Discover the magic of Kaikōura
Take the Coastal Pacific to the picturesque town of Kaikoura, where mountains meet the sea and wildlife outnumbers the locals!
Few places in the world can boast of such natural wonders as those offered in Kaikōura. The dramatic landscape of a town between the Kaikōura Ranges and the South Pacific Ocean make this a year-round destination.
Marine Habitat
Below the surface, Kaikōura is home to an abundance of marine animals and rare undersea phenomena such as the Hikorangi Trench. This 3km deep canyon stretches across the ocean floor, allowing Kaikōura to be one of the few places in the world where you can see Sperm Whales so close to shore.
Kaikōura is the ultimate Eco-tourism destination; with the local community leading the charge in conservation and sustainability. As a result, Kaikōura is the first destination in the Southern Hemisphere to achieve Earth Check Platinum Accreditation.
Things to do in Kaikōura
As an all-season destination Kaikōura has something for everyone, here are some of our top picks.
Where to Stay in Kaikōura
Accommodation in Kaikoura ranges from unique luxury to backpacker basic.
A short walk from Kaikoura station and you will find accommodation to suit any holiday style. From campgrounds and backpackers, lodges, motels, apartments and more you will easily find the perfect place to stay.
If you have transport and are willing to venture out of the township you have the choice of some idyllic rural retreats such as Hapuku Lodge and PurePods. Set in the mountains these luxurious escapes will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Kaikōura Transport
When it comes to getting around, most places in Kaikoura can be reached by foot.
To get from the train to your hotel or accommodation, it is worth asking your hotelier for their recommendation (often they'll offer to pick you up!).
For many years, Kaikoura Shuttles have been the go to option for taxi services and transfers. If you need collecting or dropping at the station, then we recommend pre-booking. They have cars, people carriers and mini-buses available, and can easily cope with groups and families.
Kaikoura Shuttles also offer daily tours of the lavender farm, Fyffe House, Point Keen seals and peninsula walks.
To have the freedom of a vehicle and explore further afield, think about hiring a rental car - just ensure you plan your journey in advance.
The station, also home to Whale Watch Kaikoura, is your stop on The Coastal Pacific train journey. The Coastal Pacific train runs between Christchurch and Picton – gateway to the South.
When at the station, have a look at the sculpture by internationally known artist Ben Foster. KiwiRail commissioned this piece to recognise the immense impact of the Kaikoura Earthquake on the railway line. Mr Foster says the piece is designed to remind those viewing it that change is a constant, and to communicate the power of nature.
Scenic flights and charters are available here. For domestic and international services see Christchurch International airport.
Kaikoura History
Kaikoura has seen it all from the days of Te Rauparaha, whalers, farmers, pioneers and timber millers to the growth of roads, shipping and coach services. As a buzzing tourist town famous for whale watching and seafood Kaikōura has been thrown into the public consciousness for other reasons, all at the hands of Mother Nature.
At two minutes past midnight on November 14, a fault zone ruptured 15 kilometres below Culverden. Over the following hundred seconds, the earth unzipped, and under the light of the moon, Kaikōura changed.
Along a 120-kilometre stretch of the Kaikōura coast, 80 kilometres lifted clear out of the water, permanently altering the seabed and leaving sea creatures breathless and exposed. Landslides dammed rivers and destroyed roads and railways. Weighing in at magnitude 7.8, the Kaikōura earthquake was the equal second-largest in New Zealand’s recorded history—only the 8.2 Wairarapa shake in 1855 surpassed it. The Kaikoura Earthquake was better documented and measured than any natural event in our history.
As the people of Kaikoura rallied together and opened their hearts, homes and kitchens the rebuilding of the road, rail and livelihoods started. The Railway alone has been one of the biggest rebuilds since World War II. With freight trains now running and the opening on SH1, business is back to usual after months of rebuilding and adapting. Talk about success out of misfortune – another great reason to pay this town a visit!
Whaling in Kaikōura began in the 1840s, quickly becoming the area's main industry. The town's natural bays served as ideal bases for shore stations, where whalers processed their catch. Initially targeting right whales for their oil and whalebone, the industry peaked in the mid-19th century but declined by the 1920s due to overhunting and the advent of petroleum products. This history has shaped Kaikōura's cultural and economic landscape, transitioning from whaling to conservation and whale watching, highlighting the town's deep connection to these majestic marine mammals.
Kaikoura Railway Station
Located at the Whale Watching Experience, Kaikoura's Railway Station is accessible by foot from the centre of its quaint town.