The breath-taking scenery of Kaikōura is best explored on foot with a great variety of coastal walks. Enjoy the rugged landscape whilst spotting marine life. If you have time be sure to stop for a seafood lunch in and around the town.
It is important to be well prepared before going on your trip. The weather can change drastically here in Kaikoura. Always seek further information before heading off and make sure you take warm clothes and plenty of water/food.
A well-marked loop track with a scenic reserve.
Duration of walk: 30 minutes return.
Start location: 12kms north of Kaikōura up the Puhi Puhi Valley.
The walking tracks at Mt Fyffe travel through farmland and regenerating forest providing stunning views of Kaikōura. Please note the tracks can be steep in some places.
A well-formed track suitable for families with unusual forest and a great variety of natives. The picnic area at the carpark has great views over Kaikōura.
Duration of walk: 45-minute loop walk.
Start location: 10 minutes’ drive from Kaikōura township starts at the base of Mt Fyffe carpark.
What you need to know:
Start from the car-park at South Bay or Point Kean.
For a full loop - Toms Track links South Bay and Scarborough Street. Alternatively, during low tide some of the walk can be completed along the shoreline.
Keep your eyes peeled for a myriad of marine life out to sea and seals onshore.
Duration of walk: 3 hours.
Start location: Town centre.
Walk Kaikōura’s hidden coastline & experience a private walking track like no other. Over two days discover a coastline with abundant wildlife, tussock covered tops and farmland. Relax at lunch shelters with great views while enjoying a refreshing drink. Tramp through bush filled gullies to views of the Seaward Kaikōura Mountains rising out of the vast Pacific Ocean. A great chance to get into real New Zealand and meet farming families who have lived here for generations.
Duration of walk: 2 days
This is a private paid track: Book now
Check out this video to get a taste!
Walking on 4wd track with fantastic views. The summit is an 8 hours return trip with a lookout one hour walk from carpark.
Duration of walk: 8 hours return.
Start location: 10 minutes' drive from Kaikōura township to the base of Mount Fyffe.
The start of the walk is steep through farmland then the track takes you through the regenerating forest of Fyffe-Palmer Scenic Reserve. Excellent views looking back over Kaikōura.
Duration of walk: One hour and 45 minutes return/loop.
Start location: 10 minutes' drive from Kaikōura Township the Mt Fyffe Road carpark.
One side to another this 40 minute walk takes you over the neck of the Kaikōura Peninsula. Starting on Torquay Street through the pines you come out on Scarborough Terrace.
From there this track joins up with the St Pauls Walkway where you come to a fork in the track heading either back through a pine forest to the beach or down to the beach via the South Bay Race Course. Along the way hearing beautiful bird song and taking in stunning views. This track can also be done in reverse.