Kia Ora, from Kaikoura (that sounded cool, didn’t it…say it again).

Kaikoura translates to ‘meal of crayfish’ in the Maori language. The crayfish industry continues to play an important role in the region’s economy. On November 14, 2016, Kaikoura was devastated by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. It changed the port and created a new lake in one area.

We anchored just off shore. It was foggy and overcast in the morning so you couldn’t really see the details of the area.

We took a tender into shore and met our tour group. Since this area is well known for their giant sperm whales, we thought it would be a great opportunity to go whale watching. We boarded a very high tech, high speed catamaran designed especially for whale watching. The modern catamaran is equipped with engines that minimize underwater noise. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and fitted with very comfortable seats. The Captain and assistant sit high above us, while 2 others sit in main cabin. Natalie, a young lady that provided a presentation on a large plasma screen and explained the wildlife known in this area. Discover how the sperm whale survives in the dark and very cold depths of the Kaikoura Trench and why the green-eyed Plunket shark is easy prey for the giant squid. The sperm whale is the world’s largest toothed predator and are year-round residents. Kaikoura also boosts fur seals, pods of dusky dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross. Depending on the time of year, you may also see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales and southern right whales.

I forgot to mention the young man that works in the main cabin. He would sit in the front facing everyone and if someone was seasick, they would raise their hand and he would whisk them off to a place unknown (thankfully). I’m not sure if they were used as bait, I was just thankful we were not one of them. I am not sure what his title was either, but you can use your imagination. I have to be honest, as we were traveling at a high speed, I made the mistake of looking outside and starting to feel a bit woozy myself. Ok, don’t do that again. I quickly used a pressure point on my wrist for sea sickness and paid attention to the documentary. Soon we were 6-miles out and the Captain slowed down and allowed us to all go outside. Fresh air, ahhhh. I feel much better!

The Captain used a hydrophone to locate the whales. She would go a short distance and put the hydrophone in the water and soon enough, A WHALE! We went to the top deck and watched. A blow and then it’s back. Interesting that they can identify the whales and this one was named “Holey Moley” (due to a small hole in it’s tail). We were very exciting to watch this giant creature. Soon the guide told us to get ready with our cameras, he would tell when the whale was ready to dive. Sure enough a blow, arch in it’s back and then it’s tail (fluke). We all cheered. What a beautiful picture!

The sun came out, the fog disappeared and we could see the stunning Kaikoura Range rising 7,000 feet beside the Pacific Ocean. Our guide explained how much of the coastline changed since the day of the earthquake.

When we returned from the Whale Watch, we took a bus into the small town. The houses along the coast had a fabulous view. We walked down the Main Street of the town and stopped with our friends for coffee. We took a leisurely walk and then took the bus back to the port. The sea has changed a bit since this morning and the tender ride back had some rolling waves. Glad we went when we did. The next tender returning had a difficult time getting people out of the tender and back onboard. It’s all in the timing, here comes a wave and they would go way up in the air and then down. One of the tenders got damaged as it slammed against the ship.

This port offered some other exciting tours. I thought the ‘seal swim’ would have been cool. Kaikoura is home to a large population of gentle New Zealand fur seals. This adventure puts you face-to-face with them in their own natural habitat—the sea! You put on a wet suit, slippers and snorkel and an experienced guide will take you on a large float board to swim along side the fur seals. Awww!

Other excursions are: helicopter ride to view whales and also geography changes after the earthquake. Cool! Or, golf outing. Seriously? Yes, 18-hole course and I am sure it’s beautiful. I am thankful I lean more towards adventure.

What a beautiful sail away! The ocean a beautiful blue with the mountain range hovering over us. Stunning! We stood on deck and I waited until we were several miles out. There he was, our giant sperm whale saying Ka kite ano (good-bye).