Things to do in Kaikoura

Really worth getting this activity as the operator will actively look out for whales

Our driver and guide, Joseph, was very professional and responsible, and even took us to explore some extra views. We were so lucky to have clear weather today and saw sperm whales, dolphins, and seals!

The whale watching activity was canceled due to bad weather, but the tour guide seemed inexperienced and unable to arrange and execute a backup plan in a timely manner. When we stopped along the way, they also didn't announce the meeting time. Luckily, the group members were quite good and didn't cause any delays. The guide did provide some brief commentary along the way, and there was someone in our group who didn't understand Chinese, but the guide hardly used English to accommodate them.

There were only three of us that day, so it turned into a private tour. We saw plenty of seals, but dolphins require a bit of luck! We were incredibly lucky and encountered four dolphins swimming around us for a long time. We also owe it to our experienced guide, who spotted the dolphins immediately. When we got close, he even tapped the boat with his finger, making a sound similar to a dolphin's call to attract them. It was truly a worthwhile trip.

Our tour guide was incredibly enthusiastic, taking us to Tongue Point, a spot very close to the sea lions. The itinerary was well-planned, and even though the road conditions weren't the smoothest, we felt completely at ease with our guide. You definitely shouldn't miss this!