Astonishing Nature and Energy 

Kaikoura is located on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island - about midway between Picton and Christchurch - on the Main Highway.

The town sits on a peninsula that juts out from the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges and these snow-clad mountains serve as a dramatic backdrop for the picturesque seaside village and rugged beaches.  The mountain range rises to heights of over 2,600 metres and under the sea are canyons and trenches that plunge to depths of 1,000 metres very close to shore.  This is a place where man can feel insignificant in the presence of nature's wonders.

Maori Occupation of Kaikoura - Hidden in the beauty of today's landscape are many relics of the past and stories waiting to be told. Maori people have inhabited the area for the last 800 to 900 years resulting in a rich history and culture.

The original Maori name for Kaikoura was 'Te Koha O Marokura' (The gift of Marokura).  Marokura was a God that shaped the shaped the underwater trenches and canyons, thus carving out a home for the many Whales, Dolphins and other sea life that live here today.

Stay a While - We think you should stay at least a WEEK to fully appreciate all that Kaikoura has to offer.  If you don't have enough time and can only manage a 2-3 day stay you can still fit in lots of awesome activities.

Kaikoura is world renowned for the variety of marine life that inhabits the coastline. Fur Seals, Sharks, Dolphins and an impressive variety of Sea Birds including albatrosses, provide visitors with a range of marine experiences that rival any other place in the world.
It's one of only a few places where you can view whales in their natural environment all year round as a resident pod of male batchelor Sperm Whales calls Kaikoura's waters home.    

In case your ocean based tour is cancelled it's a good idea to check out the other options so you have a back up plan.  Whale watching is also available by fixed wing aircraft and helicopter and back on land you can choose from an exciting array of activities like Horse Trekking, Farm Tours and Four Wheel Farm Bike tours.    If you like a bit of adventure then consider Tandem Skydiving or for something more relaxed stroll along the beachfront or into one of Kaikoura's many forest walkways. 

A pleasant half or full day can be spent visiting local artists and don't forget to drop in on the lavender farm.  A visit to the Kaikoura winery is the perfect place to relax and unwind following your fun packed day.    

For evening dining Kaikoura boasts a wonderful choice of restaurants and cafes and most serve the local delicacy Crayfish (lobster).  Or you may want to cook your own seafood caught earlier on one of the many fishing charter tours available.  And a must for any for any visitor is the night time tour to view the magnificent night skies over Kaikoura.  Our links page provides you with many options.

Getting There - Driving - Allow 2.5 hours from either Picton or Christchurch and 2 hours if you are travelling from Hanmer Springs. Contact us if you require driving times from elsewhere.

• Coach & Shuttle - Daily departures from Christchurch, Blenheim and Picton.
• A Shuttle service operates from Hanmer Springs - frequency variable depending on the time of year.
• Train - Daily departures from Christchurch at 7.00am and Picton at 1.10pm. The train journey is a particularly pleasant way to enjoy the Kaikoura coastline as it weaves it's way into the township.

Accommodation - There is a wide range of accommodation in Kaikoura and you can find something to suit most budgets. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment. For more specific information on accommodation and activities in Kaikoura, we suggest you check out our links page or visit:  www.kaikoura.co.nz