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Whale Watching

Kaikoura Whale Watching ($170pp), private transfer to Kaikoura $300 per way approx. 2 hrs drive each way – option to transfer via Helicopter or fixed wing aircraft (POA)

Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show along the Kaikoura coast and are year-round residents. On a typical Whale Watch tour, you may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross.

 

Marlborough Whale Watching – (Seasonal) $160pp

May – August is the time of year to go looking for whales in the Cook Strait as it is the annual migration of the Baleen Species of Whales. Departing from Picton your tour will take you through the majestic Queen Charlotte Sound to Tory Channel, where you will see a variety of marine wildlife on the way. The fully covered and stable vessel and your own set of binoculars provides the perfect combination for your whale watch experience. Staying within 2klm of the coastline the tour will take you along the path of the migrating whales as they travel on the surface in what is becoming known as a whale hotspot.

This tour will also take in the Perano Whaling station which is the only restored station in New Zealand. Here you will learn about the history of whaling and how the families lived and work and how they changed from hunters to conservationists.

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What our customers say

“This was our second stay here, though it was the Old St. Mary’s Convent when we stayed in 2009. There have been significant changes made inside - the rooms are more modern and elegant but still very comfortable and spacious. The chapel is now used as the gathering spot for afternoon canapés and drinks prior to dinner, with a large fireplace outside where we could visit with our hosts and fellow guests. The manager, Karen, was extremely attentive to our every need and the staff, Lindsey and Heaven, were fun to visit with and equally attentive. Everyone’s attention to detail is impressive, to say the least. We came away feeling quite pampered! And we really enjoyed meeting Maria, who cares for the beautiful grounds, to share memories from our earlier visit. Be sure to walk around the grounds to admire Maria’s good work and view the gardens - and, by all means, visit the chickens! I especially enjoyed walking along the creek and photographing the various species of birds that gather there. Lastly, as others have noted, the location is perfect for setting out to visit the many nearby wineries.”

gleno51

“From stepping out of our car to the moment we left ,after two days stay at Marlborough,we were cosseted and cared for in every detail.The house and gardens are breathtaking ,and created with attention to the minutest detail. The hospitality is second to none and the food is out of this world,having travelled extensively over 50 years,we can say that Marlborough Lodge is exceptional , thank you to all the lovely people who made our stay so very enjoyable”

Stanley B

“We were on a holiday driving from Auckland to Queenstown and this was a stop in the winelands of Blenheim suggested and arranged by our tour company. We had got the ferry across from Wellington in the morning, picked up the next car and drove south for about 30 minutes. I had sorted the route so as we came into towards the Blenheim area we went to four wineries for tastings before getting to the hotel. The hotel is very close to the wineries and we got there mid afternoon. Turning down a track you go a short way down a winding track and then come to a lovely quite small looking building. We were instantly greeted by a really friendly lady who made us feel immediately welcome. Our bags were taken from the car and straight to the room while she gave us a quick walk around what used to be a convent. This is a lovely place, very peaceful, lovely grounds, lovely rooms and very homely. Pre dinner drinks were suggested in what used to be the chapel and now a lovely lounge with a small bar and was so relaxing. Dinner is equally good in a very relaxed dining room. Excellent food and service. This place is relaxed homely luxury and it was a great pity our plans only allowed one night. If you have more time than we allowed, perhaps stay two nights, or more, while taking the whole day to look around the lovely wine region.”

Mike C

“Fantastic place, delicious food (much better than some Michelin star restaurants), excellent wine list, and... fresh orange juice for breakfast (trust me, it’s mission impossible all around New Zealand). Very elegance and modern furnished room (but too small - we recommend to choose more spacious suites) Very clean))) if this is important for you It was our best experience in NZ!”

Natali