Kaikōura

Kaikōura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish(opens in new window) (in the Māori language 'kai' means food, 'kōura' means crayfish). An easy two-hour drive north of Christchurch, Kaikōura makes for a great day trip or a fun stop on your way to Marlborough.

Kaikōura's environment is truly spectacular – the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape.

Kaikōura’s special talent is marine mammal encounters – whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops to explore.

• Go whale-watching by boat or air at any time of the year.
• Swim with or simply watch beautiful dusky dolphins on a dolphin encounter(opens in new window).
• See the night sky in perfect clarity with a Kaikōura Dark Sky Trust's self-guided stargazing tour(opens in new window). Kaikōura is an accredited as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, which means it is one of the best places in the world to go stargazing.
• For the best views in town, visit EcoZip Kaikōura(opens in new window). Aotearoa New Zealand’s newest zipline experience boasts five impressive ziplines, covering more than two kilometres. To commemorate each visit, a native tree is planted to help with the reforestation of the surrounding landscape.
• Take a bird watching tour to view seabirds, albatross, molly-mawks, petrels and many more.
• Meet the local indigenous people and experience Māori culture with Cultural Artwork Package(opens in new window).
• Kaikōura is best explored on foot with a great variety of coastal walks including Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway(opens in new window).
• There are mountain bike tracks(opens in new window) for all levels of experience ranging from casual family trails to challenging climb adventures.
• Enjoy spending quality time on a trek with the amazing, intelligent Llamas at Llama Trekking(opens in new window).
• For an inland adventure head off road with Glenstrae 4 Wheeler Adventures.(opens in new window) 

Functional facts:

Approximate population 3600, isite Visitor Centre, train station.