See what the experts are saying about Kaikoura. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Introduction
Back in 1979, New Zealand cartoonist and satirist Tom Scott, writing in NZ Listener magazine, had this to say about New Zealand: "Terrible tragedy in the South Seas. Three million people trapped alive." The big news in 2003 was that we hit... Continue reading »
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Best dining bets
White (Auckland; tel. 09/978-2000): Named for its stunning minimal all-white interior, White is the handiwork of celebrated consulting chef Luke Mangan, who owns the award-winning restaurant Salt in Sydney. Its best feature is The Table, a bi... Continue reading »
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Best hotel bets
The Best B&Bs Amerissit (Remuera; tel. 09/522-9297): Barbara McKain's calm suburban home is a fantastically priced, peaceful haven that will soothe all of your senses. Genuine Kiwi hospitality rules here and you'll be hard-pressed to find... Continue reading »
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The best active vacations
Scuba Diving in the Poor Knights: Jacques Yves Cousteau rated this among the best diving spots in the world. This unique marine reserve has the best of tropical currents sweeping in to make it warm and inviting for a wide variety of tropical... Continue reading »
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The best beaches
Waiheke Island's Onetangi Bay: Stand on the bay's wide stretch of golden sand, and you can see for miles. On a clear day, throw yourself down into the sand and gaze at the steep pinnacles of Great Barrier Island and Little Barrier, off in the... Continue reading »
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The best gardens
Hamilton Gardens: Stretched along the banks of the Waikato River, this blissful, relatively new 58-hectare (143-acre) reserve is a lovely place to wander and picnic. Development began around 30 years ago; there's now a well-established Asian... Continue reading »
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The best hikes
Tongariro Crossing: Often described as one of the best 1-day walks in New Zealand, this high-altitude hike across volcanic terrain will give you cold mountain springs, lava flows, an active crater, emerald-colored crater lakes, and unforgetta... Continue reading »
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The best museums
Auckland Museum: After a very significant internal revamp, this museum is everything you'd want in a city's storehouse of treasures: fun, interactive, attractive, informative, and filled with interesting collections. Its Maori and Polynesian... Continue reading »
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The best natural attractions
Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga: From the spiritual tip of the North Island where, Maori say, the souls of the dead depart, to mountainous sand dunes, quicksand, and the broad flat stretch of Ninety Mile Beach, this is a must-see area fille... Continue reading »
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The best offbeat travel experiences
Visit the World's Biggest Polynesian Market: Why go all around the Pacific Islands when you can get the best of it in the comfort of an Otara parking lot? Go hungry and feast on island goodies, smell the smells, and buy beautiful tapa cloth a... Continue reading »
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The best scenic drives
Auckland City to Mission Bay: This is the stuff of a weekend afternoon spin to see how the other half lives. Best done in a Ferrari, a BMW, an Audi, or an equally cool classic if you want to leave a lasting impression. Tight shorts and in-lin... Continue reading »
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The best shopping
Auckland: The whole city is a treasure trove of shops. Try the chic fashion and design shops of High Street; international designer duty-free at DFS Galleria Customhouse; upmarket boutiques in Parnell; antiques on Manukau Road; mainstream fas... Continue reading »
Kaikoura Travel Experiences
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Day 64: Wellington – Picton - Kaikoura
This morning we boarded the ferry to Picton, leaving the North shore (and its rain hopefully) behind us and commencing our tour of the So... Continue reading »
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Road Trip - Kaikoura (twice)
We arrived in Kaikoura late on New Year's Day. The small town is supposed to be in one of the most picturesque landscapes in NZ. However,... Continue reading »
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Dusky Dolphin Encounter
As soon as we arrived in Kaikoura, George and Adam left Natalie and me to brave a swim in the somewhat chilly looking South Pacific Ocean... Continue reading »
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Wellington to Kaikoura
Super ferry trip from Wellington to the South Island through lots of little inlets, very scenic, beautiful weather. Then a day in Kaikour... Continue reading »
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Dolphins and Whales :o)
Jes:Our travels from the grey place took us on to Hamner Springs where Al had a fantastic time (hopefully he will wright about this) then... Continue reading »
