Introduction to Kaikoura, New Zealand.

KAI .... food    KOURA .... crayfish (Lobster).
Kaikoura is a wonderfully unique, picturesque and popular holiday resort. Tucked in the shelter of a peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, beneath the towering 2600 metre high Kaikoura Mountain Ranges, Kaikoura Township has much to offer. For those who wish to rest, just plain relax and enjoy the magnificent scenic views of mountain and ocean panoramas or absorb some of the history of the area at places such as the Museum, Fyffe House, Wheelwright or the Maori Leap Caves. There are also numerous handcraft galleries to visit where you can see crafts as diverse as jewelry, gilding or pottery and even carving wooden bowls.

The Garden of Memories, reserves in the Puhi Puhi valley, under Mount Fyffe and at the Ohau Waterfall along with the foreshore tables and miles of rugged coastline provide numerous picnic sites. There is a swimming pool on the foreshore and safe swimming beaches at Gooches Bay, Jimmy Armers or South Bay. For the more active, venues are available for Golf, tennis, Bowls, or Squash all year round as well as Skiing at Mount Lyford during the winter and from the sea to mountain top, there are suitable activities for people of all ages and interests to enjoy. Adventures such as Whale Watching by sea or air, Scenic Flights, Seal & Dolphin Swimming, Shark viewing, sea kayaking, Bird Watching, Fishing & Scuba Diving from Boat or Shore, Hang Gliding, Horse Treks, Rafting, Mountain Biking, 4-wheel Drive Trips, ride Clydesdales, Bush & Coastal Walks, Serious Tramping, Hunting or even Major Climbs are offered by experienced operators. Opportunities are everywhere, to take those holiday photos that will make your friends envious on returning home. 

The climate, although influenced by the Mountains, is moderated by the effect of the sea. Lying in the "sun belt" of New Zealand, Kaikoura can boast of an average of over 2000 sunshine hours a year. In the winter the high mountains are snow clad adding to the splendour of the views.