Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura is located on the east coast of the south island of New Zealand, approximately 180 km’s north of Christchurch. The town is overlooked by majestic snow capped mountains and offers the visitor a host of eco-tourism oriented activities, including whale watching, dolphin swimming and walks.

The waters off Kaikoura are home to an abundance of sealife including seals, dolphins, whales, crayfish and sea birds. The Orca is often sighted in Kaikoura, and schools of Pilot Whales are occasional visitors. The fun loving Dusky Dolphin can be found everywhere and Fur seals are now plentiful here. Seabirds are also abundant.

Things to see and do

* Dolphin & seal swimming
* Whale watching
* 4WD & adventure tours
* Rafting, kayaking & surfing
* Cave tours

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – NZ Dollar (NZ$)
Language – English & Maori
Land Area – 2,046.41 km²
Population – 3,200 approx
Electricity – 2 angled pins and 1 flat pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT plus twelve hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 64

Transport Links – The town is served by the TranzCoastal long-distance passenger train. Kaikoura also has a small, sealed airstrip located 6 km to the south of the main centre. The Kaikoura airstrip is mainly used for whale spotting tourist flights by Wings over Whales and Air Kaikoura, it can also be used by small private and charter flights. It is also used five days a week for return flights to Wellington by Sounds Air.