wildlife and coAstal retreat 2026
kaikoura, new zealand
where the mountians meet the sea
your Kaikoura adventure!
Join us for an unforgettable week of marine wildlife encounters – from watching sperm whales, swimming with dusky dolphins, kayaking with fur seals, spotting rare hector dolphins and meeting majestic seabirds like the giant albatross and giant petrels.
We’ll explore the rugged peninsula through scenic hikes, hidden gems and waterfalls! We will enjoy freshly caught local seafood and unwind in a cosy beachfront accommodation. An inspiring week of wildlife, ocean and connection awaits.
What to expect
Kaikōura is one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary coastal destinations — a place where snow-capped mountains meet the sea and marine life thrives in abundance. On this retreat, you’ll experience the best of Kaikōura’s wild ocean encounters and hidden gems.
We’ll go whale watching, swim with dusky dolphins, kayak alongside playful New Zealand fur seals, and meet the albatross and seabirds that soar above the Pacific. Beyond the ocean, we’ll share a local crayfish feast at the famous Nins Bin, explore the rugged coastline, and visit special spots that only locals know.
Our home for the week will be Futuna Rocks, a welcoming, family-run lodge I’ve known for years — the perfect place to relax after full days of adventure.
This retreat is all about connection with the whales, marine wildlife, the land and sea and with each other.
A week in Kaikōura to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and immerse yourself in the beauty of New Zealand’s wild coast.
What’s Included
6 nights beachfront accommodation at Futuna rocks
Whale watching to meet the iconic resident sperm whales
Swimming with Dusky dolphins, where you’ll be surrounded by the playful energy of dusky dolphins.
Kayaking and swimming with fur seals, meeting these curious and charismatic animals up close.
Time on the lookout for Hector’s dolphins and seabirds — from shearwaters to albatross.
Scenic hikes around the Kaikōura Peninsula, walks to hidden waterfalls, and visits to local secret spots only known to those who’ve spent seasons here.
Whale watching, Dolphin swimming, Seal swim and kayak, Giant sea bird watching
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included - We will dine at all the best local cafes and resteraunts!
Scenic hikes around the Kaikōura Peninsula, walks to hidden waterfalls, and visits to local secret spots only known to those who’ve spent seasons here
Secure your spot
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit
Total cost: $7,000 AUD (everything is inclusive, except for international flights to Tongatapu)
Final balance due 3 months before your retreat start date
Spaces are limited by design and they fill quickly.
This is your moment to dive in. Reconnect. Be moved and return changed.
Why Kaikoura?
Kaikōura is where the mountains touch the sea and the wild still feels close. Whales rise from deep ocean canyons just offshore, dolphins dance through crystal waters, and seabirds wheel through open skies — but it’s not just the wildlife that makes this place unforgettable.
It’s the warmth of the town itself. A small, soulful community where everyone waves, where stories are shared over coffee, and where the rhythm of life is shaped by the tides. The locals know the land, the sea, and each other — and they welcome you like an old friend.
Kaikōura is more than a destination. It’s a feeling — of connection, of wonder, and of coming home to the wild heart of Aotearoa.
