Coast North of Kaikoura

 While Kaikoura is a stunner in anyone’s book, not all activities need to involve a lot of expense. We here at the Kaikoura Guide, along with all of our advertisers, would love for you to stay a little longer and really explore the Kaikoura region’s natural beauty and attractions.

Whether you are traveling with a friend, on your own or with your family, there are so many features to see around Kaikoura that 1 or 2 days is not enough time… So extend your stay, or plan another trip to check out the Coasts… both North and South of Kaikoura. Here’s a little of what you can expect on the North Coast.

The drive north on State Highway 1 from Hapuku to the small town of Ward offers some of the most scenic coastline that travelers will see anywhere in the world.

10kms north of Kaikoura is Factory Road, a small gravel road leading to the settlement of Hapuku, the location originally intended for the development of the township of Kaikoura.

At Hapuku there is the original Dairy Factory, which has been converted to a funky dwelling. Around the turn of the century, this building housed the dairy processing plant for the region.

Next to the Factory you’ll find Hapuku Carriages, a Bed and Breakfast with a difference, with accommodation in beautifully restored Railway Carriages. These exceptionally presented Carriages catered for couples and feature an outdoor bath. There is also a Kiwiana gallery with loads of old Kiwi collectables for sale. Well worth a visit!

Head 300 meters north to Hapuku Olives, where Phil and Jane Richardson produce and sell the finest olive oil in the region. Used by the top Kaikoura restaurants, you won’t buy finer Olive Oil anywhere!

Continue up Old Beach Rd to State Highway 1, turn right and over the Hapuku River bridge is Puhi Puhi Rd, a tree lined winding trip up the banks of the Puhi Puhi River. 7 kms up the road is Puhi Puhi Reserve, a popular camping site with easy access to the river.

1 km further north up State Highway 1 is Antlers and Views, the Deer Farm Park of Dave and Christine Mackie. This attraction provides an opportunity for a close up view and tour of a working deer farm with spectacular mountain and ocean views.

Another 500m brings the traveler to Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses , with some of the most innovative architectural design in New Zealand. Set amongst stands of manuka and other natives, this accommodation is amongst the best in the region. The restaurant at Hapuku Lodge offers fine dining…reservations essential.

Kiwa Rd diverts off State Highway 1 approximately 1 km North of Hapuku Lodge. Drive past the Maori cemetery or urupa and you come to the Graveyards surf Break. A further 2km brings you to Meatworks, a surf break named after the site of the original meatworks in the area. Next is Seaward Pottery and Accommodation … very cool and rustic… check in with Juanita, one of the regions local identities and a fantastic potter.

Back to State Highway1 and Surfwatch Accommodation and Garden Tour . Dave and Lynn Robinson have one of the most spectacular properties in NZ with very funky, self contained accommodation featuring NZ Macrocarpa carvings in all buildings.

Around the corner is Mangamaunu, one of NZ’s best right hand point surf breaks. Check the standard of the locals… they are laidback, respectful and very friendly. Mangamaunu host one of NZ’s premier surf competitions each year...the O’Niell Cold Water Classic. You can buy yourself a piece of the NZ paradise just down the road at Mangamaunu Bay .

Family fun at Irongate Stream… slide down the waterfall into the deep pools below. Just a short walk up from the highway. A great picnic spot.

Drive 3 km from Irongate to Nins Bin . NZ’s original crayfish caravan. Have a chat with Rod or Shelley while you order your crayfish… they certainly have seen plenty in their 30 years on the side of the road. There’s great snorkeling for the kids behind Nins Bin in the right conditions.

Next up is the Okiwi Bay Track... for Mountain Bikers and Walkers . An intermediate grade track for mountain bikers with sensational views. Walkers can take the 6 hour trip to Okiwi Bay or turn back to the car after an hour of fantastic NZ bushwalking.

Ohau Point Seal colony is a must stop. The mothers nurse their young up the Ohau Stream, just North of Ohau Point. Watch baby seals swim in the stream and under the waterfall at the right time of the year.

4km on from Ohau Stream is Okiwi Bay or Sandy Bay, a great spot to learn to surf. Contact Dave Lyons at Board Silly for your lesson. The sandiest beach around Kaikoura and another great picnic spot.

Camp out at Waipapa Bay campground and fish off the rocks or with Clarence Fishing Charters. Another 7km up the road is the Clarence River Bridge. Turn left after the bridge for more stunning scenery on the 15km drive to the upper Clarence Bridge. Through rolling hillside, this drive is truly beautiful. The river offers classic picnicking for the family, or for a closer encounter with the Clarence, contact Ben Judge at Clarence River Rafting for your South Island rafting experience.

Another 20km on to beautiful Kekerengu. Stay with Grant and Jill Abrahams in their beautiful Coastal Lodge Bed and Breakfast.

Kekerengu is the gateway to Sawcut Gorge, a 3 hour excursion with access from the Ure River Rd, north of Kekerengu. An easy walk with stunning limestone formations… a great day out!

7km north to the East Coast Inn for a well earned rest. Jim and Amy McDougall have a fantastic establishment, where you can be guaranteed a great meal for a great price. Meet the locals... they are huge fun… a real Kiwi country pub experience not to be missed!