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About Kaikoura – "Where The Mountains Meet The Sea"

Kaikoura is situated on the rugged east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, forming part of the Alpine-Pacific triangle touring route. The seaside settlement of Kaikoura sits on a rocky peninsula that juts out from the majestic Kaikoura mountain range, which is snow-capped for many months of the year. Few places in the world can boast of such natural wonders as those offered by land and sea in Kaikoura.

Renowned for whale-watching, Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where these magnificent creatures can be seen all year round. Kaikoura is an eco-tourism playground with an abundance of marine and birdlife.

Scenic flights

Helicopter or Fixed Wing Aircraft visitors can view the breath-taking Kaikoura mountains from above, fly over the rocky peninsula and seaside township, and maybe even land atop a snow-capped Mount Fyffe.

Activities

Spend a couple of days exploring underwater caves formed over 2 million years ago; for the more adventurous take a 4-wheel drive bike or Argo through hill-country farmland. Visit the Kaikoura Winery where you can "sample" wine while drinking in unobscured views of the vast Pacific ocean. See stags with antlers, hinds with fawns in among native bush; learn about and participate in Maori protocol in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where you will visit ancient "pa" sites. Go horse-trekking; charter a fishing boat and try your luck with "potting" Kaikoura’s famous crayfish (rock lobsters), or drop in a line to catch a variety of fish species. Swim with dolphins and seals; view a variety of seabirds that inhabit the coastline from the tiny diving petrel to the giant royal albatross; go white-water rafting or surfing just 10 minutes drive from Kaikoura. In fact, have lots of fun while you explore the many natural "wonders" of Kaikoura.

Walking

Kaikoura has a number of spectacular scenic walks. In particular, the Peninsula Walk (from the seal colony to the picturesque village of South Bay) is one of the most popular walks in New Zealand. Allow yourself 4 hours to ramble over the clifftop one way and wander back along the shoreline where you will be forced to step around fur seals basking lazily in the sun while digesting their "catch of the day".

Golfing/Skiing

Situated on SH1 and just 5 minutes drive is the Kaikoura Golf Club. A well laid-out 18-hole course where clubs and carts can be hired on a daily basis. A 50-minute drive takes you to Mount Lyford skifield, which promotes itself as New Zealand’s sunniest snow-park.

The Community

The residents of Kaikoura continue to maintain a strong community spirit. They take time to "smell the roses", watch their children play sport, assist each other in times of need, and believe that all visitors to their "haven in heaven" should be shown friendship and goodwill. Local services, such as coastguard, fire brigade and ambulance are manned by volunteers who contribute many hours of dedicated unpaid work to their community.

Green Globe 21

Kaikoura was the first New Zealand Green Globe certified community. The residents are strongly committed to recycling and to protecting their unique environment for themselves, their visitors and for future generations.

Your hosts have a wealth of local knowledge and will be happy to help you plan and book your holiday activities to ensure you have a memorable visit to this breathtaking area.

For further details please contact us.