Kaikoura has a magic feel to it, with majestic snow capped mountains so close to the sea, and Kaikoura is one the best places to observe a wide range of wildlife.

Because the nutrient rich waters, it attracts one of the grandest creatures in the world - the giant Sperm Whale. These magnificent creatures are present all year round just off the coastline. These same waters also attract large pods of Dusky Dolphins, Bottlenose and Common dolphins. One of the smallest and rarest, the Hector Dolphin may also be seen swimming just off the shoreline. Fur seals, sea and land birds, bush and mountain creatures and plant life all go to make Kaikoura a popular destination for visitors from all over the world.

The region is famous for crayfish. The area's abundant food sources attracted Maori settlement, and the remains of several pa sites can still seen on the peninsula to this day. In 1770 Captain Cook first discovered the Kaikoura peninsula, believing it to be an island. The first shore whaling station was established in 1843, located near where Fyffe House still stands today. Other whaling stations soon followed, and at one stage the industry employed over one hundred men in the Kaikoura district alone. Whale numbers steadily declined after 1850 and the exportation of them became un-economic, leading whalers to turn to alternative means of existence, such as farming. Whaling continued sporadically until as recently as 1964 when the last of NZ' s whaling operations ceased.

Kaikoura's Record Breaking

• Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to encounter wild dolphins in their natural environment.
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  Kaikoura lies on a narrow coastal plain between high mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The mountains drop almost straight into the sea, with barely enough flat land for a single railway line, two lane road and rocky beach, so short tunnels are needed on some corners.
• The steepness of the mountains reflects the underwater geography and the continental shelf edge that lies just offshore. This causes the ocean around Kaikoura to be rich in sea life and attracts seals and whales to partake in the bounty of the sea.

Local Knowledge

Kaikoura has little to do if it rains. While whale & dolphin watching is still possible, it's not always as much fun. There aren't many shops and only a few restaurants. One of the few "indoor" things to do is to visit the old whaler's cottage (Fyffe House) on the way to the peninsula.

Getting Around

Kaikoura is on the TranzCoastal Scenic rail line between Picton and Christchurch. The train journey is fantastic with the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other with fur seals lazing on the rocks. Once in Kaikoura the easiest way around is by taxi.

Regional Attractions Accessible From Kaikoura

Kaikoura is also part of the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route which links three of New Zealand’s popular recreational destinations, Hanmer Springs, Waipara Valley wine region and Kaikoura. The easy and pleasant drive around the entire touring route is 370 kilometres.

Best Views

The best thing about Kaikoura is the scenery. There are some beautiful viewpoints, and a great place to get up for sunrise. The best views are from the "new" pier, and from the seal colony. Of course, the really best views in town are afforded on the Wings Over Whales tour.

Best Months

Kaikoura is in the "sun belt" so enjoys around 2000 hours of sunshine each year. Also the Sperm Whales are off shore all year round.

Clothing

Make sure to include sunscreen lotion, sunglasses and a hat, as the sun can be deceptively hot.

Shopping

Most shopping in Kaikoura is expensive, but some of the specialty goods are rather unique. For example the Possum & Wool Products shop in the main street. Possums were introduced from Australia, and NZ with so many ground dwelling birds (possums eat their eggs) is definitely not the habitat where possums belong. Consequently, there is a concerted effort to keep plague proportion possum numbers down.

Other Facts

Telephone Area Code: 03
Population: 3,800 (2008)
Local emergency contact number for all Police, Fire and St John Ambulances: 111

Activities

Day Tours in Kaikoura

Kaikoura's activities centre around whales, dolphins and seals. It can offer the visitor some great holiday experiences as outlined below:

	Whale Watching This tour is New Zealand's only marine-based whale watching tour offering an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale at all times of the year. This rare magic occurs just offshore from Kaikoura, where a deep undersea canyon combines with unusual sea currents to attract an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Sperm Whale.
	Wings over Whales Your 30 minute flight takes you over majestic Giant Sperm Whale preparing for its next dive & up to 500 Dusky Dolphins cavorting with each other. This magic occurs just offshore from Kaikoura, where a 1km plus, deep undersea canyon, combines with unusual sea currents to attract an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Sperm Whale.
	Kaikoura Dolphin Encounter Dusky dolphins are very gregarious and highly social, living together in pods, of 100 to 800 individuals in the Kaikoura region, all year round. In autumn and winter, pod sizes can even number in the thousands. Kaikoura is therefore one of the best places in the world to encounter wild dolphins in their natural environment.
	Kaikoura Kayaks The curious NZ Fur Seals are only a few paddle strokes away in the back yard of the Kaikoura Peninsula. Kaikoura Kayaks was created to feel the magic of Kaikoura's Marine Mammals. These Eco Friendly tours offer a safe, enjoyable, interactive trip, with little effort and a whole lot of good fun!

Things to do in Kaikoura

This list will assist you in accessing attractions and activities that Kaikoura has to offer.

Fyffe House - Historic Places Trust Rich in human history, the story of this area began with the arrival of the ancestors of today's Maori people. Hunting the southern right whale, Europeans arrived over 600 years later. Today this house, along with the stories it tells of a developing town and the three families that lived here, are all that remains of the "Waiopuka Fishery", Robert Fyfe's whaling station that was established in 1842.

Activities Outside Kaikoura

These activities are available around Kaikoura.

Off-road Kart Safari Put yourself in control of a 4 wheel Quad Bike. Challenge the terrain, we’ve got river crossings, mud, dust dirt & excitement. We give you the freedom to ride safely to the conditions and within your ability. Each trip has a guide along for peace of mind and your safety.

Hanmer Canyon Jet Boat Join us as we jet the entire length of Hanmer’s spectacular Waiau Gorge. Follow the contours of the steep canyon walls, pass within centimetres of rugged rocks and cliff faces, take in the magnificent scenery, then...hold on while you experience the famous Hamilton jet spin! Narrow gorges, braided shallows and white water rapids over 30km of exciting jet boating with spectacular scenery, makes it a wonderful experience.

Diary of Events in the Kaikoura Region

Coach Tours Which Include Kaikoura

The following fully escorted coach tours are our top 3 which include Kaikoura.

New Zealand Adventure It's logical to fly into Auckland, cover the North Island, then fly out of southern Christchurch after enjoying 18 days of fully guided coach touring. This special tour covers New Zealand's best highlights, with 4 cruises on the Bay of Islands, Interislander, Queenstown Paddle steamer and Milford Sound's fantastic Fiordland cruise. Contrast it with the hot, steaming landscape of geysers & mud pools, complimented with Maori native culture. Follow the longest river, see the highest mountain and stay in the capital of NZ. Spot wild dolphins, fur seals, whales and the world's largest gannet colony. Feast your senses at ski resort Queenstown, and then hike on the world's most accessible glaciers as they advance towards the sea. Finally take the world famous TranzAlpine Train across mountainous terrain to finish in the garden city of Christchurch.

Best of New Zealand Fully escorted coach touring to see New Zealand's many seasons from cruising the rugged rocky coastline, Kaikoura beaches, Maori native culture, glow-worm caves, Rotorua's geysers & hot mud pools, NZ's capital city, Interislander Cruise, fur seals & optional whale watching flight, touring past NZ's highest mountain, alpine scenic lakes, ski capital /pop_areas/nz/queenstown.htm, a tour of an historic castle, cruising on Fiordland past waterfalls & rock seals in Milford Sound, staying near icy glaciers and garden city Dunedin- all in 17 days.

Southern Discovery Starting in Wellington, New Zealand's capital, take the Interislander Cruise across the Cook Strait to Blenheim and then onto Kaikoura - the whale watching coast. Enjoy Christchurch by historic Tram, then head to the tallest mountain, Mt Cook, the Church of the Good Shepherd & the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. Enjoy a Scottish Haggis Ceremony in Dunedin and the Glow-worm Caves of Te Anau before cruising in Queenstown for dinner. Cruise out to Fiordland on fantastic Milford Sound to fully appreciate the majesty of this area. Touch the rare West Coast Glacier as it advances towards the sea and see jade stone being carved. Finish this 12 day coach tour in Christchurch.

Films Made in this Region

Perfect Strangers 2003, was filmed in nearby Blenheim.

Eating & Sleeping

Regional Specialties

Eat Crayfish - Fresh crayfish are on sale in Kaikoura - Crays here are always fresh and are never frozen. There are outdoor tables where you are welcome to eat, or you can have them packed on ice should you want to eat them later in the day.

One interesting local specialty is Kumara chips, made with a local sweet-potato variant and traditionally grown by maoris in the area. The kiwis are also good at making ice cream, and many places sell cones for fairly reasonable prices.