Kaikoura magic: Mountains to sea

There are few places on earth like Kaikōura, a small coastal town offering breathtaking views that will stop you in your tracks. The towering snow-clad mountains known as the Seaward Kaikōura Range 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 pf 2600 metres and the Kaikōura undersea canyon plunges to depths of over 1200m very close to shore; these two factors alone make Kaikōura unique and attract a wide range of marine and bird species.

Just off the coastline is the Hikurangi Trench, creating a unique upwelling phenomenon that attracts an abundance of marine life all year round.

From majestic sperm whales to playful dolphins, curious fur seals, and an array of seabirds, Kaikōura offers you unparalleled opportunities for wildlife encounters.

Local tour operators offer the chance to watch whales, dolphins, seabirds and many other species of marine life daily, go by boat with Whale Watch Kaikōura; by plane or helicopter, or by land.

With wetsuits provided, visitors can even join dolphins in their ocean environment with Dolphin Encounter.

Kaikōura is also renowned worldwide as a birding hotspot; within just a small area, you'll meet one of the greatest varieties of seabirds and pelagic birdlife you'll find anywhere.

The Hutton’s shearwater is an endangered seabird endemic to Kaikōura; the only place in the world that this species breeds is high in the Seaward Kaikōura Range at elevations between 1200m to 1800m.

The passionate team at Albatross Encounter love taking guests out to view the vast array of marine birds off the Kaikōura coast.

Kaikōura’s coastal location presents breathtaking natural landscapes that will leave you in awe.

The town is framed by majestic ranges, offering a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

The combination of rugged mountains, sweeping coastal cliffs, and pristine beaches creates a beautiful setting that is ideal for hiking, photography, and immersing yourself in the wonders of nature.

The diversity of landscapes in such close proximity makes Kaikōura a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

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Prefer to be on land? Glenstrae 4WD farm tours offers quad biking on a working beef and sheep farm with some exhilarating views; or visit a lavender farm; or have a round of golf; or go llama trekking.

Enjoy a slower journey? There are many walking tracks to enjoy, or explore Kaikōura’s history at Fyffe House and the museum.

Looking for a refreshing treat? Visit Lavendyl Lavender Farm and try the homemade lavender- infused ice cream.

Kaikōura also offers spectacular mountain bike trails to explore the varied majestic landscapes from rugged coastlines to mountain ranges. Tracks for all levels of experience range from casual family trails to challenging climb adventures.

Biking in Kaikōura is seen as an excellent way get around town, explore the area’s varied landscapes, and, for the more experienced, a way to get a full workout. Middle Hill Mountain Bike Park is a must, offering a range of intermediate to advanced trails not to be missed.

The town's coastal waters yield an abundance of fresh, succulent seafood, and many restaurants offer seafood-focused menus.

Indulging in a meal of freshly caught crayfish or sampling other local delicacies is an experience that will delight your taste buds and provide a true taste of Kaikōura's coastal bounty.

Try the popular Catch & Cook experience. Catch your own kai moana (seafood) with a few fun-packed hours on the ocean with Top Catch Charters. Back on shore, spend the afternoon at Hapuku Kitchen with the team and learn the skillful art of preparing and cooking your own fresh catch before sitting down with a glass of local wine or beer, to enjoy your well-earned feast.

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Quality dining choices abound to suit any requirement whether you are eating in or dining out.

From takeaways to cafes to upmarket restaurants, indoor or outdoor, there’s a place to satisfy everyone with a wide range of choices to cater to any palate.

Accommodation in Kaikōura is extensive, ranging from campgrounds, backpackers and hostels, through to bed and breakfasts, farm-stays, self-contained units, lodges, motels, apartments, motor-inns and hidden gems such as the Pure Pods glass eco-cabins.

Situated in a vast landscape with perfect views of the mighty Seaward Kaikōura Range, Pure Pods is only 20 minutes inland from Kaikōura.

Seeking ocean views during your stay? Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel is perfect, or the Sudima Hotel or Clifftop Cabins. Whether it be for a short break, weekend away, long holiday with the family, or a romantic getaway, Kaikōura has a place for you to stay.

Kaikōura’s location and great weather lends itself to events orientated around the outdoors, fun and the wonderful landscape.

Annual events worth taking part in include the Kaikōura Adventure Race in April, the Annual 48 Hours in Kaikōura Photography Competition in late July/early August, and the Kaikōura Hop classic car show in September. Keep an eye on the events calendar when you are travelling through, to discover what’s happening when.

Kaikōura is located between Ōtautahi Christchurch, 2.5 hours’ drive to the south, and Picton 2 hours north.

The drive along State Highway 1 on the Kaikōura coastline is regarded as one of the country’s most scenic drives. Now with the addition of sites showcasing stunning cultural artworks that tell the rich local history, this stretch of the highway has become a destination in its own right.

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The artworks, together with seven safe stopping areas, were created as part of the rebuild after the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake.

Each stopping area has artwork with an interpretation panel giving a brief history and its cultural significance. Included are intricate graphics relating to a corresponding whakataukī (proverb) in te reo Māori. The corten steel design down the side of each panel relates to that area as do plantings with locally sourced native seeds and plants.

The cultural artwork trail is an invitation to explore the rich coastal history through art for locals and visitors alike; to stop and take in the stunning views; to reflect on and learn about the stories of this special part of the country.

Self-drive visitors can also make the most of this beautiful area and enjoy Kaikōura as part of a multi-day scenic drive on the Alpine Pacific Touring Route.

This route links Kaikōura with Hanmer Springs Alpine Village and Waipara Wine Region through to the city hub Otautahi Christchurch. It’s 450km of spectacular scenery with Kaikōura at the heart of it.

We invite you to discover what makes Kaikōura so unique, a place that’s one of a kind; unlike anywhere else.

Head to www.kaikoura.co.nz to plan your next getaway.

CAPTION:

9 photos for Kaikoura section, Our Backyard, Nov 17 2023. Dolphin Encounter, Whale Watching, Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel, Mountains to the Sea, Cycle Trail, Middle Hill Mountain Bike Park, Glenstrae, Paparoa Point, Glenstrae. KAIKOURA.CO.NZ/

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