kaikoura totting cup,
Marlborough anniversary weekend.
Kaikoura Show day on the last Saturday in
February.
Golf, Men's open tournament, Queen's
birthday weekend.
Stockcar racing Queen's Birthday weekend.
Seafest, a regional wine and food carnival
the first Saturday in October.
 Accommodation
The town has a variety or restaurants and
accommodation and we recommend
Waves on the Esplanade motor hotel,
or the self contained
Willowbank Motel (pictured right).
About Sperm Whales
Sperm
Whales are very sociable creatures, which live in
pods with other whales. They have their own language,
and can communicate with one another easily, like
humans can. They use sonar for finding food, and also
to keep track of their young.
Sperm whales are toothed whales, which live in
pods. They boast the biggest brain of all animals, at
a hefty 9kg. The
females are always smaller than the males with males growing up to 20 metres long, and weighing 36-45 tonnes,
whereas the females will stop growing at about 13
metres and weighing up to 18 tonnes.
These
mammals have a blowhole out the top of their very
large heads to breathe, and feed on plankton and
giant squid.
Why are
they called Sperm Whales?
Because
they produce a very valuable oil/wax called
spermaceti oil out of their spermaceti organ, which
is located in their head.
 If a
whale needs to make a quick get away, they can swim
up to 45 km p/h! Usually, though, they swim at a
speed between 5 – 15 km p/h.
Sperm
whales are expected usually to live up to about 70
years old. There are only about 200,000 Sperm Whales
left in the world, and they are an endangered
species. Did
You Know? A whale’s bottom tooth weighs nearly a
kilogram.
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