About the location, Kaikōura
Few places on Earth possess the magic of Kaikōura. Many who visit leave transformed. It is a special part of New Zealand, imbued with powerful natural energy. A place where tectonic plates collide, towering peaks fall to the sea and ocean currents converge.
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 marine management area
The new 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 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 new whale sanctuary, fur seal sanctuary and marine reserve in Kaikōura please click on the following: Hikurangi Marine Reserve.
The link below highlights the new sanctuaries and marine reserve areas in Kaikōura.