Kaikoura

From eTripTips Wiki

Kaikoura [1] (Pronounced: Kai-kou-ra) is a small coastal town on the east (or Pacific Ocean) coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Situated in southern coastal Marlborough about half way between Christchurch and Blenheim, this area of New Zealand is famed for its seafood. The town is an ideal rest stop on a section of State Highway 1 that passes through isolated country both north and south of the town.

In maori kai means eat and koura is crayfish (rock lobster). So Kaikoura is a place to eat crayfish.

[edit] Understand

Kaikoura lies on a narrow coastal plain between high mountains and the Pacific Ocean. In places along this coast the mountains drop almost straight into the sea, with barely enough flat land for a single railway line, two lane road and rocky beach to be accommodated and even then some short tunnels are needed on corners. The steepness of the mountains reflects the underwater geography as well and the continental shelf edge lies just offshore here. This causes the ocean around Kaikoura to be rich in sea life and attracts seals, whales (and humans) to the area to partake in the bounty of the sea.

[edit] History

The Maori settled in Kaikoura long before European colonisation of New Zealand and cultivated the coastal plain, planting kumera, a form of sweet potato.

Early European settlers used Kaikoura as a whaling station and the remains of pots used to render the whale blubber can be seen on the town foreshore.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By bus

A number of bus or shuttle services run from Picton to Christchurch. They will all stop at Kaikoura.

[edit] By car

Kaikoura is on State Highway 1, and you must pass through it if you are driving that route. Two hours drive north of Christchurch.

[edit] By train

Kaikoura is on the Scenic rail line between Picton and Christchurch. There is one train, but it stops at Kaikoura twice. It leaves from Christchuch in the morning, stops at Kaikoura on the way up to Picton, and then it stops again at Kaikoura on it's way back to Christchurch.

The train journey is fantastic with the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, the train follows the coast for the last part of the journey into Kaikoura and you can often see fur seals lazing on the rocks.

The station itself is on Whaleway Station Road (presumably named because Whale Watch Kaikoura operate out of the station).

[edit] By plane

Kaikoura Airport is a one of New Zealand's smaller airports. It's not an airstrip, as the runway is sealed for a smoother landing. Don't expect to join crowds of other passengers filing aboard a widebodied jet, or even a narrowbodied one. You'll fly in a plane the size of a compact car, where every seat has a window, or two, and a door as well. You might even get to sit alongside the pilot, so don't play with the controls! Oh, and you will have to carry your own bags, so pack well and don't have too much luggage; excess baggage doesn't fly.

[edit] Get around

[edit] See

• Whales, Seals

[edit] Do

• Go whale watching[.
• Surf - reef breaks and point breaks. Two surf shops in Kaikoura plus local surfboard manufacturer Surge Surfboards
• Take a fishing trip
• Kayak with seals and dolphins with Kaikoura Kayaks
• Swim With Dolphins
• Swim With Seals

[edit] Eat

• Crayfish

Fresh crayfish are on sale at Waipapa Bay Lobsters 32kms north of Kaikoura - Crays here are always fresh and are never frozen. There are outdoor tables where you are welcome to eat, or you can have them packed on ice should you want to eat them later in the day.

[edit] Drink

[edit] Sleep

• Lazy Shag Backpackers, 37 Beech Road.

Also consider Dusky Lodge along the main costal road; chilled out atmosphere, and fantastic hot tub / decking area, and swimming pool.

Waipapa Bay Camping Ground is a small camping ground 32kms north of Kaikoura where a warm welcome is guaranteed and the sunrises are spectacular. Dolphins are often seen from the camp, occasionally a whale cruises past, and there are resident seals. Fresh cooked crayfish are sold from here and registered campers get a $5.00 discount off each crayfish purchased. The camp is easily found as it's on State Highway 1 and there is a giant crayfish on the roof of the crayfish shop out front.

[edit] Get out

Travel north up the coast to the Kerehengu store, for a bite to eat, or a meal. The best restaurant for miles - hey, its the only restaurant for miles and has to be the best, so people will stop. Just far enough North, on your way to Picton, to justify pulling over for a rest break.

WikiPedia:Kaikoura

Dmoz:Oceania/New_Zealand/Marlborough_District/Kaikoura/