Just an hour and a half’s drive north on State Highway 1, lies Kaikoura, a mecca for whale watching, with its dramatic snow-capped mountains rising steeply from the sea.

A unique set of circumstances makes this home to a pod of mature Sperm Whales which lives here year-round. A drive to Kaikoura is an enjoyable day's excursion. Alternatively, if you are short of time why not charter a light aircraft directly from our private airstrip at Claremont and enjoy a scenic flight as well as a whale watch or have Kaikpura helicopters pick you up from the lodge grounds! You can choose to whale watch from a boat trip, light aircraft or helicopter at any time of year.

Kaikoura offers a range of other exciting activities as well as whale watching, including swimming with dolphins, albatross encounter and scenic flights. There are Maori cultural tours and restaurants serving delicious seafood, such as the renowned local crayfish (lobster) - almost literally straight out of the sea.

Waipara is a cornerstone of the famous Alpine Pacific Triangle, one of the world’s great scenic drives. Returning on a self-drive excursion from whale watching at Kaikoura, head inland taking a mountainous scenic route. Visit Hanmer Springs, a small Alpine Village nestled in an idyllic valley, surrounded by towering mountains. This village is popular for it's outdoor thermal pools and spa but there are a huge range of other activities available in the area including horse riding, hiking, golf, mountain biking and cafes and restaurants.

Return to Claremont after your exhilarating day out whale watching, kick off your shoes, soak in a long hot spa-bath with a cold glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

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