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 The
seaside settlement of Kaikoura, lies on the East Coast’s
Kaikoura Peninsula, which flows into the Pacific Ocean. The
township offers magnificent scenery, and boasts great marine
attractions and adventurous activities.  For hundreds of years, the Peninsula was a
stronghold for the Maori people, due to a large supply of
seafood. Today this abundance of seafood provides a source of
exportation to many overseas markets. The town’s name means
‘crayfish food’ and many stalls selling the delicacy
are visible on State Highway one. A rugged coastline dominates
the area with the Kaikoura mountain range forming a stunning
scenic backdrop to the region.
Kaikoura is an important wildlife habitat for fur seals, birds
and marine life, which continually attract visitors to the South
Island each year. The Peninsula’s tip provides the
opportunity to view seals basking on the rocks, while numerous
dolphin and whale watch attractions operate, including helicopter
flights. Swim with the dolphins, or alternatively see some of the
world’s largest seagoing birds, the albatross and mollymawk.
 Numerous
adventures await your arrival back on land including 4-wheel
motorbiking, cave tours, horse trekking, skiing and scenic
mountain flights. The Kaikoura Peninsula walkway is the most
popular half-day track in New Zealand and provides access to
several fur seal colonies. Other walks in the area cater to all
fitness levels and range from 30 minutes to half and full day
treks.  Surfing
is a popular water activity and many indulge in the sport, either
for competition or leisure, at world renowned Mangamaunu beach
and Puketa beach.
Kaikoura is home to archaeological remains indicating that Moa
Hunters and Maori settlers inhabited the area, while artists and
craftspeople incorporate local creativity into streetside murals
and colourful designs.
The small resort township also portrays a festive nature and
celebrates an annual ocean festival in October, known as the
Kaikoura Seafest. The ocean extravaganza provides an interesting
array of tastes, sights and sounds and is fast becoming one of
the most premier festivals in New Zealand.
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