Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA
Airing Date: May 28th, 2002
Behind Hawaii, Kodiak Island is the second largest island in the USA and is famous for its huge Kodiak brown bears. You could say that when holidaying in Alaska a trip to this region is a bear necessity.
During summer the luscious vegetation turns a brilliant green and this stunning colour has led to the island being dubbed the Emerald Isle.
A trip in spring will present an incredible mass of green vegetation but still with a sprinkling of glistening white snow.
Kodiak Island is indisputably a natural paradise however the island's biggest drawcard is, that it is the only place in the world where the Kodiak bear can be observed in the wild.
Kodiak bears are the giants of the bear world - they are even bigger than the grizzly and black bear.
With over 3,000 bears on the island tourists are almost guaranteed of a viewing and the best way to spot them is on an aerial sightseeing tour.
Remember bears go into hibernation during winter so a trip between June and September is the best time for bear spotting.
After winter hibernation bears can be seen trekking down from the hills towards the streams where they feed on fresh salmon.
Kodiak Island is also home to the country's biggest fishing fleet. Visitors can jump on a commercial fishing trawler such as the Mythos and go fishing.
On these tours adventurers will be treated to a peek of the hidden backwaters around the island.
The Mythos also offers a mouth-watering three course seafood banquet for $74 and you can be assured the feast will be fresh and include the some of local catch. Crab salad, baked salmon, halibut cheeks and salmon berry pie are just some of the possibilities for the menu.
The facts
Air New Zealand flies to Los Angeles daily. Prices start from $1499 from the east coast and $1884 from the west coast. Alaska airlines have regular connections to Anchorage starting from $313 one way. Connections to Kodiak Island are available on Era Aviation from $422.
Air New Zealand
Tel: 13 24 76
Alaska Airlines
Tel: 02 9244 2317
Era Aviation
Tel: 0011 1 907 248 4422 (international)
Half day bear viewing tours with Andrew Airways start from $778 per person.
Andrew Airways
Tel: 0011 1 907 487 2566
Mythos offer full day charters from $556.
The Great Outdoors team stayed at the Best Western Kodiak Inn, where rooms start from $257 per night.
Best Western Kodiak Island Inn
Tel: 0011 1 907 486 5712
Alaska Tourism
Tel: 02 9262 5821
Kodiak Island Convention and Visitors Bureau
Tel: 0011 1 907 486 4782 (international)
Kodiak Island Travel Guide
