Located on the east coast of the South Island at the
southernmost border of the Marlborough region, Kaikoura is on the main route mid-way
between Picton and Christchurch. Christchurch is 180km to the south of Kaikoura, Picton is
160km to the north. Picton is the transit point for the South Island ferries to and from
Wellington.
 The towering snow-tipped
peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges reaching for the plunging depths of the Pacific Ocean provide
Kaikoura with its spectacular coastal alpine scenery. Hector's and Dusky dolphins cavort
in the sea within sight of the township, while fur seals can often be found lazing on
rocks just metres from shore.
Rich in history, the area was first settled some 900 years ago by the
pre-Maori Moa Hunters. In 1770, Captain Cook was the first European to discover the
Kaikoura peninsula, believing it to be an island.
Kaikoura is now recognised for its locally-caught crayfish (rock
lobster) and thriving tourist industry.
Kaikoura has a wide range of attractions
to offer its visitors, including the ever-popular whale watching tours, swimming with
dolphins, wine tasting at local vineyards and visiting Kaikoura's numerous galleries,
where you can see crafts as diverse as hand-crafted jewellery, stone carving and pottery. |
