Kaikoura, Where the Mountains Meet the Sea

Fur Seal, Kaikoura
Photographer: Jason Hosking
(www.jasonhosking.com)

Kaikoura is a seaside settlement situated halfway between Christchurch and Picton (approximately three hours drive north of Christchurch).

Gateway to the Southern Ocean's Marine Mammal Sanctuary, Kaikoura is one of the rare places where you can see whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, penguins and many species of pelagic ocean birds in a single day.

In Māori, Kaikoura literally means 'to eat crayfish', be sure to pause at a local restaurant to enjoy this delicacy.

For further information about the Kaikoura region view our Kaikoura regional information section.