Discover the Rugged Coast of Kaikōura
Kaikōura, located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is a remarkable destination where dramatic landscapes, rich cultural history, and incredible marine life converge. Nestled between the snow-capped Kaikōura Ranges and the deep Hikurangi Trench offshore, this small town in northern Canterbury offers more than just stunning views; it’s a place shaped by nature and resilience.
Marine Encounters That Inspire
Kaikōura is world-renowned for its whale watching tours, especially the chance to see sperm whales as it is one of the few places on Earth where they can be seen year-round. Dolphins, orcas, and dusky dolphins also frequent these nutrient-rich waters. Boat tours and scenic flights offer close-up views of these majestic creatures.
Coastal Walks and Scenic Beauty
Beyond the water, Kaikōura’s rugged coastline invites exploration. The Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway is a standout experience, stretching between the northeastern and southwestern ends of the peninsula. This well-maintained track offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, earthquake uplifted rock platforms and mountains. In addition, both the north and south sides of the peninsula have points of interest.
Exploring South Bay
South Bay is a place of contrasts. It begins as a wide, sweeping stony bay with fantastic views to the southwest and then transitions into a series of fascinating rock platforms as you move toward the southeastern tip of the peninsula. These platforms, uplifted by earthquakes, are best explored at low tide. You can park at the reserve at the end of the road and wander across the sun-bleached rocks, where geology and marine life are on full display.
North Side Sand
The north side is similarly dominated by a broad stony beach, with outstanding views of the Kaikōura Range. However, there is a small sandy beach near the main road that provides an excellent swimming spot and a welcome change from Kaikōura’s predominantly stony beaches. It's a favourite among locals and visitors for a laid-back beach experience.
A Land of Deep Māori Heritage
Kaikōura has been home to Māori for centuries. Its name means "eat crayfish", reflecting the area's abundance of seafood and the long-standing importance of kaimoana to local Māori. This area served as a vital seasonal settlement and trade route, where Māori harvested resources from both the sea and land. The Ngāti Kuri hapū of the Ngāi Tahu iwi are the tangata whenua with long ancestral ties to the region.
European Arrival and Whaling Legacy
European settlers began arriving in the early 1800s, initially drawn by the whales as a source of oil. Kaikōura soon became a major whaling station, with both onshore and offshore operations. As whale numbers declined by the mid-1800s, the town shifted its economy toward fishing and farming. Echoes of this colonial past remain in the town’s heritage buildings and maritime history.
Earthquakes and a Shifting Landscape
Situated near major tectonic plate boundaries, Kaikōura’s landscape has been dramatically shaped by earthquakes over time. The offshore Hikurangi Trench owes its formation to this tectonic activity, which creates the deep-sea environment that draws whales so close to shore.
In 2016, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake uplifted large parts of the coast by up to two metres. This reshaped the shoreline, especially around the Kaikōura Peninsula, where wide rock platforms now lie exposed and sun-bleached, stark reminders of nature’s power and the town’s resilience. Today, these uplifted areas are not only geological landmarks but also unique places to explore tidal marine life. Walk around the platforms to discover a kekeno (fur seal) colonny and an extraordinary mass of noisy nesting seabirds.
Getting to Kaikōura
Kaikōura is on State Highway 1, which connects Christchurch in the south to Blenheim in the north.
Once in Kaikōura, the Peninsula Walkway and local wildlife experiences are just minutes from the town centre. Be sure to take time to visit the seal colonies, enjoy fresh seafood, and watch the sunrise over the Pacific. As a further adventure, take the scenic Inland Road, which skirts the edge of the Seaward Kaikoura Range, then the Amuri Range, on the way to Hamner Springs, Lewis Pass and Christchurch.
