| Are you environmentally friendly? Have you searched | | | | Incredible Outdoors |
| for interesting and affordable eco-tours to go on during | | | | The backdrop of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain |
| vacations? Do you want to have a green vacation for | | | | Range when looking inward and the ocean when |
| a change? I know exactly how you feel. | | | | looking outward provides almost limitless opportunities |
| I have looked high and low for a vacation that would | | | | to spend time outdoors. The list of activities includes |
| encompass my earth friendly lifestyle. Short of me | | | | deep-sea fishing, parasailing, hang gliding, aerial and |
| pitching a tent and living off the land it seemed that the | | | | catamaran whale watching, cave tours, whitewater |
| possibility of my vacations being in sync with my | | | | rafting, alpine hiking and skydiving. There are few |
| day-to-day lifestyle was pretty slim on my budget. | | | | indoor activities for tourists in Kaikoura. |
| In my search for eco-vacations that fit my criteria; | | | | Culture |
| budget, culture, unique outdoor experiences, exhilarating | | | | As with most of New Zealand, Kaikoura honors the |
| eco-tours and eco-accommodations; I stumbled upon | | | | Maori history and culture. The museums pay tribute to |
| the small South Island, New Zealand town of Kaikoura. | | | | their Maori roots and their whaling past. Maori |
| Green Community | | | | handicrafts are sold in the crafts shops. Although |
| The first thing that struck me about Kaikoura is that | | | | tourism has brought commercialism to the area, you still |
| they have obtained their Green Globe Benchmark | | | | experience a sense of discovery and wonder. |
| certification. Getting this certification is no easy feat for | | | | Accommodations/Dining |
| a community. It indicates that the community has met a | | | | With a population of around 3900, Kaikoura has an |
| globally recognized standard for sustainable tourism. | | | | extensive range of accommodations available. There |
| Kaikoura has achieved a 72% diversion rate from their | | | | are B&Bs, farm stays, boutique accommodations, |
| landfill site and are focused on 100% diversion. This little | | | | campgrounds, hotels, and everything in between. No |
| community celebrates their eco-friendly lifestyle with | | | | matter what type of place you want to stay at, it is |
| events during the year. | | | | available in this small, friendly town. |
| Eco-Tours | | | | With Kaikoura being a seaside fishing port, seafood |
| Some companies offer eco-tours that bring you into | | | | restaurants abound. Having a truly fresh seafood |
| close proximity with marine life and there is an | | | | dinner is an incredible experience and one to linger |
| eco-tour that takes you into the Puhi Peaks Nature | | | | over. There are cafes, fine dining and informal |
| Reserve. Imagine having seals play within an arm's | | | | restaurants that serve excellent meals at decent |
| length, swimming with wild dolphins or hiking for hours | | | | prices. When you consider the size of the town of |
| through the unparalleled beauty of the Seaward | | | | Kaikoura, the variety and number of establishments is |
| Kaikoura Mountain Range. The cost of the tours is | | | | astounding. |
| extremely reasonable for what they offer. In addition, | | | | When you are looking for a vacation destination, don't |
| there is a Segwey rental shop that allows you to have | | | | overlook Kaikoura. It is a jewel set in the stunning |
| scoot around town in an eco-friendly manner. | | | | seascape of South Island, New Zealand. |