Whales and Cray Tails - An Exclusive Experience with Marine Biologist Dr Van der Linde
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Port
Kaikoura, New Zealand
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$850
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
This exciting tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. It occurs in collaboration with renowned marine biologist Dr Krista van der Linde -- formerly a NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) marine biologist.
You'll begin with an in-depth discussion at the base in Kaikoura about the diverse marine biology that is found in this amazing part of the world. Krista brings you into her world, centering on the activity of whales in and around the Kaikoura Trench and the Hikurangi Marine Reserve located out at sea.
Then, board an aircraft and head out to explore the maritime Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where the whales reside close to the Kaikoura coastline. You'll be watching for a variety of marine mammals, including blue whales, humpback whales, pilot whales, and killer whales, but the focus is on searching for and spotting the sperm whales that live here all year round. Questions? Great! Krista is happy to share her broad knowledge with you.
You'll land north of Kaikoura and head to Karaka Lobster for a light and very casual crayfish (lobster) lunch. Karaka is a small café located on the coastline. It is owned and operated by the Readers -- a local family that is a third-generation fishing family. They catch the crayfish for which Kaikoura is famous. In fact, Kaikoura literally means "eat crayfish."
Back in the aircraft, you'll take off, and your pilot will take you on an aerial tour of the damage caused by the devastating 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake. Watch for the massive landslides where large swathes of mountains have tumbled down, for rivers diverted by moving faultlines, and other interesting sights visible only from the air.
Please note:
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Tour operates rain or shine but may be canceled by the operator in the event of extremely bad weather or unsuitable conditions. A crayfish lunch is included; menu substitutions are not available.