Kaikoura

Need to know ...

Kaikoura is a fascinating coastal town offering spectacular scenery on land and amazing wildlife experiences offshore. A blend of ocean currents supports an abundance of marine wildlife from crayfish to seals, dolphins and whales. Behind the town, bush-clad mountains offer visitors wildlife experiences of a very different kind.

Main Centres

Kaikoura – New Zealand’s whale watching centre.

Getting There

By Air – Christchurch Airport, offering domestic and international services, is the nearest airport.
By Road – 2 hours, 50 minutes from Christchurch to Kaikoura. Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura and the Hurunui are linked by the Alpine Pacific Triangle, a 370km touring route. Regular coach services operate.

Getting Around

Kaikoura is a small town – most accommodation is within walking distance of restaurants.

Eating Out

Fyffe Country Lodge (SH1 RD, t +64 3 319 6869) – atmospheric country inn with Victorian-style dining room. Renowned for seafood chowder and crayfish.
Hislops Wholefoods Café (33 Beach Rd, t +64 3 319 6971) – high-quality organic food, from breakfast to evening dining.
Lobster Inn Motor Lodge (115 Beach Rd, t +64 3 319 5743) – upstairs dining room offering wonderful views.
Pipi’s Restaurant & Café (80 Beach Rd, t +64 3 319 7160) – seafood restaurant with fast lunchtime service and relaxed evening dining.

Where to Drink

Cosy Pub

Lobster Inn Motor Lodge (115 Beach Rd, Kaikoura, t +64 3 319 5743) – tavern and sports bar.
The Pier Hotel Pub & Café (1 Avoca St, Kaikoura, t +64 3 319 5037) – great selection of local wines, boutique beers and espresso.

Coffee Fix

Hislops Wholefoods Café (33 Beach Rd, Kaikoura, t +64 3 319 6971) – fresh high-quality organic food and espresso coffee.
Café Encounter (96 Esplanade, Kaikoura, t + 64 3 319 6777) – great coffee, breakfast or lunch.

Did you know?

Notable Culture

Evidence suggests that 800 – 1000 years ago the Kaikoura region was an important Moa hunter settlement, heavily populated by Maori. At least 14 pa sites have been identified. For an authentic taste of Kaikoura’s Maori culture, contact Maori Tours Kaikoura.

Websites to Check Out

www.kaikoura.co.nz
Kaikoura Travel Information

Sights

Watching giant Sperm Whales surface near your boat against a backdrop of forested coastal mountains.

Seal colonies alongside the road – you can take a guided tour and snorkel with them, but beware of approaching them without expert guidance.

Action

Go swimming with huge pods of Dusky Dolphins year-round.
Walk the Kaikoura Coast Track – this three-day, 43km walk features spectacular views and comfortable cottage accommodation. Bookings essential.

Relax

Feast on the local specialty – seafood, from crayfish to mussels – in an atmospheric local restaurant.

Take a stroll around this appealing seaside village, checking out the Kaikoura Museum and exploring the pebbly beach.

THE experience

Whale watching off the coast is the ultimate Kaikoura experience. Conditions in this area mean marine life is abundant. Within 1km of shore, the Hikurangi Trench slopes to a depth of 900m. The trench, combined with a mix of cool and warm ocean currents, provides an ample supply of squid, sharks and fish – favoured foods of Sperm Whales. 15 different species of whale have been seen off Kaikoura, along with dolphins and seals.