Poʻipū is a coastal community on the southern shore of Kauaʻi, known for sunny weather, sandy beaches, and access to the island’s sheltered southern coastline. Its landscape includes beaches, lava-rock formations, palm-lined resorts, residential neighborhoods, and open coastal areas. Poʻipū Beach Park is the main public gathering place, with several connected sandy areas and shallow water that can be suitable for swimming when ocean conditions allow.
What sets Kaikōura apart are the extraordinary marine encounters that begin just off the shoreline. The Kaikōura Canyon, an underwater gorge that plunges to great depths close to land, creates currents rich with nutrients that attract a remarkable array of sea life year-round. Sperm whales are a common sight here and are frequently spotted on local boat tours. Dusky dolphins twist and leap in large pods, and colonies of New Zealand fur seals laze on rocky outcrops along the coast.
Plettenberg Bay is the jewel of The Garden Route. It's more than a village, less than a town. Plettenberg Bay is tranquil and charming, hospitable and rather special. Originally christened "Bahia Formosa" (beautiful bay) by early Portuguese explorers, Plettenberg Bay can now be accessed by first class national roads, by sea or by scheduled air flights.