Kaikōura, town in New Zealand
Description
Kaikoura is a small coastal town on New Zealand's South Island, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The town sits where the sea bed drops rapidly to depths over 1200 meters (3937 feet), creating a unique environment that attracts abundant marine life.
History
Māori people have lived in this area for centuries, relying on the sea and land for food and trade. European settlers arrived later and developed the town as a center for fishing and commerce.
Culture
The name Kaikoura comes from the Māori language and means "to eat crayfish", reflecting the deep connection between people and the sea. Daily life in town revolves around the coast, where locals fish, walk, and use boats to explore the ocean.
Practical
The town is easy to reach from Christchurch and Picton by car, train, or bus. A modern visitor center at 75 Westend provides information about activities and local sights in the area.
Did you know?
This is one of the few places in the world where you can see snow-capped mountain peaks in the morning and go swimming or whale watching in the afternoon. This unusual closeness of mountains and warm water allows a rare combination of activities in a single day.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Kaikōura District).
New Zealand's South Island has many places that show the variety of this region in the South Pacific. The landscapes range from the deep fjords of Milford Sound to the glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef, from the snowy peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook to the golden beaches of Abel Tasman. Towns like...
Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer Springs
71.4 km
Tapuae-o-Uenuku
45.1 km
Molesworth Station
54.5 km
The Store
51.9 km
Kowhai Valley and Shearwater Stream Important Bird Area
16.3 km
Flaxbourne River
73.6 km
Mendip Hills Station
41.7 km
Mayfair Theatre
868 m
Cob Cottage Museum
59.7 km
St Paul's Presbyterian Church Complex
338 m
Waiau Presbyterian Church
59.7 km
All Saints' Church
59.3 km
Watters Cob Cottage
69.5 km
Cheviot Hills Belltower
57.3 km
Hanmer Lodge
71.1 km
Waiau Coronation Library and Hall
59.8 km
Cheviot Hills Mansion Ruins
57.3 km
Mrs 'Ready Money' Robinson's Cottage
59.7 km
Cathedral Gully
59.7 km
Kaikoura war memorial
492 m
Fyffe House
2.8 km
Collins' Bakery
1.1 km
Former Post Office, Hanmer Springs
71.3 km
Derrett's House and Stables
59.5 km
Uwerau
17.6 km
Cheviot Hills Manager's House
57.3 km
Cottage
59.5 km
Highfield Woolshed
57.6 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes