Our Home, Kaikōura
The Kaikōura coastline took its name from Tama ki te Rangi, an early explorer in the time of Tamatea Pōkai whenua, who decided to explore the South Island. On his way from the North Island, Tama ki te Rangi stopped in the area now known as Kaikōura and ate some of the crayfish that populate the area, over an open fire. From Tama ki te Rangi’s feast on crayfish, the area was named, Te Ahi Kaikōura a Tama ki te Rangi – the fires where Tama ki te Rangi ate crayfish
There are few places on earth like Kaikōura, a small coastal village that has 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 are 2600m and the undersea canyon plunges to depths of over 1200m very close to shore, these two factors alone make Kaikōura incredibly unique. There are not many places where you can be on top of a snow-capped mountain in the morning, whale watching or dolphin / seal swimming in the afternoon and then taking in a gorgeous sunset while feasting upon fresh seafood from the very ocean you are sitting beside.
This place captivates all who visit, you can’t help but be in awe of nature’s wonders both on land and out sea.
Kaikōura is located on the East Coast of the South Island between Ōtautahi Christchurch and Picton. Ōtautahi Christchurch is 2.5 hours’ drive to the south of Kaikōura and Picton is 2hrs to the north. Whether you are self-driving, taking the Coastal Pacific train or travelling on a bus between destinations, a stop off in Kaikōura will not disappoint
Such rare combinations lure an abundance of marine wildlife, the most famous being the Giant Sperm Whale. It was a whale that led the Māori ancestor Paikea to New Zealand many centuries ago. His descendants live in Kaikōura today. Fittingly, the whale continues to guide the people of Kaikōura and the visitors they host.
Kaikōura is one of New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destinations offering a variety of exciting experiences. Despite the recent rise in visitor numbers, the town retains much of its historical charm. Many types of accommodation, cafes and restaurants can be found.
Fresh local seafood is always on the menu. The retention of the town's distinctive character has made Kaikōura extremely attractive to artists. Their work, inspired by the remarkable landscape and wildlife, can be seen all over town.
Kaikōura Te Tai o Marokura Marine Management Area
The Kaikōura Marine Management Area developed to conserve Kaikōura’s whales, dolphins, seals, albatrosses, rock lobster, shellfish and finfish was formally opened by Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith on the 6th of August 2014.
Great news for the beautiful marine life that we have off the Kaikōura Coastline providing us with New Zealand's first Whale and Seal Sanctuaries and deepest Marine Reserve.
For more information about the whale sanctuary, fur seal sanctuary, marine reserve etc. in Kaikōura please click on the following: