Kaikoura, Gooch Bay

Kaikōura is a captivating coastal town located on the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the towering Kaikōura Ranges, this picturesque destination is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, abundant marine wildlife, and warm hospitality.

One of the most notable aspects of Kaikōura is its extraordinary marine ecosystem. The town sits on the edge of a deep oceanic trench, creating a unique environment where cold and warm currents collide, attracting a rich diversity of marine life. This place is a marine mecca for creatures such as whales, dolphins, seals, and albatrosses, making Kaikōura a world-class destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Whale watching tours offer unforgettable encounters with majestic sperm whales and other cetacean species, while swimming with playful dolphins or observing seals in their natural habitat are also popular activities.

If you prefer to stay on land, there is quad biking on a working beef and sheep farm with some exhilarating views, you can visit the lavender farm, enjoy a massage or a beauty treatment, check out the many mountain bike and walking tracks or explore Kaikōura’s history at Fyffe House and the Kaikōura Museum, to name a few.

The town itself exudes a laid-back charm, with a vibrant arts and crafts scene, quaint cafes, and seafood restaurants serving up the freshest local delicacies. Kaikōura’s culinary offerings are centered around its abundant seafood, including succulent crayfish (lobster) that has earned the town a reputation as the “Crayfish Capital of New Zealand.”

Kaikōura is located between Ōtautahi Christchurch and Picton.

We invite you to discover what makes Kaikōura so unique – a place that’s one of a kind; unlike anywhere else.