19/06/2026
After one of the smoothest crossings I've ever experienced across Cooks Strait on the Interislander we picked up a car in Picton and drove a few hours south to stunning Kaikoura. This has been our base for the last 3 nights.
Spot light on Kaikoura!🌟🌟🌟 The combination of marine wildlife, mountains, and coastal scenery makes it one of New Zealand's most unique destinations.
✅ Location, location, location - where the Alps meet the Ocean
✅ Easy day trip to Hanmer Springs - Thermal Pools & Spa
✅ Wildlife encounters - today we swam and played with the dusky dolphins. What an amazing experience! All on the dolphins terms - it's a totally natural experience and we were lucky to have a curious pod who didn't leave us for over 2 hours
✅Famous for whale watching and Point Kean Seal Colony
✅Hiking - Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway - offers spectacular coastal views, seal colonies, cliffs, and mountain backdrops. Allow 2–3 hours for the full loop or Hike Mount Fyffe for best viewpoints in the region
✅Eat Fresh Crayfish
✅Relax at a Winery
✅Scenic Flight or Helicopter Tour
The winter months are low season in Kaikoura and many parts of NZ. If you don't mind cooler temps, it's one of the best times to travel to avoid crowds and for lower pricing for accommodation and easy availability for last minute bookings. Plus with the AUD being 20% stronger than NZD right now, NZ is an affordable destination!
I'd love to help you plan and book your NZ holiday. I'll be back in the office from 25 June with so many ideas and recommendations for your next NZ adventure.
Travel Managers - Anna Curran