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Kaikoura Thumbnail

About

Kaikoura is a charming coastal town located on New Zealand's South Island, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and abundant marine wildlife. In Maori language, Kaikoura means "meal of crayfish", showcasing the town's rich seafood heritage. Although there is no recorded history of the town in the year 150, it was likely inhabited by Maori people who fished and hunted in the surrounding waters and forests. Today, visitors flock to Kaikoura for its thrilling whale-watching tours and opportunities to swim with dolphins and seals. The town also offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and surfing. Kaikoura's cultural and historical sites, including the Fyffe House and the Kaikoura Museum, provide insights into the town's Maori and colonial past. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a history buff, Kaikoura is a must-visit destination in New Zealand. Book your trip today and experience the magic of this charming coastal town.
Kaikoura
Canterbury

Discover the natural beauty and abundant wildlife of Kaikoura, a charming coastal town on New Zealand's South Island.

Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

Kaikoura
Beaches Lookouts Walks
   Observe seals and seabirds, explore historic pā and whaling sites and enjoy clifftop views of the sea and mountains.           Suitable for families, the whole walkway takes three hours but you can also explore a range of shorter tracks.

The walkway juts from the rugged east coast of the South Island, with a backdrop of steep mountains, snow-capped in winter. The area's wildlife includes whales, dolphins, seals, birds and crayfish. An impressive collection of information panels along the walkway explains the rich history, geology, animals and plants that make the area so special.

The track crosses the peninsula’s clifftop, with excellent views of the Seaward Kaikōura Range, ocean and coastline, to South Bay. It returns to the township via South Bay and Toms Track.

The track can be exposed in places. Stay on the formed track and supervise children and at all times.

To fully explore and enjoy the features of the walk, allow at least three hours to complete the whole walkway. 

 

 

Kaikōura town centre to Point Kean car park

Time: 50 min
Distance: 4.4 km

From the town centre, follow the footpath and road verge along The Esplanade, Avoca Street and Fyffe Quay to Point Kean. On the way, look out for the interpretation signs on The Esplanade opposite Brighton and Margate Streets, telling stories of 'Life on the edge', a community living by the sea — the land, the sea and the people.

Near Fyffe House, a sign details the early European settlement in Kaikōura. At nearby Armers Beach, the story tells of the importance this site holds for the local community, both past and present, for the shelter it provides.

At Point Kean carpark seals are likely to be present in the surrounding area. Most of the seals in the carpark are males. They may appear to be harmless – however, they are capable of becoming aggressive if disturbed and can inflict a nasty, infectious bite.

The seals on the rocky platforms out from the carpark are females and their pups. For your safety and to avoid disturbing the seals, remain atleast 20 m from any seal.

There are toilets at the carpark.

 

 

Point Kean car park to Point Kean viewpoint

Time: 5 min
Distance: 200 m

Walk up the hill from the car park to a lookout platform. This platform, designed in the shape of a waka, gives views of both the sea and the mountains. Interpretation panels provide stories of the land, the sea and the people who lived here.

From the carpark when the tide is low, you're able to explore the open tidal platforms. You may see wading birds, such as oystercatchers and reef herons, feeding on the platforms. Shags are common and blue penguins may be seen bobbing just offshore.

Just off the tidal platforms is an excellent diving and snorkelling area for those who want a closer look at the marine life.

 

 

Point Kean viewpoint to Whalers Bay viewpoint

Time: 25 min
Distance: 1.5 km

Beyond the lookout platform, follow the track along the clifftop for superb views of rugged cliff formations, tidal platforms and the Seaward Kaikōura Range.

An interpretation panel on this section of the walkway explains that, hundreds of years ago, the peninsula was forested with many species of native New Zealand trees and plants. Most of this vegetation was removed during successive waves of human development, leaving small, remnant outcrops of hardy shrubs and plants clinging to the steep cliff faces.

 

 

Whalers Bay side-trip

This track down a stairway follows a former whalers’ route down the cliff to the shoreline. A prominent feature in this area is known as 'the Sugarloaf'. Don't climb this landmark, to prevent further erosion.

View seabirds, seals, walkers, divers, crayfish floats and fishing boats. Out to sea, you may see scores of seabirds feeding frantically on small fish herded to the surface by bigger fish or dolphins.

Take care to avoid disturbing any wildlife along the shoreline as there are large colonies of birds in the area. These are particularly vulnerable to disturbance during the breeding season over summer.

Return back up via the same cliff track, as tides or seals along the shoreline may prevent you from returning to the carpark.

Interpretation on the clifftop overlooking 'the Sugarloaf' describes the point below as 'Bird City' – the largest red-billed gull colony in the South Island. From here, whalers kept a vigil over the sea, looking out for their quarry. Around the corner in Whalers Bay was the launching point for the whalers’ boats.

 

 

Whalers Bay viewpoint to South Bay viewpoint

Time: 20 min
Distance: 1.1 km

On the sea cliffs near this section of the walkway, is a new colony of Hutton’s shearwater behind a large predator-proof fence. In summer you may see large rafts of these birds sitting on the water.

At nightfall, after feeding at sea all day, they return to their breeding colonies high up in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. An interpretation panel explains the work being undertaken to establish a colony on the Kaikōura Peninsula.

 

 

South Bay viewpoint to South Bay carpark

Time: 15 min
Distance: 600 m

From the South Bay viewpoint, the walkway descends to a fully accessible path that leads to an information shelter and toilets at South Bay. Before descending to South Bay, you can view the tidal platforms and the view south. The interpretation panel here has a landscape profile identifying the mountain peaks and Goose Bay.

 

 

South Bay to Kaikōura town centre via Scarborough Street

Time: 1 hr 5 min
Distance: 3.9 km

From the South Bay shelter, return to Kaikōura town centre by following the marker posts along the coast towards the marina. Follow the marker posts to South Bay Parade and cross to South Bay Track, walk up the hill, cross Scarborough Street and walk down Toms Track to return to The Esplanade.

 

 

Other options/short walks

 

South Bay car park to Limestone Bay

Time: 5 min
Distance: 250 m

At South Bay, a fully accessible path from the carpark takes you to Limestone Bay. The elevated walkway above the tidal platform gives wonderful coastal views and allows you to smell the ocean and watch the birds.

 

 

Limestone Bay to South Bay viewpoint

Time: 10 min
Distance: 350 m

This climb up to a viewpoint on the clifftop rewards you with superb views of tidal platforms, cliff formations and Haumuri Bluffs to the south.

 

 

Getting there

The walkway starts from Kaikōura township. Kaikōura lies almost midway between Picton (154 km) and Christchurch (183 km) off SH1 on the east coast of the South Island. Regular bus and train services pass through the town.

There is no scheduled public transport from Kaikōura to the walkway but you may be able to arrange commercial transport.

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Point Kean Seal Colony

Point Kean Seal Colony

Kaikoura
Lookouts Attractions

New Zealand fur seals can usually be spotted lazing around on the rocks at the end of the peninsula. Give them a wide berth (10m), and never get between them and the sea – they will attack if they feel cornered and can move surprisingly fast. Since the uplift of the coastline during the 2016 earthquake, the seals have moved further from the road and car park, so keep a close eye on tides.

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Mount Fyffe

Mount Fyffe

Kaikoura
Lookouts Walks Attractions

Nestled within the Seaward Kaikoura Range on New Zealand's South Island, Mount Fyffe stands as an iconic symbol of rugged grandeur and untamed beauty. Located near the picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura, this alpine wonder beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts to explore its pristine wilderness.

The journey from Hanmer to Kaikoura sets the stage for your adventure, as you traverse scenic roads and capture glimpses of the captivating landscape that awaits. Upon arriving in Kaikoura, you'll embark on your ascent of Mount Fyffe, an exhilarating journey through diverse ecosystems, from dense beech forests to open alpine meadows. Hiking trails wind their way up the mountain, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. The panoramic views from the summit stretch across the Seaward Kaikoura Range, with the vast Pacific Ocean as a dramatic backdrop.

Mount Fyffe is not only a paradise for hikers but also a sanctuary for wildlife, including native tui, bellbirds, and the occasional cheeky kea, thriving amidst the alpine environment. Birdwatchers and photographers will be enthralled by the diverse avian life.

As twilight descends, the clear mountain skies of the Seaward Kaikoura Range provide an unparalleled opportunity for stargazing. Witness celestial wonders amidst the tranquility of the wilderness.

Whether you seek adventure, serenity, or a profound connection with nature, Mount Fyffe within the Seaward Kaikoura Range offers it all. It's a place where alpine exploration and untouched beauty combine to create an unforgettable destination in the heart of New Zealand's wild and majestic landscape, with a journey from Hanmer to Kaikoura that is just as captivating as the destination itself.

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Ecozip Kaikoura
from
$189
NZD

Ecozip Kaikoura

Kaikoura
Land

Views that leave you speechless, thrills that leave you breathless – this is Kaikōura like you’ve never seen it before. Your 3.5-hour eco-tourism adventure starts in the centre of town. At EcoZip’s home base, you’ll meet some of our legendary crew, who will prep you for your 15-minute scenic shuttle ride south, in air-conditioned comfort, to our “gear up” and staging location.

From there, you’ll be transferred to a custom-built Unimog 4X4 that will carry you through the intertwined freshwater streams of the Kahutara River, then onto Rakanui Station. Then, get set to zip! Clip into 2.2km of high-flying fun across five giant zip lines, where you’ll enjoy bird’s-eye views of the mountains and the ocean.

Throughout your journey, you’ll be accompanied by two of our expert, local guides, who will describe the history of the region, share stories of the local people and explain how your participation in the EcoZip experience is helping to restore sections of Rakanui Station’s farmland back to native forest.

Whether you’re searching for a family-friendly activity or an exhilarating adrenaline fix with friends – EcoZip is fast-becoming one of Kaikōura’s top-rated things to do.

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$29

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