The Kaikōura i-SITE is currently closed, please contact the operator directly to speak about bookings or availability. Details on all operators can be found here. 

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Ready to escape the 9 to 5 grind, or maybe you are searching for a bit of peace and quiet away from your hometown?
Are you a trail of both cycling and hiking kind of holiday-goer? If you answer yes to the above, it's time to plan your next adventure to Kaikōura. A place where trails take you along the mountains and the ocean, a place full of activity, and a place with a charming feel providing all you need for a relaxing getaway. 

Must do trails in the region

The Kaikōura cycle trail

 

Distance: 48km loop

Time: Allow around 4-5 hours

Incline: gentle climbs, a total of 481m ascent, highest point 195m

Forty-eight excellent kilometers make up the beloved Kaikōura cycle trail. Easy for most riders, the unique loop trail is plentiful with diverse changing landscapes. Cross over rivers and pedal through dense bushland while the ocean peeks through from time to time.

To complete the entire loop, head out of town alongside the wild sea, running towards the foothills of the staggering Kaikōura ranges, before following the Kowhai River back to the South Bay. This trail is a labour of love from local biking enthusiasts, an excellent addition to the town, and open for all who want to experience the area on two wheels. Start at the Kaikōura I-site to hire a bicycle or if you're bringing your own, stop by to check out your route. You can also do short sections of the trail if you don't have the time to complete the entire loop. Make sure to pack plenty of water and food or snacks. Otherwise, book a table at the new King tide Restaurant in town as a post -hike reward.

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Mt Fyffe Hiking Trail

Mt Fyffe Hiking Trail

 

Distance: 17.2km

Time: 8-hour return (or an overnight stay in the backcountry Department of Conservation hut)

Difficulty: Medium, slow hike up a 4WD track

1602m

You'll need to stretch your legs to catch the best view of all of Kaikōura. The track up to Mt. Fyffe is an 18-minute drive inland from the town. You'll slowly wind up a 4WD track from the car park that gives you sneak peeks of the ocean as you climb higher and higher. Depending on your trip, you can book a night in the basic Department of Conservation hut (Mt Fyffe Hut), which is 2.5 to 3 hours from the car park. Here you'll get your first expansive view of the Kaikoura Ranges, but if your legs aren't too tired yet, keep going.

At the top of Mt Fyffe (1602 m above sea level), you find uninterrupted 360-degree views of the magnetic blue ocean and the gleaming snow-capped mountains. Enjoy the best of both worlds from there, and if the wind isn't too strong, hang out on the perfectly placed picnic bench and reward yourself with a snack. The hut is first come, first served, with only eight bunks available in this small, older backcountry hut, but it does have a fireplace for those colder mountain evenings.

 

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Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

 

Distance: Whole track 11.7km one way

Time: Three hours roundtrip

Difficulty: easy, great for all ages, including families

Another excellent option for exploring on foot is the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway. Ideal if time isn't on your side or you prefer a more leveled path, this is perfect for you. Hike the trail heading over the Kaikōura Peninsula for a sweeping ocean view of South Bay and round back the coastal track towards town.

The views are impressive no matter which way you look, and for those with little ones, it's easy to do sections of the trail. Along the trail, you'll likely see some local seals lounging on the rocks or swimming amongst the kelp. Plenty of seabirds will be swooping through the air; if you're lucky, you might even see a pod of dolphins. Keep your eyes peeled for the endemic Hutton’s Shearwater during breeding season in August to March. The birds, who only breed in Kaikōura are present over the inshore coastal waters, flying low and congregating in large flocks, they are a sight to be seen.

 

Are you searching for more activity?

Aptly named Kaikōura, which translates to Kai (food) and Koura (crayfish), this seaside location teems with fishing charters and spots for your chance to indulge in freshly caught fare. Choose to head out into the open ocean with the Kaikōura Fishing Tours and enjoy the early morning cruise along the outrageously beautiful coastline to your desired fishing spot. Who knows, you may see more in the water than planned!

Which takes us to the next and probably biggest draw to this town – whale encounters.

The rich sea life dominates this region with regular visits by whales, seals, and dolphins, and you can experience it for yourself by booking a boat trip or taking it to the sky in a fixed-wing plane or helicopter. For a more personal encounter, join a kayak tour or swimming hang out with New Zealand fur seals.

The local Kaikōura Museum is an excellent place for history buffs to learn about the town's history, and you can't leave without trying the local seafood. Nin's Bin seafood caravan and Kaikoura Seafood BBQ kiosk are the locals' favourites.

Have we convinced you to visit yet? Book the trip and see it all for yourself. This sunny seaside town rarely disappoints.

 

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