Kaikoura Whale Watch cruise and Seasonal half day cooking experience at Hapuku Kitchen
Do both in a day, or make an entire weekend out of your Chuffed Gift, with these two incredible Kaikoura Experiences!
Whale Watch:
Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel based whale watching company offering an exciting up-close encounter with the world's largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale. See the whales in their natural environment at all times of the year, boasting a 95% success rate!
The main focus of your tour is to locate and view the Giant Sperm Whale. Whale Watch average between 1 to 2 whale sightings per tour due to the length of time the whales can stay submerged. The whales form loose pods, keeping several miles between each other, so viewing any more than 1 to 2 whales per trip is a real bonus.
Around 80% of the world’s whale and dolphin species migrate past our coastline so at any given time there is the opportunity for other species of marine mammals to be sighted such as Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Pilot, Orca and Southern Right Whales, Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Southern Right Whale Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Leopard Seals.
Depending on the amount of time available after viewing the Sperm Whales, the captain of the vessel may decide to move in along the coastline and see what other types of marine life can be encountered. This could include Dusky and Hector Dolphins and the New Zealand Fur Seal.
Kaikōura is also home to around 75% of the world’s pelagic sea bird species which include Wandering and Royal Albatross, Mollymawk Albatross, Petrels, Shearwaters, Prions, Fulmars, Gannets, Terns and Herons.
Throughout your tour there is an onboard visual presentation, “World of the Whales” – an experience that takes passengers “virtually” to the bottom of the Kaikōura undersea canyon. The presentation also provides information for a variety of marine life found in Kaikōura waters.
Designed specially for whale watching, the modern catamarans are equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise and toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Passenger numbers for each tour are kept well below vessel carrying capacity to ensure your tour experience remains a personal one.
Hapuku Kitchen:
At its heart, Hapuku Kitchen is focused on reconnecting the kitchen to the land and sea, celebrating the abundant larder nature has to offer - taking inspiration from the wild Kaikōura landscape. You are hosted in the home of Fiona & Chris Read, located between the soaring peaks of the Kaikōura mountains and the wild Pacific coast of Aotearoa New Zealand, for a culinary adventure that celebrates the season.
The Hapuku Kitchen Seasonal Feast is an ever-changing half day experience, focused on uncomplicated and utterly delicious dishes made from ingredients sourced from the gardens and local producers.
The day begins with an introduction to the kitchen and the menu for the day. This is discussed over a cup of locally roasted coffee or a refreshing drink made from herbs and flowers from the garden. You’ll then embark on a wander around the Hapuku Kitchen property, foraging in the garden for fruit, vegetables and herbs.
Once you have completed the harvest, return to the kitchen and as a group, prepare the various dishes that make up the menu. With help always at hand, you will learn many techniques and tricks on the creation of the dishes of the day.
To finish the day, simply relax and enjoy the feast accompanied with wine or beer from some of Fiona’s favourite Canterbury and Marlborough winemakers and brewers. Delicious home-made non-alcoholic beverages are also available, such as sparkling elderflower and cucumber.
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