As we made our way from Kaiteriteri to begin our 3 week stay in Christchurch, we decided to stop and enjoy some of the Marlborough region’s famous wines along the way. 🍷

Our first stop was at the Wairau River Winery which proved to be a great place to kick-off the tasting. With a backdrop that looked an awful lot like Napa Valley, we had some amazing food and wine that didn’t disappoint either.

A glass of red, a glass of white and a few games of bocce later it was time to head out to our next few wineries.

Our last stop was at the massive Yealands Estate and it was incredible. At almost 5,000 acres, Yealands is the largest privately owned vineyard in New Zealand and it includes the country’s largest single solar array which sits atop their winery.

And yes, in addition to the not-so-bad ocean view they also have chickens, pigs and Babydoll sheep. 🐑

Our last stop on the way to Christchurch was a quick overnight in the beachside town of Kaikoura. Although still rebuilding from a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck in November of 2016, Kaikoura is as beautiful a place to visit as we could ever hope for. Surrounded by the Kaikoura Ranges and flanked by the Kaikoura Peninsula, the area is famous for its abundant wildlife. 🐧 🐋 🐦 🐬 🦅

• 

• 

One of the most memorable experiences of our trip occurred in Kaikoura Bay through the Dolphin Encounter adventure. This incredible tour not only gave us the opportunity to see a variety of local marine life, but also to get in and swim with their resident Dusky dolphins. That is assuming you’re confident that the provided wetsuits will protect you from the 54 degree water. 🥶

• 

• 

As you can imagine, the experience was incredible. In the middle of the bay our tour boat spotted a pod of dolphins and then before we knew it we were in the water making whatever concoction of sounds we thought might be interesting to a passing dolphin. Our guides let us know that dolphins are curious by nature, so if they’re interested in what they see (or hear) then they’re more likely to hang around for a while.

Our first dip into the ocean was truly amazing. A pod of around 15 dolphins approached our group and gave us an experience we will never forget. What was so amazing about the encounter was that we were out in the open ocean where the dolphins could come and go as they please, with nothing holding them around us other than their own curiosity. And yet for over 30 minutes this amazing pod of dolphins stayed with us, spinning, jumping and swimming often only a few inches away. 😊

We were also lucky enough to have a few migrating albatrosses join us out at sea. These large seabirds are exceptional in the air and inspiring to watch fly with their roughly 9 foot wingspan. We were even fortunate enough to see one glide in for a landing just off the side of our boat.

Definitely one of our best days…ever.

The Kaikoura Peninsula is home to sweeping views and a variety of wildlife, and there was no better way to take it all in than a hike along the Peninsula Walkway. The beautiful track which you can take anywhere from 200 meters up 12 kilometers takes you past miles of beautiful tide pools, through a massive New Zealand fur seal colony, around a boisterous bird colony, and then loops back onto a beautiful cliff where you get to overlook it all again.

• 

• 

• 

• 

If you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods, be sure to swing by The Pier Restaurant for their beautiful views and incredible seafood. 🍻

We’ll see you in Christchurch!