3 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey through Kaikōura
Blenheim to Kaikōura via SH 1 - 1hr 50min, 128km
You’ll need to leave a good amount of extra time for this drive if you factor in the stops you’ll be tempted to make to fully appreciate the spectacular coastline and approaches to Blenheim.
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Closed by the 2016 earthquake, it’s fascinating to drive this route now – just to appreciate the forces of nature still evident from the gigantic slips, and the magnificent feats of engineering going into taming the effects of them.
Nowhere is this more evident than at Ōhau Pt, which has long been a favourite spot from which to view the seal colony. The re-sculpting of the coast has facilitated a newly created road and a promenade which affords wonderful views of the resident fur seals.
Relaxing on the beach in Kaikōura © Bare Kiwi
HIGHLIGHTS
ŌHAU PT
Re-sculpted since the earthquake, seals like to lollop here.
YEALANDS VINEYARD
A short drive off the main highway at Seddon leads to the impressive cellar door. So vast is this coastal property, it even has its own driving tour.
Marlborough winery © Kieran Scott
ŌMAKA AVIATION CENTRE
This combines the hallmarks of ‘Wellywood’ with magnificent flying machines and nostalgia from both World Wars.
Ōmaka Aviation Heritage Centre © Ian Trafford
BLACK-SAND BEACHES
Pull up at one of the parking bays and skip down to enjoy the gorgeous black-sand beaches pounded by the thunderous Pacific Ocean.
PENINSULA SEAL COLONY AND WALKWAY AT KAIKŌURA
Walk around this magnificent rocky coastline for panoramic views of the ocean, seals and sea birds.
WHALE WATCHING
Enjoy spectacular whale watching all along Kaikōura’s coastline.
MINGHETTIS
This Blenheim food truck boasts wood-fired pizzas and artisanal breads.
Whale tail, Kaikōura © Whale Watch Kaikōura
BLENHEIM
World-renowned for its award-winning wines, Blenheim is surrounded by many hectares of vineyards. Framed by the bleached Wither Hills, the town is a bustling agricultural centre with plenty of class.
Blenheim Must-Do's
> Blenheim wine tours
> The Vines Village
> Pollard Park
> Ōmaka Aviation Heritage Centre
> Marlborough Museum
> Heritage and Arts trail
A number of vineyards have impressive properties open to visitors to sample their fare and there are a number of decent eateries in town, too. Book a tour of Auntsfield Estate and visit the original cellar door as well as the site where Marlborough’s first vines were planted in 1873. A good introduction to the region’s rich history can be found at the Marlborough Museum, which features the development of winemaking, plus early Polynesian settlement of the region. This sun-drenched valley is also well known for its aviation history; visit the Ōmaka Aviation Heritage Centre or fly in a rare WWII V12 Fighter Plane at Full Noise Fighter Flights.
Harvest at Hans Herzog Estate, Blenheim © Hans Herzog Estate
KAIKŌURA
Take the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway from the centre of town to Pt Kean for magnificent views of the area. At the Point,you can walk right out on the rocky platform which was radically exposed in the 2016 earthquake.Spend time here watching families of New Zealand fur seals and sea birds.
While in town, visit KAIKŌURA MUSEUM – the landmark, contemporary building hasa fascinating collection of artefacts, as well as a room dedicated to the effects of the 2016 earthquake.
Fascinating FYFFE HOUSE is pink! It’s also Kaikōura’s oldest building and was part of the original whaling station. It’s one of only a few buildings surviving worldwide with foundations of whale bones.
MARINE LIFE Join a dolphin encounter to see Kaikōura’s dusky dolphins. Whale watching by boat, plane or helicopter is also popular.
UPLIFT HUB For shopping, visit this glass-fronted pod of pop-up shops in Kaikōura.
Seal colony, Kaikōura © Paul Boocock
