9 minute read
KAIKOURA - A COASTAL MECCA
Kaikōura is a popular destination, for a day, a week, or longer during the holiday season. From the sea to the mountains, and everywhere in between, this small coastal town offers visitors so many options for recreational pursuits.
Indoors and outdoors, on land and sea, opportunities abound, north of Christchurch, approximately two-anda-half hours’ drive by car. Whether you are self-driving, taking the Coastal Pacifi c train or travelling on a bus between destinations, a stop o in Kaikōura will not disappoint.
Breathtaking views will stop you in your tracks, especially during the colder months when snow covers the lofty peaks of the Seaward Kaikōura’s, and the white-tipped waves of the Pacifi c Ocean roll in to the Kaikōura Peninsula.
Not many places can have you on top of a mountain in the morning, whale watching or dolphin / seal swimming in the afternoon and then taking in a gorgeous sunset while feasting upon fresh seafood from the very ocean you are sitting beside.
“Kaikōura is going from strength to strength,” says mayor Craig Mackle, commenting on the opening of a new $35 million hotel on Kaikōura’s waterfront.
Dolphin Encounter Albatross Encounter
Swimming with and watching Kaikoura’s Dusky Dolphins!
Enter the world of the dusky dolphin and experience the grace and beauty of the most acrobatic and interactive of all dolphin species.
Sensational food, divine coffee at our Café on the beachfront. Quality jewellery, clothing, art and much more in our Gift Shop and Gallery!
96 Esplanade, Kaikoura, New Zealand Phone (03) 319 6777 NZ Freephone 0800 733 365 encounterkaikoura.co.nz
Kaikoura is the best place in the world to see multiple species of albatross. Enjoy close up views of these majestic wanderers of the Southern Ocean just minutes from shore.
He adds that the 4.5-star hotel, o cially opened last month, will be a fantastic boost to the local economy and employment.
It’s expected that 70,000 additional visitors will come to the coastal North Canterbury town annually.
Destination Kaikōura manager and councillor, Lisa Bond says the Sudima Hotel provides another level of o ering that Kaikōura has not had before.
“It also means that we are going to hopefully be able to draw out the seasonality of our town, because they will bring in conferences and events, which we haven’t really been able to cater for before.
“And also tour groups. They have the
coastal Destinations | Kaikoura Biking in Kaikoura is seen as an excellent way get around town and explore the area with its varied landscapes. For the more experienced a way to get a full workout a visit to Middle Hill Mountain Bike Park is a must, they offer a range of intermediate to advanced trails not to be missed. Accommodation in Kaikoura is extensive, ranging from campgrounds, backpackers and hostels, through to the bed and breakfasts, farm-stays, self-contained units, lodges, motels, apartments and motor-inns. MECCA There are also hidden gems such as the Pure Pods glass eco-cabins situated in a vast landscape with perfect views of the mighty Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range, only 20 minutes inland from Kaikoura. Whatever your budget, whether it be for a short break, weekend away or long holiday with the family or for a romantic getaway, Kaikoura has a place to stay for you. Kaikoura is a mecca for seafood lovers, with lots of fresh delicacies to try. capacity to be able to take more than one Local specialties include groper, cod, mussels and of course the towns namesake – Crayfish coach tour at a time, which is going to be (Lobster). Other delights such as oysters, fantastic. “These people aren’t just going scallops and whitebait are available in season. to be staying within the walls of the hotel. There are quality dining choices to suit any They will be out and about exploring, requirement whether you are eating in or supporting the retail, the hospitality and dining out. the operators in town as well, which is just a From takeaways to cafes to upmarket fl ow on e ect for everybody,” says Bond. restaurants, there’s a place to satisfy everyone. Indoor or outdoor, all have a wide range of meal choices to cater to any palate Kaikoura is located between Otautahi Christchurch and Picton. Otautahi Christchurch is 2.5 hours’ drive to the south of Kaikoura and Picton is 2hrs to the north. The drive along State Highway 1 on the Kaikoura coastline has always been regarded as one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. However, now with the addition of sites showcasing stunning cultural artworks that tell the rich local history, this stretch of the highway has become a destination in its own right. The works of art, together with seven safe stopping areas, were created as part of the rebuild that took place along the highway after the 2016 Kaioura earthquake (a mammoth operation that took around a year to complete). Self-drive visitors can also make the most of this beautiful area and enjoy Kaikoura as part of a multi-day scenic drive on the Alpine Pacific Touring Route. This route link Kaikoura with Hanmer Springs Alpine Village and Waipara Wine Region. 450kms of spectacular scenery with Kaikoura at the heart of it. For those taking the Coastal Pacific train or travelling on a bus between destinations, a stop off in Kaikoura will not disappoint. We invite you to discover what makes Kaikoura so unique – a place that’s one of a kind; unlike anywhere else. Head to www.kaikoura.co.nz to plan your next getaway! CT
Try one of our delicious Gone Wild Pizza range - Bespoke Gourmet Pizza made with wild game & local seafood.
From 11 am to late / Phone Us (03) 319 6360
seaside
BREAK
STAY
Accommodation in Kaikōura is extensive, ranging from campgrounds and backpackers, hostels through to the bed and breakfasts, farm-stays, self-contained units, lodges, motels, apartments and motor-inns, and now a 4.5-star hotel.
SEE
From whales, seals and dolphins at play in the sparkling ocean, to cycle trails, scenic walks and sea-going exploration trips, Kaikōura is awesome for getting to grips with nature. Go fi shing, diving or just soak up the atmosphere.
SAVOUR
Kaikōura is a mecca for seafood lovers, with lots of fresh delicacies to try. Local specialties include grouper, cod, mussels and of course the town’s namesake – crayfi sh. Seasonal delights include oysters, scallops and whitebait, with dining choices from takeaways to cafes to upmarket restaurants.
LAVENDYL LAVENDER STRAWBERRY TREE KAIKŌURA LIMITED ESSES ESTATE
Not to be missed on your next visit to Kaikōura is our world-famous lavender based ice-cream. With a wide variety of lavender fl avours, including a vegan variety, our home-made ice-cream is sure to please. Wander in the gardens, enjoy refreshments in the tea-room and browse the shop. There is plenty to keep you entertained.
03 319 5473 | 268 Postmans Rd, Kaikōura www.lavenderfarm.co.nz
Located right in the heart of town, Strawberry Tree Kaikōura Ltd is warm and welcoming, with a cosy fi re, a spacious outdoor beer garden, quirky Irish themed décor and live entertainment. Stop in for a meal, soak up the relaxed coastal atmosphere in the beer garden, or settle in for a night of music and laughter.
03 319 6451 | 21 West End, Kaikōura strawberrytreekaikoura.co.nz
Esses Estate is a premium producer of vintage Méthode Traditionnelle. Each vintage showcases the essence of the season and have received accolades from wine critics. Esses wines are designed to be savoured, shared and to create long lasting memories. Now available at Sudima Hotel Kaikōura and Vine to Table in Christchurch.
021 256 4383 | 280 Postmans Rd, Kaikōura www.esseswine.com
Escape to Kaikoura
Sunlight sparkling on the waves, whales, dolphins, and seals breaching, dipping and diving are just some of the magical experiences that Kaikōura has in store for visitors and locals.
GLENSTRAE FARM QUAD AND UTV TOURS
Situated 20 minutes south of Kaikōura lies Glenstrae farm Quad and UTV tours on a spectacular coastal setting. Come and experience the breathtaking surrounds of this rugged coastline on a 3 hour quad bike ride over the working Glenstrae sheep farm in the Kaikōura mountains.
0800 004 009 www.4wheeladventures.co.nz
*GST , admin & mi ni m u m fee app ly
TOTAL REALTY - KAIKŌURA
If you want to work with people who are passionate about you and the community they serve then look no further than Tracey and Trev Petersen. Specialising in residential and lifestyle property sales, the Petersens live and love local and are here to help service your real estate needs whenever you need them.
Tracey 027 220 5990, Trev 027 590 8616 tracey@totalrealty.co.nz, trevor@totalrealty.co.nz
Photo credit: Roady
KAIKŌURA
Fall in love with Kaikōura this summer. Enjoy the mountains to the sea, wide open space and an abundance of marine life. Enjoy Kaikōura’s cycle tracks – with plenty to choose from for varying levels of fi tness, sip on a glass of locally made Emporium Beer or enjoy a night in a glass Pure Pod. Visit our regional website to view our experiences and unique accommodation.
www.kaikoura.co.nz
KAIKŌURA HOLIDAY HOMES
Kaikōura Holiday Homes owner, Alison Glenn is overjoyed holiday seekers are rediscovering Kaikōura. It has amazing wildlife which is an enduring drawcard, and incredible views, with the mountains and the coast being so close, forever changing – it’s stunning.
THE ANCHOR INN BEACHFRONT MOTEL
We are Kaikōura’s best location for beautiful views of the Pacifi c ocean, snowcapped mountains and our famous sunrises, from our ocean front units. All our units have their own patio and seating, along with kitchenettes and Sky TV and guest laundry. Voted #1 on TripAdvisor for Kaikōura.
03 319 5426 | 208 Esplanade, Kaikōura info@anchorinn.co.nz | www.anchorinn.co.nz
COOPERS CATCH
Situated a couple of minutes walk from the beach we not only o er all your classic fi sh ‘n’ chip options, but we also function as a restaurant, not just takeaway. We can seat more than 80 outside with views of the mountains, while also providing inside seating for those colder days.
