A1 Kaikoura Motel and Holiday Park

Sea activities are a powerful magnet around these parts, but there are also entertaining land-based excursions to be had – for example, at Kaikoura Llama Trekking (five minutes’ drive). You can choose between a short woodland tour skirting the Kowhai river, or a longer coastal itinerary around Kaikoura Bay – all with a friendly llama (or alpaca) by your side. A 10-minute drive takes to the start of the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, a clifftop path with several observation points from where you will be able to take in splendid views of the coastline and – if you’re lucky – spot a breaching whale. The trail also goes past the Kaikoura Seal Colony. Information panels en route illustrate the history and natural wealth of the area. You’ve heard of whale-watching trips… but how does a whale-watching flight grab you? Kaikoura Airport (10 minutes) is home to several outfits that take you by plane or helicopter over the ocean to look at whales from a unique perspective.