Situated midway between Christchurch and Picton, the township of Kaikoura is located on a rocky peninsula protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains, on the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, is overlooked by majestic mountains, which are snow-capped for many months of the year. In the waters off the peninsula, a complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds making it an ideal place for getting 'close to nature'.
A town with it's own fasinating history, archaeological remains indicate that Moa Hunters inhabited the peninsula 900 years ago. The Maori name Kaikoura translates to 'meal of crayfish' (Kai – food, koura – crayfish), and it is crayfish for which the region has traditionally been famous. The area's abundant food sources attracted Maori settlement, and the remains of several pa sites can still be explored with a local Maori guide; tours can be arranged by Umfulana.
Today, Kaikoura offers a range of eco-tourism oriented activities such as whale watching, dolphin swimming, seal swimming, albatross watching, crayfish diving and star gazing.
Our Tours to This Region
 Highlights of New Zealand - in Style
South Island: Nature, Wildlife and Maori Culture
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| Kaikoura Peninsula - © Whale Watch Kaikoura |
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