Kaikoura
With a resident population of just under 4000, Kaikoura hosts over a million tourists every year to swim with dolphins, or encounter sharks, whales, seals, and seabirds. The undersea Kaikoura Canyon just off the coast is even home to the elusive giant squid.
The town is situated at the base of the Kaikoura Peninsula, with its scalloped limestone coastline providing breeding grounds for the New Zealand fur seal as well as sea birds, while the rich waters of the Hikurangi Trench just offshore draw the larger predators.
Inland from the town are the tall Kaikoura Ranges. At 2885m, Tapuae-o-Uenuku is the highest South Island peak outside the Aoraki / Mount Cook area. Mount Fyffe stands in the foreground at a modest 1602m. This area is incorporated into the new Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia Conservation Park.
Highlights
- Explore gull and seal colonies and limestone cliffs on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.
- Climb Mount Fyffe, a day or overnight walk with great views.
- Walk the classic [[2283|Kowhai - Hapuku Track]].
Accessibility
The South Bay end of the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is wheelchair accessible.
Visitor information
Kaikoura i-SITE
West End, Kaikoura
+64 3 319 5641
www.kaikoura.co.nz
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Maps
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NZTopo50-BT27
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