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

Other Basic Information

Read the below post for everything else you need to know about New Zealand for planning a trip. The best time to visit, number of days you need, transport, visa, currency, parking, food, choosing the right accommodation, mindful shopping and other basic information for travel.

Lake Pukaki

New Zealand: Full Travel Guide|Itinerary|Tips

Full guide and basic information about New Zealand travel. 17D Planner for both islands. Unique things to see. Weather, Transport, Parking, Cost, Food & Stay.

Read...

Explore More

South Korea Food

What can Indians eat in South Korea?

What can Indians eat in South Korea? 1024 761 Sheetal Khatri

A Korean food guide for Indians and vegetarians. Most Indians are entirely vegetarians, some who are non-vegetarians may only prefer certain types of meats like chicken, lamb and fish. Since Korean meals include seafood, beef and pork. Hence food options for Indian visitors and vegan foreigners become limited.

read more
Fox Glacier

Day 7: West Coast & Haast Pass Gems-Hokitika to Wanaka Self Drive

Day 7: West Coast & Haast Pass Gems-Hokitika to Wanaka Self Drive 1024 802 Sheetal Khatri

Day drive route to discover the West Coast charms of NZ, from Hokitika to Wanaka via Haast Pass. Things to do, tips and itinerary.

read more

Taiwan Countryside and Quaint Surrounds of Sun Moon Lake

Taiwan Countryside and Quaint Surrounds of Sun Moon Lake 369 246 Sheetal Khatri

Things to do around Sun Moon Lake. The central mountain ranges of Nantou are home to stunning landscapes, sheltered with woodland and numerous walk trails, it has an aura of enchantment. You will love waking up to chirpy bird songs, elegant sunrises, foggy ambiances that create mood of fairylands.

read more

How to choose temples to visit in Cambodia

How to choose temples to visit in Cambodia 369 246 Sheetal Khatri

Siem Reap is bursting with ancient temple ruins which makes it hard to choose the best ones to visit, especially when you have limited time. Here’s a list of aspects to consider before picking.

read more

A Travel Guide to Bali, Indonesia

A Travel Guide to Bali, Indonesia 369 246 Sheetal Khatri

An Indonesian paradise has numerous attractive places to see, Our Top Picks for “Must See” places including hidden gems of Bali in an exclusive itinerary.

read more
Seoul, South Korea

Seoul Travel: Full Guide, Blog & Itinerary (4-7days)

Seoul Travel: Full Guide, Blog & Itinerary (4-7days) 369 246 Sheetal Khatri

Planning your first trip to Seoul? An efficient itinerary to explore the city and its unique charms within your 4-7 day trip. Find out the top shopping and food spots, top attractions and hidden gems of Seoul.

read more

Day trip from Taipei: Yangmingshan and North Coast

Day trip from Taipei: Yangmingshan and North Coast 369 246 Sheetal Khatri

A day drive itinerary to explore some marvellous features of Yangmingshan National Park along with some iconic coastal landscapes in the northern tip of Taiwan.

read more

Must see places in Phuket, Thailand

Must see places in Phuket, Thailand 369 246 Sheetal Khatri

Soft, sun-kissed beaches, prolonged coastlines, varied reflexology and ultimate Thai delicacies. Read our full itinerary of Thailand’s most stunning and rocky island renowned as ‘Phuket’.

read more
Korean Skin Care

Korean Cosmetics:What to Know Before Buying?

Korean Cosmetics:What to Know Before Buying? 360 246 Sheetal Khatri

Here’s what we learnt about the 10 steps of Korean skincare regime and also, the factors to determine which products shall we buy.

read more
Summary
Day 2: The Hidden Gems of Kaikoura Coast & Blenheim
Article Name
Day 2: The Hidden Gems of Kaikoura Coast & Blenheim
Description
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
planetunfold.com
planetunfold.com
http://vuv.rtj.mybluehost.me/website_ca77c7f9/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Final-logo-1.png

Leave a Reply