Kaikoura

Kaikoura Regional Information

At the township of Kaikoura, halfway between Christchurch and Picton, the mountains meet the sea. Excavations have provided evidence that the region was a moa hunting settlement more than 800 years ago. The first European settlers there were whalers in 1842, who established a settlement which flourished through whaling, farming and agriculture.

The area is a mecca for marine life because of the converging sea currents and continental shelf formation. The convergence of warm and cold currents here creates an upswell which draws nutrients from the sea floor to the surface. The town's main attractions are its living ones: sperm whales, Hectors dolphins, dusky dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, albatross, penguins and fur seals have all made the waters off the Kaikoura coast their home. These wonderful creatures can be viewed by cruise and scenic flight. Swimming encounters with dolphins and seals are also on offer from Kaikoura.

There are many walking tracks in the area surrounding Kaikoura, exploring the mountains of the Kaikoura Ranges behind the town and the area along the shoreline. The popular Mount Fyffe Track takes hikers on a winding journey up the mountain, offering panoramic views of the Kaikoura Peninsula from its summit. The Kaikoura Peninsula walkway follows the seashore to a seal colony, interesting limestone formations and the site of a seabird colony.

Navigate with our great Kaikoura map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Kaikoura weather.

For more information on Kaikoura, visit the regional information site.