Known as the “Garden City”, Christchurch is a bustling coastal city set amidst stunning natural landscapes and scenic beaches, making it an ideal destination for outdoor adventures. One such popular activity is dolphin and whale watching that gives nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts a chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Those interested in doing some dolphin and whale watching can head to the charming coastal town of Kaikoura which is around a two and a half-hour drive from Christchurch. Known for its idyllic scenery and snow covered mountains, this enchanting island is also a popular starting point for those wanting to explore the surrounding sea which is home to diverse marine life including various species of whales which pass through these waters.
Believed to be the largest and loudest animal on the earth, the Blue Whale is one such species travellers may come across while on a whale tour. During winter, one may also get the opportunity to see Humpback Whales which are often seen engaging in such activities as “breaching” where it jumps slightly out of the water and “spyhopping” when it partly raises and holds its head above the surface. Other species of whale that frequent these waters, depending on the time of year include, the Southern Right, Beaked and Minke whales.
One can also view large numbers of dolphins around Kaikoura which on occasion can number to around one thousand. Among the dolphin species one may get a chance to see in these waters include the Orca which though known as the “Killer Whale”, is in actual fact the largest species of the dolphin family. Hectors Dolphins which are the smallest dolphin species and the rarest can also be found in the seas around Kaikoura along with such species as Bottlenose, Dusky and Southern Right Whale dolphins.
Those looking for New Zealand hotel packages will find a wide range of offers and deals by Millennium hotels and resorts New Zealand catering to different types of travellers including families and couples. One will also find Millennium New Zealand hotels in Christchurch that one can use as a base from which to set out on dolphin and whale watching tours.
