DISTRICT ALPINE PACIFIC TOURING ROUTE This popular touring route is 450km of sensory indulgence, weaving from Christchurch to Kaikōura over four days. Waipara’s food and wine scene sends taste buds into a tizz; the alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs will leave you replenished; there’s endless alpine beauty to gaze over and in Kaikōura, listen for dolphin trills while scouring the sea for whales, seals and albatross. Did someone say bucket-list road trip? We think so.
Swim with Dolphins Watch from the boat or jump in for a swim to meet these funsters in their natural habitat.
HURUNUI
Kaikōura coast LEFT: Kaikōura crayfish BOTH: © Adobe Stock RIGHT: Kēkerengū coast © DWB
KĒKERENGŪ Kaikōura
Hanmer Springs
CHEVIOT both bays and a backdrop of snowCoastal Trek The Kaikōura Coast
See Seals Snorkel in the shallow
Track is a two-day private walk, run by local farming families. Located on Conway Flat, 40km south of Kaikōura.
whales can be seen all year round as well as dolphins, seals, albatross and, depending on the season, other whale species – from the sea or air.
Kaikoura Kayaks A wonderful way to get close to local wildlife is to hire a kayak or, better still, join a guided kayak tour.
The Mayfair Theatre This
capped mountains. Perfect at sunset.
Donegal House This lively Irish pub and hotel also has a campground, beer garden and roaring fireplace.
from Kaikōura central to Point WAIPARApath Kean. Delivered over a two-year
fully renovated art deco cinema, exhibition space and artists’ hub is a beauty.
Link Pathway Coming soon: a
Lavendyl Learn how lavender is
period starting 2021.
grown and processed. Peruse the gift shop, gardens and tearoom or stay overnight at Dylan's Country Cottages.
Kaikōura Museum Top collection,
Kaikōura Lookout For views of
the 1844 owners never left.
housed in the ‘craypot’ building.
House Step inside a genuine AmberleyFyffe former whale hunter house; it’s like
Albatross Cruises Kaikōura puts on an epic bird show. With threemetre wingspans, albatross steal the show while other pelagic birds also swoop in to impress.
Crayfish Nin’s Bin is the iconic roadside shack serving fresh crayfish; Kaikōura Seafood Barbecue boasts generous servings at wallet-friendly prices and Karaka Lobster is full of seaside positivity, 35km north of Kaikōura.
Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway Tracks around the peninsula range from five minutes to three hours, passing seals, detailed information panels and contemporary Māori sculptures.
See Map Section - pages 109 to 122
KĒKERENGŪ
Hanmer Springs
Kaikōura on SH 1, with plenty of parking, observe a seal colony from a safe and non-disruptive place.
Whale Watching Giant sperm
DISTRICT
Kaikōura
Ōhau Point Lookout North of
waters of Kaikōura Peninsula with kekeno or walk to Point Kean Seal Colony to observe them napping on the rocks.
North Canterbury
MORE KAIKŌURA MUST-DO’S...
WAIKUKU> Middle Hill Mountain > Bernie’s Diner & Harmon’s Car Museum A 1950s-style diner and classic car museum.
> Mt Fyffe Trek An eight-hour
PEGASUS & return trek, 5km out of town.
> Quad Biking Fully guided adventures on Glenstrae Farm.
Bike Park A network of intermediate to advanced downhill tracks. > Hāpuku Kitchen A forage to plate culinary experience. > Emporium Brewing with mini-golf course and escape rooms.
D Ice Cream Eighty Poppy’s WOODE>N flavours handmade on site.
> Llama Trekking Walk with
the animals and their owner.
> Dave’s Diving Tours and lessons with a couple of Daves who love to dive!
OXFORD
> Mt Lyford Kaikōura is just 60km from this uncrowded ski field.
KĒKERENGŪ COAST Kēkerengū River reaches the sea at Kēkerengū, a magical, unrushed spot halfway between Kaikōura and Blenheim.
CHEVIOT
CLARENCE RIVER RAFTING Career downriver on an exhilarating half-day trip or upgrade to a multi-day adventure in the wilderness. Dazzling scenery, food and scenic campsites make this a 10/10 river holiday.
WAIPARA
Amberley THE STORE CAFÉ
A charming place lauded by locals and tourists alike, the coastal views are terrific, with fires burning in cooler months and beanbags on the lawn over summer. The adjoining campground sits right on the beach, with nothing but seals for company.
WAIKUKU
PEGASUS &
WOODEND
WINTERHOME GARDEN
A garden of grandeur, discover stately lawns worthy of a Jane Austin novel and long avenues framed by clipped hedges and immaculate flower beds. Open October to March.
OXFORD
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