Kaikōura is a delightful and walkable town of nature tourism nestled between the Seaward Kaikōura Range and the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. This coastal town on the northeastern tip of the South Island is famed for its abundant marine life and the striking contrast between its alps and ocean scenery.
Kaikōura's Thriving Marine Ecosystem
The name Kaikōura, roughly meaning "a meal of crayfish" in Māori, hints at the region's seafood heritage. The nutrient-rich upwelling currents from deep gullies and canyons that were formed by a drop in the continental shelf, create an environment teeming with life. Sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals thrive here. "Whale watching is a year-round activity, where the sight of these ocean giants set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks leaves an indelible mark on the memories of Kaikōura's visitors.
Mountains in Motion
Inland, the Kaikōura Range rises abruptly from the coast, creating a narrow corridor where the mountains seem to plunge directly into the sea. The region's dramatic geology is described as one of the fastest growing mountain orogenies on the planet. Orogenies are extended periods of mountain building, usually resulting from convergence of tectonic plates. Craggy cliffs and jagged peaks dominate the horizon, and underfoot, shell beds and the ocean floor now basking in the sunlight well above sea level after the 2016 earthquake! The Kaikōura earthquake left a visible mark on the land as well as raising parts of the seabed and altering the coastline by metres. A jarring reminder of the power of the natural forces in this region.
Hike Kaikōura, Sea to Summit
Wander the splendid coastal tracks of the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, views of the ocean and mountains. Or hike inland trails like the Kowhai-Hapuku Circuit leading into the heart of the range. This dryer eastern-forest system, with its diverse native bush and alpine terrain is a classic New Zealand backcountry walking experience.
Seafood, Art, and Easy Living
A hot-spot for seafood delicacies, eclectic art galleries, and vibrant cafés, Kaikōura has managed its economic transformation from seaside fishing village to one of the jewels in the crown of New Zealand tourism with grace and assurance, preserving its small town charm and open air environment. More so than perhaps anywhere else in the country, people and nature seem to have struck a remarkable equilibrium here in Kaikōura.
14 Days
