Kaikoura New Zealand is the Canterbury region’s most northern district. It can be accessed easily by car from Christchurch, with a 2.5 hour journey. Picton Port is to the north, a two hour drive away, where ferries to Wellington are available. The region of North Canterbury can be explored by self drive tourists along the Alpine Pacific route. This links the town with the wine region of Waipara and Hanmer Springs.
There are not many areas of the world that offer sights as breathtaking as Kaikoura’s. This beautiful coastal town is an ideal location for walks, marine life experiences and devouring a plate of mussels. The town’s scenery is awe inspiring — it lies between the Pacific Ocean and the rocky Seaward Range. With snow covered mountains in the winter, the landscape looks truly dramatic. Local Maori tourist guides can shed light on the town’s indigenous history.
Kaikoura’s most well known hiking trail is the Peninsula walkway. This pristine coastal trek boasts amazing views of the nearby mountains, the sea, and the animals that populate the region. Anyone can complete this trek, but be mindful that it includes high cliffs. Therefore, family groups should take extra care. Dogs are not allowed on the majority of the trail either. The journey can be started in South Bay, or in Point Kean – straight after a seal colony visit. Walk the trail along the sea in one direction, then visit the clifftops on the way back. You will get incredible views of the headlands and coast, with plenty of places to take a break along the way. The trail can be completed in roughly three hours altogether.
In most parts of the world, whale sightings are a rare occurrence — however Kaikoura’s whales are much more visible. As the top marine life destination in New Zealand, and arguably the best place in the world for watching whales, tourists have a ninety-five percent chance of seeing a giant sperm whale. The same applies to orcas, dusky dolphins and humpback whales — to name just a few.
Finally, Kaikoura New Zealand has some of the country’s most picturesque beaches, which are completely free to use. One beach just a stone’s throw from the town has great alpine views that provide a unique backdrop. Black Pebbles beach, to the north, is nice for taking a stroll on. This beach is extremely tranquil and sunbathing seals are not an unfamiliar sight.
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