About Kaikoura
kaikoura ( KAI .. food KOURA .. crayfish )
Kaikoura (KAI .. food KOURA .. crayfish)
Kaikoura has long been a special place steeped in Maori history and tradition as well as a popular eco tourism destination for visitors from all over the world. This is not surprising when you consider the relaxing atmosphere, stunning scenery, rich marine life, fine weather and it's position on the shores of the South Pacific Ocean, all set against a backdrop of the rugger, often snow capped Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range.
It is a wonderfully unique, picturesque and popular holiday resort.
Kaikoura is a world famous feeding ground for one of the grandest creatures on earth, the giant Sperm Whale. All year round the Kaikoura coastline is graced by the presence of these majestic and graceful masters of the deep ocean, which makes Kaikoura an ideal meeting place for wildlife and people alike.
Tucked in the shelter of a peninsula jutting out into
the Pacific Ocean, from the foot of the towering 2600 metre high Kaikoura
Mountain Ranges, Kaikoura Township has much to offer. For those who wish to rest, just relax and
enjoy the magnificent scenic views of mountain and ocean panoramas, or absorb
some of the history of the area at places such as the Kaikoura Museum, Fyffe House or
the Maori Leap Caves.
There are also numerous handcraft galleries to visit where you can see crafts as diverse as jewellery, stone carving or pottery.
The Garden of Memories, reserves in the Puhi Puhi valley, under Mount Fyffe and at the Ohau Waterfall along with the foreshore tables and kilometres of rugged coastline provide numerous picnic sites. There is a swimming pool on the foreshore and safe swimming beaches at Gooches Bay, Jimmy Armers or South Bay. For the more active, venues are available for skate boarding, surfing, golf, tennis, bowls, or squash all year round as well as skiing at Mount Lyford during the winter.
From the sea to mountain top, there are activities suitable for people of all ages and interests to enjoy.
Adventures such as whale watching by sea or air, Maori culture tours, scenic flights, seal & dolphin swimming, bird watching, fishing & scuba diving from boat or shore, sea kayaking, horse treks, farm tours, rafting, mountain biking, 4-wheel drive trips, bush and coastal walks, serious tramping and hunting are offered by experienced operators.
Opportunities are everywhere, to take those holiday photos that will make your friends envious on returning home.
The climate, although influenced by the mountains, is moderated by the effect of the sea. Lying in the ‘sun belt’ of New Zealand, Kaikoura can boast of an average of over 2000 sunshine hours a year. In the winter the high mountains are snow clad, adding to the splendour of the views.
For more information, maps and pictures of Kaikoura and wildlife continue to explore www.thekaikouraguide.com
So visit us and share the beauty that is nature’s playground, Kaikoura!