Kaikoura
Introduction -- Accommodation -- Restaurants/Cafes -- Activities

Kaikoura
Kaikoura


Introduction:   Kaikoura  township is located just north of the Kaikoura Peninsula, midway between Blenheim and Christchurch.  Sitting on the shores of the Pacific Ocean at the feet of the Kaikoura Ranges, it’s the base for the region’s famed whale watch tours.  The coast is also famed for its wealth of local seafood, especially crayfish, and you’ll find many opportunities here to taste this local delicacy. In winter, the Ranges are crowned with snow, so it’s possible to ski at the Mt Lyford Ski Field (one hour’s drive inland) and surf at one of several popular spotz up the coast on the same day.  For fabulous views, take a stroll along the 11.7km Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, which begins in Kaikoura township, passes historic Fyffe House, with its whale vertebrae foundations, and the seal colony at Point Kean, then skirts the cliffs on its way over the peninsula to South Bay, returning to the township via Scarborough St.  Walks in the Ranges include those around Mt Fyffe, which range from 45 minutes to 2-3 days, where, under ideal skies, even the Banks Peninsula and the North Island can be seen.

KAIKOURA COAST
Driving along the Kaikoura coast is something we always look forward to with anticipation.  The road hugs the kelp-laced shore past rocky bluffs and pounding surf, where the sharp-eyed will observe camouflaged southern fur seals basking on the rocks.  The road weaves alongside the Tranz Scenic Rail line, crossing it via a series of over and underpasses, and whisking through the rocky crags in parallel single lane tunnels.  In other sections, long stretches of undulating sand dunes are the only thing separating the road from the open reaches of the Pacific Ocean.  Dotted along the roadside, numerous rest areas, crayfish outlets such as the iconic Nin’s Bin, and the café at The Store, Kekerengu, allow plenty of opportunity to enjoy this spectacular region en route.  Two mountain ranges line the east coast New Zealand’s upper South Island.  Running parallel to each other, and separated by the Clarence River, are the Inland and Seaward Kaikoura Ranges.  The Seaward Kaikoura Ranges do not end their precipitous descent when they meet the shore.  Just offshore, the Kaikoura under-water canyon plunges to a depth of 1000 metres, where the massive depths and converging currents provide an ideal environment for many species such as the giant squid.  Though rarely seen, the giant squid is a major food source for giant sperm whales, which frequent the area year-round.  Under-water canyons such as this are rare so close to land, and its roving population of marine visitors, including several other species of whales, dusky and Hector’s dolphins, southern fur seals, and pelagic birds such as albatross and mollymawks, is easily accessed by local tours.  Near the southern end of this stretch of coastal road, the Kaikoura Peninsula juts out into the Pacific, its limestone cliffs rewarding visitors with expansive views to the Kaikoura Ranges, plus the chance to spot whales spouting offshore.

 


Kaikoura coast
Kaikoura coast

Kaikoura Peninsula Seal Colony
Kaikoura Peninsula Seal Colony