Day 2: The Hidden Gems of Kaikoura Coast & Blenheim

Day 2: The Hidden Gems of Kaikoura Coast & Blenheim 1024 648 Sheetal Khatri

Day 2: The Hidden Gems of Kaikoura Coast & Blenheim

The Kaikoura Coastline

Kaikoura Coast

If you admire offbeat travel, take a day drive on Kaikoura coast to uncover its glorious hidden gems. The South Island has been renowned for its rugged and dramatic scenery of the west coast due to which many folks left out the idea of exploring its stunning eastern slice.

Home to Marine & Birdlife

We found the intact coastline incredibly picturesque to get out of the car repeatedly and gust in its purest breeze.

Once you cross Pegasus bay on route 1, turn for coast to find Point Kean lookout (parking available). You can see some fur seals at the shore that come to rest on the rocks up close here.

Kaikoura Peninsular Walkway

Kaikoura coast

Spot Fur Seal Colonies at Point Kean

The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway (3 hours) is known for its panoramic ocean vistas, marine wildlife that is easy access from Kaikoura town centre. You can walk the peninsula at you own pace according to your fitness level.

Routes

  • Kaikoura town centre to Point Kean car park (50 mins, 4.4km)
  • Point Kean car park to Point Kean viewpoint (5 mins, 200m)
  • Point Kean viewpoint to Whalers Bay viewpoint (25 mins, 1.5km)
  • Whalers Bay viewpoint to South Bay viewpoint (20 mins, 1.1km)
  • South Bay viewpoint to South Bay car park (15mins, 600m)
  • South Bay to Kaikoura town centre via Scarborough Street (1 hour, 5 mins, 3.9km)

Kaikoura Seal Colony from above the cliff

A 20 min ascend to the right of Point Kean, reveals fantastic panoramas with a backdrop of steep snowy mountains and a hidden gem known as Kaikoura Seal colony. Here you can witness huge masses of wild fur seals sunbathing together with seabirds. It is also a secret dwelling for whales, dolphins and crayfish. The best part of this location is that it can be accessed free of cost any time of the day.

Catching glimpses of beautiful birdlife

The information panels along walkways explain its history, geology, wildlife and plants species that make the expanse so extraordinary.

Ohau Point Lookout

Seal Pups at Ohau Point

Pause for another surprise in about half an hour at Ohau Point (31 km north of Kaikoura). A group of Black seal pups can be seen just under the bridge for the narrow pathway to a nearby waterfall. The waterfall is been permanently closed now but you can still see the seal pups really close from up the bridge.

Recommended Dining & Stay

The small township of Blenheim seems an ideal stopover for the night after a long day of coastal drive. It is also nearby Marlborough sounds as well a place to discover sophisticated vineyards the next day. The town features many atypical diners where you can relish authentic global delicacies.

What to See & Do in Blenheim

Wine Tasting in Blenheim

Go for world class Wine tasting in any of the local vineyards of Blenheim. There are many clans, generations of whose have owned massive wineries and vineyards for centuries. Most of them have gourmet bistros within the premises to compliment all wine assortments, absolutely an enriched experience.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Center brands this town special since the setting exhibits original historical Aircrafts expended during both World Wars.

Opening hours: 10 am -5pm (last entry at 4 pm)

Ticket Price: $39 per person

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Summary
Day 2: The Hidden Gems of Kaikoura Coast & Blenheim
Article Name
Day 2: The Hidden Gems of Kaikoura Coast & Blenheim
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Hidden Gems on Kaikoura Coast on a day drive from Chrishchurch to Blenheim. Watch fur seals and native birds in their natural habitat. Things to do in Blenheim.
Sheetal Khatri
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