Kaikoura, a coastal town on the South Island of New Zealand, is known for its abundant wildlife and its sperm whale population. It’s also a great place to eat crayfish (in the Māori language ‘kai’ means food, ‘kōura’ means crayfish). An easy two-hour drive north of Christchurch, Kaikōura makes for a great day trip. The 1800s Fyffe House is a cottage built on a foundation of whalebones, with displays on the town’s whaling past. Must do activities include whale-watching by boat or air at any time of the year, swim with or simply watch beautiful dusky dolphins on a dolphin encounter, experience seal swimming with the playful New Zealand fur seals in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula. One can also meet the local indigenous people and experience Māori culture.