Uniquely Kaikōura
There are few places on earth like Kaikōura, a small coastal town offering breath taking views that will stop you in your tracks. The towering snow-clad mountains known as the Seaward Kaikōura’s provide a stunning backdrop over the town centre which extends out to the Kaikōura Peninsula, where the waves of the Pacific Ocean roll in. These mountains rise to heights which are 2600m and the Kaikōura undersea canyon plunges to depths of over 1200m very close to shore, these two factors alone make Kaikōura incredibly unique and attract a
wide range of marine & bird species.
Local tour operators offer the chance to watch whales, dolphins, seabirds, and many other species of marine life daily, by boat, flight and by land. With wet suits provided, visitors can even join dolphins in their ocean environment with the crew from Encounter Kaikōura. Kaikōura is also renowned worldwide as a birding hotspot; within just a small area, you’ll meet one of the greatest varieties of seabirds and pelagic birdlife you’ll find anywhere! Such as the Hutton’s Shearwater which is an endangered seabird endemic to Kaikōura. The only place in the world that this species breeds is high in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges at elevations between 1200 to 1800m. Incredible! The diversity of what you can see and do is amazing. The following highlights the unique experiences that showcase Kaikōura from above, on & below the water.
To view Kaikōura’s 360-degree beauty from above you can go by fixed winged aircraft or by helicopter, each company convey during your journey their passion for this beautiful place. Whale Watching with Wings Over Whales by plane allows you and your customers to witness the animals’ natural beauty & behaviours from above. A scenic flight by helicopter, you can even do a snow landing when our beautiful mountains have a nice layer of snow on them.
For those who like to get closer to nature there is the option of going by kayak to see the curious NZ Fur Seals with Kaikōura Kayaks who have an incredible passion for what they do and will show you a fantastic time out around the peninsula.
Newly opened EcoZip Adventures is a must do with five, epic ziplines, ranging from 250m to 610m in length await. All up, you’ll ‘zip’ over 2.2km on a series of ziplines that deliver increasingly spectacular sea and mountain views. And their twin lines make this side-by-side adventure an exhilarating, shared experience.
When you cruise the stunning Kaikōura coastline with Dolphin Encounter, you get to enjoy incredible photographic opportunities, and observe one of the world’s most acrobatic species of dolphin! Or there is the option of getting up close and personal with the largest toothed cetacean – the sperm whale with Whale Watch Kaikōura. Whale Watch takes you on an unforgettable journey, in purpose-built vessels that provide great viewing and photographic opportunities.
Kaikōura is also renowned for its great fishing grounds, which anyone can enjoy by boat with a local fishing guide and the bonus is you get to take home your ready filleted catch to enjoy later that day. Kaikōura also offers a variety of spectacular mountain bike trails to explore the varied majestic landscapes from rugged coastlines to mountain ranges. There are tracks for all levels of experience ranging from casual family trails to challenging climb adventures. Biking in Kaikōura is seen as an excellent way get around town, explore the area with its varied landscapes, for the more experienced a way to get a full workout a visit to Middle Hill Mountain Bike Park is a must, they offer a range of intermediate to advanced trails not to be missed. Did you know that one of NZ’s best snow secrets, Mt Lyford ski field is 50mins inland from Kaikōura?
Accommodation in Kaikōura is extensive, ranging from campgrounds, backpackers, hostels through to the bed and breakfasts, farm-stays, self-contained units, lodges, motels, apartments, motor-inns and more. If you are looking for ocean views during your stay, then The Anchor Inn Motel is worth checking out. Your budget, whether it be for a short break, weekend away or long holiday with the family or for a romantic getaway, Kaikōura has a place to stay for you.
Kaikōura is a mecca for seafood lovers, with lots of fresh delicacies to try. Local specialties include groper, cod, mussels and of course the towns namesake – Crayfish (Lobster). Other delights such as oysters, scallops and whitebait are available in season. Our pick this winter is Coopers Catch located right in the CBD and is favourite for locals and visitors alike.
There are quality dining choices to suit any requirement whether you are eating in or dining out! From takeaways to cafes to upmarket restaurants, there’s a place to satisfy everyone. Indoor or outdoor, all have a wide range of meal choices to cater to any palate. The drive along State Highway 1 on the Kaikōura coastline has always been regarded as one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand.
However, now with the addition of sites showcasing stunning cultural artworks that tell the rich local history, this stretch of the highway has become a destination in its own right.
The works of art, together with seven safe stopping areas, were created as part of the rebuild that took place along the highway after the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. We invite you to discover what makes Kaikōura so unique – a place that’s one of a kind; unlike anywhere else.
Head to www.kaikoura.co.nz to plan your next getaway!
