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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

“Extraordinary luxury hotel. This hotel simply could not be improved upon! The building is lovely with an effortlessly elegant decor. We had a large suite with a second room for our son, separated by a huge bathroom. The room was perfect, with just the right amount of flair and panache without feeling overdone. Our bed was extremely comfortable and the linens were fantastic. The whole property has several wrap around porches, which are great for sitting outside and taking in the stunning views of the property, including a small vineyard. The setting is so serene — you are minutes from the local wineries and restaurants but you feel completely away from everything. We went on a tour with the gardener, who showed us the chickens (fresh eggs for breakfast every day!) and beautiful stream and plants. There are lots of citrus trees and gardens on the grounds. In the evenings, we enjoyed canapés and wine in a small chapel on the property, next to a roaring fire. And the food was delicious throughout! We enjoyed our evening dinners immensely and also had very tasty breakfasts, including local preserves and fresh juice. The staff was super friendly and made all of us, including our 8-year old son, feel so welcome. The manager was wonderful and made sure we all felt special. I would highly recommend this location.”

CK107 – San Francisco

“It was a typically crisp Autumn evening so we started with a glass of bubbles and delicious canapés beside the huge outdoor fire. We could just as easily have settled into the comfy sofas inside the chapel, now transformed into a cosy space for pre-dinner drinks, wine tastings, and browsing a range of beautiful NZ-made gifts. This was not our first visit to The Marlborough Lodge, but the first since the change of guard the kitchen. The menu changes daily and is a showcase of local produce with a touch of European flair. Portions are generous and our plates were bare when they returned to the kitchen. That says it all. The Lodge effortlessly combines elegance with comfort and under Karen's stewardship the staff are efficient and friendly and knowledgeable too. We locals are lucky to have a place of this calibre on our doorstep, visitors who stay here are just lucky.”

Donna M

“A must stay! This place is incredible - located on a great piece of property very close to the airport and has amazing views. It has great food and wine and the rooms and staff are great people. Outdoor fire place where they host pre dinner drinks every night - a must stay if you visit this area!”

Mathew K – Bedminster, New Jersey

“Wonderful Surprise. My husband booked us here as a treat whilst traveling around the area. It was a truly lovely stay. We wish we booked longer! The staff is brilliant and friendly - always smiling and quick to offer anything we might have needed. The property - WOW! It is incredibly well cared for and decorated to be current whilst maintaining the integrity and the history of the building (a challenge few people get spot on - they do!) . We will surely be back - hopefully when it is warmer so we can take advantage of the pool and more outdoor activities. Still well worth the stay in the offseason - the wineries are still open in June!”

Ellie Z