The Kaikoura Coast Track bills itself as one of New Zealand’s finest private walks.
The two-day walk climbs from sea level to 600m, but it is a relatively easy walk. Like the Queen Charlotte Track, hikers have the luxury of having their bags transported between overnight stops so you can walk with just a day pack.
The track is limited to just 10 walkers each day so it is uncrowded and it will feel like you have the whole track to yourself. The track is open October–April and it costs $200 to walk, which includes accommodation and luggage transport.
One of Kaikoura’s big attractions is the opportunity to swim with dolphins. Dolphin Encounter run three-hour trips out to swim with the dusky dolphins. You also have the change to see hectors dolphins, fur seals, orca and pilot whales.
It costs $175 to swim with the dolphins or you can come along and watch for $95.
There are restrictions on the number of people allowed to swim with the dolphins and it is often necessary to book well in advance if you are visiting in the peak season (November–April).
Albatross Encounter Tours run bird watching cruises from Kaikoura. These cruises are ideal for bird watchers who want to see ocean-going birds such as mollymawks, petrels and the mighty albatross. You often also see dolphins, seals and whales on these cruises.
The two-hour albatross cruises cost $125 and you often need to book a few days in advance to ensure space on the boat.
The Trans Coastal train stops in Kaikoura en route between Picton and Christchurch. However, rail services are currently suspended until mid-2018 while earthquake damage on the rail line is being repaired.
Kaikoura’s railway station is on Whaleway Station Road, behind Beach Road.
The Hanmer Springs Ski Area is a 40-minute drive from the town centre. It’s a small area that is geared mostly for intermediate skiers and it’s a good value place to ski with $60 lift passes ($30 for a lift pass that is restricted to the beginners area).
Amuri Jet has a selection of trips covering different areas of the river as the experience can be quite different whether you’re speeding down the gorge or going over shallow water in the braided section of the Hanmer Springs Basin.
Hanmer Springs Jet (Hanmer Springs Attractions)
The jet boat rides run by Hanmer Springs Attractions (formerly Thrillseekers) give you only one option, but it showcases the full range of what jet boating is all about including 360º spins, narrow gorges, white water rapids and the shallow water of the braided section of the river.
The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa features seven open-air thermal pools, three sulphur pools plus a sauna, steam rooms and a swimming pool with waterslides. The best time to visit the pools is lunchtime or around 7pm–8pm, when there are fewer people around.
There is a bungee jumping platform on the 135-year-old Waiau Ferry Bridge, 9km south of Hanmer Springs, where you can free-fall 35 metres to the Waiau River below.
