Kaikoura is a very small village on the South Island, about 3 hours drive from Christchurch, heading towards Picton. Previously a whaling station, it is now a very popular place for whale watching tours. The traditional boat tours are well organised, and for about three hours you can hunt/see two to three specimen, usually sperm whales. Another way of seeing a whale is from a helicopter, which is a marvelous experience. It is also possible to organise swimming with dolphins. [edit text][editors]