Spend two unforgettable days with Koru Scenic Tours on the Kaikoura Plus trip, featuring coastal wildlife, mountain views, and optional whale watching. Discover why this route is a must for nature and photography lovers.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking involved.
Wildlife
History
Kaikoura’s name means 'meal of crayfish' in Māori, reflecting the area’s rich marine bounty treasured by indigenous peoples for centuries.
Conservation
Koru Scenic Tours prioritizes sustainable travel practices, respecting local wildlife habitats and supporting conservation efforts in the Kaikoura marine and terrestrial environments.
Koru Scenic Tours
Spend two unforgettable days with Koru Scenic Tours on the Kaikoura Plus trip, featuring coastal wildlife, mountain views, and optional whale watching. Discover why this route is a must for nature and photography lovers.
Koru Scenic Tours is a New Zealand tour operator that offers scenic trips across the South Island.
The company runs curated routes to iconic locations including Aoraki / Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Kaikoura, Akaroa Harbour, Arthurs Pass, Fiordland and Nelson Lakes. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Koru Scenic Tours highlights coastal harbours, alpine passes, glacial lakes and rugged west coast scenery. Tours span a variety of itineraries listed under its name, such as Aoraki Mt Cook, Aoraki Mt Cook Plus, Milford Sound Special, Fiordland Fantasy, Kaikoura and Kaikoura Plus, Akaroa Harbour and Akaroa Harbour Plus, and the South Island Big Loop.
Koru Scenic Tours describes routes that connect harbours, high country, river gorges and mountain passes. Sample trips in the catalogue include Lakes and Gorges, MacKenzie Magic, Central Otago Gold, Lewis Pass - Hanmer Springs, Porters Pass and Lees Valley. The operator also lists shorter harbour-focused options like Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupo and Akaroa Harbour, alongside regional samplers including West Coast Sampler and Top of the South.
Information about departures, booking, group size and exact itineraries is available through the operator's published trip listings. Koru Scenic Tours presents clear trip names and route focuses that help travellers choose coastal, alpine or multi-region experiences. Being featured on The Adventure Collective provides an additional reference point for travellers researching reliable South Island scenic tours.
Tours Offered
24 routes
Named South Island itineraries
Featured Peaks
Aoraki / Mt Cook
Iconic alpine destination
Popular Destinations
Aoraki, Milford, Kaikoura
Iconic South Island highlights
Regional Focus
South Island
Coastal to alpine routes
Check itineraries like Aoraki Mt Cook, Milford Sound Special and Kaikoura Plus — view trip details and availability on the published listings.
Dress for Coastal Breezes
Even warm days can bring chilly winds along the Kaikoura coast—bring a windproof jacket for comfort during sunset and evening activities.
Pack a Camera with a Zoom Lens
Seals and seabirds can be spotted from a distance, so a zoom lens will help capture wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior.
Book Whale Watch Early
The whale watch boat tour is an optional extra and has limited availability—reserve your spot early when booking the Kaikoura Plus trip.
Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks
Although meals are included on premium packages, having water and snacks on hand ensures you stay energized during stops and transfers.
Windproof Jacket
Protects against chilly coastal gusts, especially during sunset and on boat rides.
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Camera with Zoom Lens
Ideal for capturing distant seal colonies, whales, and scenic vistas.
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Comfortable Walking Shoes
Needed for short walks and exploring coastal viewpoints.
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Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important during the trip’s various stops and activities.
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