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Kaikoura, New ZealandKaikoura Scenic Highlights

Kaikoura | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Kaikoura is a popular tourist destination, offering a unique combination of ocean and mountains. Enjoy stunning coastal alpine scenery and a host of eco-tourism activities in Kaikoura.

Kaikoura Scenic Highlights Overview

The environment in Kaikoura is truly spectacular—the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape.

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Kaikoura Shoreline Walk

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Mountainscape in Kaikoura, New Zealand
Mountainscape, Kaikoura
Photographer: Rob Suisted
(www.naturespic.com)

The Shoreline Walk begins at Point Kean car park and follows the base of the cliffs across tidal rock shelves to South Bay. Fur seals, wading birds and nesting colonies of sea birds can be seen in this area. Further on the route passes spectacular limestone outcrops and sea caves before arriving at Atia Point, known locally as The Sharkstooth. More seals and sea birds may be encountered here, so proceed with caution.

Once around Atia Point, the route follows the foot of the cliffs to a junction with the Link Track. From here you can return via the Shoreline Walk, take the Link Track up to the Cliff Top Walk or continue through South Bay to the Nga Niho Pa track which ends on Torquay Street.

Hike Mount Fyffe

Another Kaikoura walking experience is the track up Mount Fyffe. You need to allow a whole day for this journey, but from the mountain's summit you can see forever—Banks Peninsula to the south and the North Island to the north.

Mount Fyffe is named for George Fyffe, a whaler who built Kaikoura's oldest remaining home—Fyffe House. This house is administered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and is open to the public.

The Pacific Coast Highway

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Roadside crayfish shop in Kaikoura, New Zealand
Roadside Crayfish Shop, Kaikoura
Photographer: Eric Napier
(www.lifeimages.co.nz)

This stunning driving route to Kaikoura wedges itself between the coastal mountain ranges and the ocean. Wide-open seascapes, rolling sand dunes and untamed beaches are flanked by rugged mountains.

Lake Grassmere is a man-made scenic highlight. The ponds of evaporating sea water (sometimes pink and purple) are New Zealand's main source of salt.

Check out the seal colony in the untamed isolation of Ward Beach or follow a side road for a back-country safari into the hinterland.

Useful Kaikoura Links

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Kaikoura Region Information

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Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.