Hikurangi Marine Reserve, Marine reserve in Kaikōura District, New Zealand
Hikurangi Marine Reserve is a protected marine area along the South Island's east coast spanning more than 10000 hectares. The site includes a deep underwater canyon, rocky shorelines, and several offshore islands.
This area received marine reserve protection in 2014, safeguarding the Kaikōura Canyon section. Submarine mudslides reshaped parts of the seabed during a major 2016 earthquake.
The protected waters hold deep meaning for the local Māori people and reflect long-standing relationships with the sea. Visitors can sense how this place connects to traditional knowledge about ocean life and natural resources.
You can watch marine life from designated viewing points spread along the coastline. Weather conditions matter most, as calmer days offer better visibility and higher chances of spotting animals close to shore.
This is the only place around mainland New Zealand where sperm whales regularly swim close to shore. The deep underwater canyon just offshore creates the perfect conditions for these massive animals to approach the coast.
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