Whalewatching in pre-quake Kaikoura

Tourist attractions are starting to get back in business after the November earthquake. This is usually the busiest time of year for the South Island tourist mecca. Before the quake operators were expecting great things after a few relatively lean years.

Lynn Freeman was in Kaikoura two days before the 7.8 earthquake, when spirits were high. She visited the new Kaikoura museum, and went whale watching for the first time in 20 years.

Dolphin in flight Kaikoura.

Kaikoura sunset - Ailsa Howard.

Kaikoura sunrise - Ailsa Howard.

Activity board at the Kaikoura Information Centre.

Wandering Albatross

South Bay Kaikoura - Ailsa Howard

South Bay Kaikoura - Ailsa Howard

Cape Pigeon, Kaikoura

Dolphin on the move, Kaikoura.

Dolphin swim, Kaikoura.

Pod of Pilot Whales.

Mollymawk Kaikoura.

Mollymawk Kaikoura.

Mollymawk, Kaikoura.

Northern Giant Petrol, Kaikoura.

Kaikoura main road post-quake - Ailsa Howard

Kaikoura mountains post-quake - Ailsa Howard

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.