Will be in NZ March 23 for 10 days. Plan to do a flexible bus tour but need help deciding on whether to see Dunedin or save time to see Kaikoura. Would love to swim with dolphins but not sure how strong a swimmer you need to be to enjoy it. Also hear the wildlife in Dunedin is worthwhile as well. Is this the right season for either or both and is the weather appropriate?<BR><BR>Appreciate any comments.

The weather is fine at that time for swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura, may be a bit on the chilly side but they give you a wetsuit. Sorry, haven't been to Dunedin.

I've been to both Dunedin and Kaikoura. You don't need to be a particularly strong swimmer to do the dolphin swim - they gave out lifejackets to anyone who wanted one when I did the swim. I spent about 2 days in Kaikoura, but if you only wanted to do the dolphin swim, you could arrive the night before, and then do the swim in the morining, and leave later in the afternoon. I did a couple of walks here which were also nice. <BR><BR>You could do the wildlife in Dunedin in about a day too, I guess. The travelling time is probably about 3 hours, taking your time, between D & K. SO, I guess you could do both if you really wanted to economise on time. <BR><BR>If you want any further info, please feel free to email me direct.<BR><BR>Jenny

To Jenny, its definitely a lot further than 3 hours from Kaikoura to Dunedin. Its about 3 hours from Kaikoura to Christchurch so perhaps thats what you're thinking of. To Jane - you could even do the dolphin swimming on a daytrip from Christchurch if you wanted to.

Jane:<BR>I've been to both Dunedin and Kaikoura in November. They're two entirely differently places. Kaikoura is strictly tourist oriented while Dunedin is more metropolitan and more representative of the real New Zealand lifestyle. There are no guarantees in Kaikoura as weather in November is a factor. I don't know about March. We went to see the whales and were disappointed that the weather prevented the boats from leaving the docks. <BR>That same November (2000) we went to Dunedin and enjoyed the wildlife tour of the Otago Peninsula. Breathtaking!! In my humble opinion Dunedin is the far better choice to visit. So much more to do and see.<BR>The CBD of Kaikoura consists of roughly a dozen eating places, while Dunedin is a large city by contrast. <BR>That said, where ever you go in New Zealand will be a wonderful experience.<BR>John

Yes, sorry - Jo is right..... I was doing this in a hurry, and it is much more than 3 hours from Dunedin to Kaikoura.... I was thinking of Christchurch to Kaikoura. Humblest apologies!<BR><BR>Jenny

Jane Unfortunately we have had a very indifferent summer this year, not very good beach weather at all. Normally in March swimming is normally possible, especially further north. <BR>I have never been swimming with the Dolphins, but if they do supply a wetsuit there will be no problem. Kaikoura is a lovely place, overlooked by majestic mountains, often snow capped for many months, although not usually in March. <BR>There are many art and craft shops in Kaikaoura. If you are into diving, Kaikoura has some of the reef diving in the country. When I was there last I went on a glass bottomed boat tour around the reef. It was most enjoyable. If you wish to see something of Kaikoura's history, visit Fyffe House, the town's oldest surviving building. Although it is a liitle expensive a helicopter ride over the town is a real experience, sometimes you even get to see the whales from the air, although we didn't. Their office is located in the old railway station next to Whale Watch.<BR>If yo enjoy enjoy walking, the Kaikoura area offers walks for all tastes and levels of fitness, ranging from thirty minutes duration, to half and full day tracks and more energetic tramps and climbs. The Kaikoura Peninsula walkway is the most popular half-day track in the country. The three hour loop track follows along a clifftop high above the reefs and tidal platforms below. Returning along the coastline, the track meanders amongst fascinating limestone formations, and several N.Z Fur Seal and seabird colonies. Extensive forest offers many short walks through diverse vegetation, home to various species of native birds. For keen hikers, a day trip to the summit of Mt Fyffe provides spectacular panoramic views of the coast, stretching from Wellington to Banks Peninsula on a clear day.<BR>

My apologies, I obviously did proof read my previous post very well; I should have included the word BEST when mentioning reef diving in Kaikoura.<BR>I will also post some info on Dunedin.

Got back from Australia /NZ just yesterday. In NZ they joked that summer this year was Monday and half of Tuesday! It was cold, gray and kept trying to rain in Dunnedin. We did the train ride up to the Gorge and my feet never did thaw out. Of course, it was cool, gray and rainy all over NZ. Didn`t go to Kailoura. Australia was hot! We still had a great time.

Thanks all for your responses..I will actually attempt to see both. Am concerned about the 12 degree weather right now but still excited to see what I hear is a beautiful country.

ttt