Kaikoura 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
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
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
Regional Information
Key information and facts about the Kaikoura region.
Activity Highlights
Major activities and attractions in the Kaikoura region.
Scenic Highlights
Major natural attractions in the Kaikoura region.
History
History of the Kaikoura region.
Kaikoura Tourism Operators
Choose from our accommodation, attractions, tours, transport or visitor information categories below to find a tourism operator in Kaikoura.
