Kaikoura: Marine Mammal Paradise of NZ

I you know me at all then you know that I LOVE marine mammals. Throughout my zoology studies, I have always been led back to the ocean and marine mammals despite my insistence that I wanted to work with terrestrial animals. In my research leading up to my departure for New Zealand, I spent countless hours searching for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and I kept being led back to Kaikoura.

A mountainous seaside town, Kaikoura is for marine life lovers. From fur seals to albatross, to whales, and dolphins, Kaikoura has seen nearly all of it. Ecotourism is bustling in this quaint town. Whale watching is known for the high density of sperm whales in the area, which is often hard to come across. There is also a huge population of fur seals and dusky dolphins along the Kaikoura coast, offering visitors the opportunity to experience these animals' beauty from up close. Whether it be from land, boat, kayak, or in the water, you are sure to be wowed by the experience.

As a cetacean lover myself, I was ecstatic when I was surprised with the opportunity to swim with dusky dolphins off the coast. If you are interested in this experience, head over to my other blog post where I go into detail about the experience!

Beyond the ecotourism industry that most of the town is centered around, the town is a wonderful place to visit regardless. Downtown Kaikoura has a bounty of local shops where you can pick up many traditional New Zealand keepsakes or locally made items. Within the area is a fantastic jewelry shop, JadeKiwi. They have an excellent selection of luxury native New Zealand jewelry pieces. This is where I got my beloved pounamu earrings that I have yet to take off my ears! I picked up a few other momentos in the area, and every shop we went into was rich in New Zealand charm. I definitely recommend taking a stroll through the area to see if anything catches your eye as a keepsake for your time in Aotearoa.

You can also stop in at one of the many cafes or restaurants. Kaikoura is known for its fish and chips, and while I did not enjoy the endeavor myself thanks to a severe fish allergy, I have heard nothing but rave reviews!

As goes with all destinations in New Zealand, I would strongly urge you to educate yourself on the Maori culture and history within the area. It is rich with fascinating tales, and it is important these stories and information be carried forward in time and not forgotten.