Hey WilsonM2,

I would highly recommend the Top Ten Holiday Parks for a place to stay all over the South Island. The one in Kaikora is particularly good. They are great as they offer a range of accomodation from camping to deluxe cabins and most things in between. Their website is: Top Ten Holiday Parks

Otherwise I can't argue with Whale watching and Dolphin swimming in Kaikora. We did a white waterrafting trip in Hamner which was pretty good too. Not too hairy and quite intimate. Great fun. There are many more things but too many to mention :roll:

Hope you have a great time.

Dan-ish :P