Did the earth move for you?
Just after midnight on the 14th November 2016 I was asleep 180 kms south of Kaikoura in Christchurch. Christchurch is used to earthquakes, but when we woke at this one, and it went on and on, we knew it was serious. We live by the coast and along with our neighbours and after some initial confusion, we jumped in our cars and headed up the hill beyond the Tsunami Zone.
Manu and Vladka
Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura
A few months before this, I was in touch with Vladka and Manu who had recently moved to New Zealand and purchased the management rights for the Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura.
The Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura is a two women business and Vladka and Manu want to offer friendly, safe and comfortable accommodation to women travelers.
They are part of a wonderful network of women owned accommodation in NZ and around the World.
Vladka and Manu were just getting set up when the earthquake happened – which rocked their world more than they could have imagined. Kaikoura was completely cut off for some time with only access by air.
However they are now back open for business – with 4 of their 13 units ready for travelers.
For kiwi travelers, remember they are pet friendly.
Geocaching Tours
Vladka and Manu also run Geocaching tours in the Kaikoura area, guided by us personally, engaging women to try out something different like hiking & bicycle together with the fun game of Geocaching. They offer a free introduction to geocaching introduction for those who mention Women Travel when they book.
Mediterranean Motel Kaikoura is New Zealand’s first Geocaching Motel. More
Kaikoura is now open for tourists, with access via the inland route from the north or from Christchurch. The coastal route north, including the train link will be some time before re-opening. They are enthusiastically welcoming visitors back, though it will be some time before fully normal business resumes.
WhaleWatch Kaikoura
Whalewatch Kaikoura – this is a must do when visiting Kaikoura are operating at a reduced capacity in the interim with up to 3 tours operating per day, and you are asked to contact them prior to arriving in Kaikōura to secure a space on one of their tours.
Whalewatch Kaikoura report
“The last week we have been very fortunate in viewing sperm whales on our tours along with a rare sighting of a pod of beaked whales pass by the coastline – there is not much known about this species of whale due to their rare and infrequent sightings worldwide. “
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