Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

Seals and seabirds, pā sites and mountain views, dramatic scenery from one end to the other.

Where is it?

In Kaikōura, on the northeast of the South Island.

Need to know

Be wary of the seals in the Kean Point car park as males can be territorial.

What a legend

It’s said that when Maui fished the North Island out of the ocean, he used the Kaikōura Peninsula to brace himself.

NO DOGS

TIME & DISTANCE: 5min-3hr; 200m-11.7km

FITNESS: Basic fitness required

TERRAIN: Easy walking track.

Track Overview

Start in the centre of town and head towards The Esplanade and Point Kean car park. Along the way make time to stop and read the interpretation panels which tell the stories of the area’s vibrant history. Travel across the peninsula’s cliff tops, where the views over to the Kaikōura Ranges and along the coast to South Bay are spectacular. Near historic Fyffe House learn about the significance of this area for both Māori and colonial settlers.

The viewpoint at Point Kean is designed to represent a waka and the views there are excellent, also. This is a good place to see birdlife, from oyster catchers to reef herons and possibly even little blue penguins. Continue on to Whalers Bay viewpoint and learn how the forest would have looked thousands of years ago.

From Whalers Bay proceed to South Bay viewpoint and the burgeoning colony of Hutton’s shearwaters, then continue towards the town centre via Scarborough St, and follow Tom’s Track back to The Esplanade. A delightful and educational walk for all ages.

In Canterbury, rural meets high country meets big mountains meets even bigger skies. Bright-blue braided rivers cross the land, picturesque bays and villages line the coast, wildlife flourishes, world-class wine is produced and magical lakes abound. What better place to lace up your walking shoes?

Kaikōura Peninsula © Getty Images

Kaikōura Must-Do's

1. Swim with dusky dolphins

Frolicking in Kaikōura waters in pods of up to several hundred, it’s not hard to get acquainted with dolphins in these parts. Join a tour to observe them from the boat, or jump in and snorkel side-by-side.

2. Visit Fyffe House

An easy 45-minute walk from the centre, this is the town’s oldest surviving building, creaking with tales from the 1800s.

3. Find enormous whales

Giant sperm whales are a captivating sight whether you spy them from a catamaran, helicopter or plane. Sperm whales make year-round appearances, while orca, humpback and blue whales are seasonal.

4. Climb Mt Fyffe

An eight-hour return trek up this relatively unknown mountain trail presents unparalleled views across the Kaikōura Ranges.

5. Photograph an albatross

Kaikōura is one of the best places on Earth to see multiple species of giant albatross. Join a tour to get your head around their colossal threemetre wingspan.

6. Meet fur seals

Snorkel beside them in the shallow waters of Kaikōura Peninsula and walk to Pt Kean Seal Colony to observe them napping on the rocks.

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