Kaikōura 101

How to get to Kaikōura?

DRIVE:

From Christchurch: 180 km (112 miles) - 2h20
From Blenheim: 128 km (80 miles) - 1h35
From Hanmer Springs: 130 km (81 miles) - 1h50

SH1 (Christchurch to Blenheim) is a beautiful coastal drive. Advise your visitors to drive safely and take advantage of the safe car-stopping zones to take in the views and possibly meet some of the locals (seals on the shores and dolphins in the distance).

TRAIN - JUMP ABOARD THE COASTAL PACIFIC

Departs Christchurch 07:00 - Arrives Kaikōura 10:00 (3h)
Departs Picton at 13:40 - Arrives Kaikōura 16:15 (2h35)

FLY:

2 main airports: Christchurch (International) & Blenheim (domestic)

Auckland<> Christchurch (1h25): 10-15 flights daily with Air NZ
Auckland <> Blenheim (1h30): 5 direct flights daily with Air NZ
Wellington <> Blenheim (30 min): 4-5 flights daily (30 min) with Air NZ and 44 flights/week with Sounds Air

Whales Tale Whale Watch Kaikoura BareKiwi

Why come to Kaikōura?

Mountains to the Sea stunning scenery

Kaikōura is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape.

Marine Wildlife in its natural environment

Sperm Whales can be seen year-round and close to shore as well as Kekeno (New Zealand fur seal), Aihe or Dusky dolphins and a wide variety of albatross species, shearwaters, petrels, penguins & more!

Crayfish & seafood is THE delicacy to eat while in Kaikōura!

Kaikōura literally means “to eat Crayfish”. (kai = food/meal, kōura = crayfish)

Strong Cultural Heritage

Follow Kaikōura's cultural art trail for a brief history of the area & its cultural significance.

Latest Trade Presentation

We have added here the latest presentation showed during TRENZ 2024 in Wellington on 9-10 May 2024.

Note there are some hidden slides linked to our USPs and trade ready operators (accommodation and activities) that allow you to deep dive into what makes Kaikōura so special.

If you wish to view this presentation in chinese, click here.

Download Presentation in English Here