About Kaikoura

Welcome to Kaikoura

Kaikoura, meaning "meal of crayfish" in Māori, is a picturesque coastal town on New Zealand's South Island that has earned international recognition as one of the world's premier marine wildlife destinations. This unique location, where the dramatic Kaikoura Ranges plunge directly into the Pacific Ocean, creates an extraordinary marine ecosystem that supports an incredible diversity of wildlife.

The town's strategic position along the continental shelf, combined with nutrient-rich ocean currents, makes it a year-round haven for marine mammals including sperm whales, orcas, dusky dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals. This remarkable natural phenomenon, coupled with breathtaking alpine scenery, makes Kaikoura unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Māori Heritage

The area has been inhabited by Māori for over 1,000 years, with the Ngāi Tahu iwi (tribe) being the primary tangata whenua (people of the land). The abundant marine life, particularly crayfish (kōura), provided a rich food source that gave the area its name.

European Settlement

European whalers arrived in the 1840s, establishing Kaikoura as a whaling station. The town's whaling history is preserved in several historic buildings and museums, telling the story of this important industry that shaped the region's early development.

Modern Conservation

Today, Kaikoura has transformed from a whaling town to a whale-watching paradise, embodying New Zealand's commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism.

Unique Geography & Climate

Continental Shelf

Kaikoura sits above the Hikurangi Trench, where the continental shelf drops to depths of over 1,000 meters just a few kilometers offshore. This underwater canyon system creates upwelling currents that bring nutrients to the surface, supporting an incredible food chain.

Mountain Meets Ocean

The dramatic Kaikoura Ranges rise directly from the sea, creating one of the few places on Earth where snow-capped mountains and ocean waves can be seen in the same view. The highest peak, Mount Manakau, reaches 2,610 meters.

Temperate Climate

Kaikoura enjoys a temperate oceanic climate with mild temperatures year-round. Summer temperatures average 15-22°C (59-72°F), while winter temperatures range from 5-15°C (41-59°F), making it an ideal year-round destination.

Extraordinary Marine Ecosystem

The Kaikoura Canyon system creates a unique marine environment that supports one of the most diverse ecosystems in New Zealand waters. The convergence of warm subtropical and cold subantarctic currents, combined with the deep-water canyon, creates ideal conditions for marine life.

Did You Know?

Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales can be seen year-round. These magnificent creatures feed on giant squid that live in the deep waters of the canyon system.

Sperm Whales

The world's largest toothed whales are permanent residents, diving to depths of up to 2,000 meters to hunt for squid.

Dusky Dolphins

Large pods of playful dusky dolphins frequent the area, known for their acrobatic displays and interactive nature.

Fur Seals

New Zealand fur seals have established permanent colonies along the rocky coastline, easily viewable from walking tracks.

Seabirds

Over 100 species of seabirds call this area home, including albatross, petrels, and the rare Hutton's shearwater.

Kaikoura Today

Sustainable Tourism Leader

Modern Kaikoura is a global leader in sustainable marine tourism. The town has successfully balanced conservation with tourism, creating an economy that protects the very wildlife that visitors come to see.

Community & Economy

With a population of approximately 3,500, Kaikoura maintains its small-town charm while offering world-class tourism experiences. The local economy is built around tourism, fishing, and agriculture, with tourism being the primary driver.

Resilience & Recovery

Following the 2016 earthquakes, Kaikoura demonstrated remarkable resilience. The community came together to rebuild and improve infrastructure, emerging stronger and more sustainable than before.