Cruising in Akaroa's
natural harbour
Canterbury Coast
The Pacific Ocean coast of the South Island has many miles of fabulous coastline but two areas in particular stand out.
Formed by two massive and violent volcanic eruptions many millions of years ago, Banks Peninsula is a hidden gem just a short drive from the city of Christchurch. The rugged and hilly peninsula has wonderful walks in the centre and many beautiful and secluded beaches around the coast.
The main settlement of Akaroa is a real treat and is full of character. Claimed by the British at Green Point just days before the French colonists arrived in 1840, Akaroa was once a French whaling settlement and still has a very French atmosphere with French street names, cafés, restaurants, small wineries and a number of craft shops. The sheltered natural harbour is the ancient crater of the volcano and is great for sailing and fishing. It also home to a population of Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest dolphin in the world and offers you the opportunity to watch and even swim with these delightful animals.
Sperm whale diving off the Kaikoura coast
Akaroa may introduce you to marine mammals but 2 hours north of Christchurch you have the chance to become very familiar with them. Kaikoura is renowned for whale watching and is one of the few places in the world that these magnificent creatures can be seen year round. Other wildlife experiences include swimming with dusky dolphins which are one of the most acrobatic dolphins and can form spectacular groups of several hundred animals.
There are over 79 species of whale and dolphin in the world today and 34 of these species have been sighted in New Zealand waters with over half of these in the waters off Kaikoura. The most common whales on the coast are the sperm whales, but in addition there are frequent sightings of other types of whales including humpback, minke and orca, which pass through the area at regular intervals.
For something different you could try walking into the sea off the rocks near Kaikoura and having a roll in the kelp with New Zealand fur seals – this is arguably even more fun than swimming with dolphins!
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