Join Friends of Te Papa for a five-day guided excursion to Kaikōura led by Hamish Campbell, exploring the region's remarkable geology, cultural heritage, history, and the lasting impacts of the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake. In response to popular demand after the success of the first excursion in 2023, Hamish has decided to run this tour again. Travelling by ferry, train, coach and shuttle, participants will enjoy visits to significant sites including Takahanga Marae, Fyffe House, the Kaikōura Museum, coastal landmarks, and, weather permitting, a whale-watching experience. With four nights' accommodation in Kaikōura, daily field trips, scenic walks, and opportunities for shared dining and discussion, this promises to be an intellectually stimulating and enjoyable journey in excellent company.
Excursion objectives:
· to explore the Kaikoura coast, cultural stories and aspects of its history,
· to observe aspects of the geology and impacts of the 2016 Kaikoura Earthquake
· to feel what it is like to step off the Australian Plate (Wellington) and sleep within 10 kilometres of the Hope Fault….at the very western edge of the Pacific Plate (Kaikoura)
· to have an intellectually stimulating time together with fine company and fine dining!
Excursion plan:
· A five-day excursion involving four nights in Kaikoura
· Accommodation: Bella Vista Motel and/or Gateway Motel, Kaikoura
· Transport in and around Kaikoura: Kaikoura Shuttles
· Travel between Wellington and Kaikoura: ferry, train, coach
· Days 2,3 & 4 are interchangeable
· Whale watching is weather and sea-condition dependent, and will dictate which days we do things
· Departure time on Days 2,3,4 & 5: 8:30am
· Dinner each night: 6:30pm
· Anticipate dining at four different restaurants
Food/meals:
· The excursion cost does NOT include meals. This means that we can all choose what food we wish to eat, or not eat, and pay accordingly as we go. So, any dietary issues/needs are entirely your responsibility.
· Please organise your own breakfasts either in the motel or at some café in Kaikoura.
We will be together for lunches and dinners. Some of you may well prefer to make your own lunches but please bear in mind that we will probably be at cafes so that there is the option of buying food and beverages.
DAY 1: Tuesday 20 April: Wellington to Kaikoura
· 7:30am Meet up at the Interislander departure lounge; check-in luggage
· Wellington to Picton by ferry (Interislander) departing at 8:30am, arriving at 12:00 noon
· Picton to Kaikoura by train (Coastal Pacific) departing at 1:30pm, arriving at 4:15pm
· Settle in to our motel rooms by 5:00pm
DAY 2: Wednesday 21 April: Kaikoura & Kaikoura Peninsula
· Takahanga Marae
· Nga Niho Pa
· The Lookout
· Kaikoura Peninsula Track from Point Kean to South Bay (5.5 km)
DAY 3: Thursday 22 April: the coast N of Kaikoura as far as Ward Beach
· Te Ana Pouri
· Okiwi/Karaka
· St Oswalds at Wharanui
· Ward
· Ward Beach
· Walk up Woodside Creek (2.0 km)
· Kekerengu
· Waipapa Bay
· Okiwi/Karaka
· Ohau Point
DAY 4: Friday 23 April:
· Whale Watching
· Fyffe House
· Kaikoura Museum
DAY 5: Saturday 24 April: Kaikoura to Wellington via Kekerengu and Ward Beach
· Kaikoura to Picton by coach (Kaikoura Shuttles)
· Rakautara
· Paparoa Point
· Okiwi/Karaka
· Picton
· Picton to Wellington by ferry (Interislander) departing at 2:00pm, arriving at 5:30pm
Cost per person is $2,500.00
For further information, and to secure a booking, please contact Hamish Campbell directly by email or mobile:
M: 027 2218817
Maximum number of participants: 20
