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| Kaikoura | ||
| region | Canterbury | |
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| Residents | 2.210 (2018) | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
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Kaikoura is a city in the region Marlborough on the South islandNew Zealand. The city is known throughout New Zealand for the good opportunities to see dolphins, whales, sharks and seals, or to swim with them. You can also get excellent lobster (cray fish) either from the restaurants or cheaper as self-collection from the small fishing stalls outside the city.
background
Before Kaikoura was known as the ideal place to see whales and swim with dolphins, Kaikoura was just a quiet fishing village in a beautiful bay. A network of deep-sea trenches ends off the coast, creating an excellent habitat for many animals that can otherwise only be found at greater depths. This phenomenon not only ensures a good yield for fishermen and a wide range of local restaurants, but also attracts many dolphins, whales, sharks and seals off the coast. A number of companies have now specialized in bringing tourists together with the various marine mammals (see activities).
On November 14, 2016, a severe earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale occurred in the region around Kaikoura. The consequence of this earthquake were major changes on the coasts of New Zealand. The coastline at Kaikura rose by up to 7 meters. The road and rail connections were destroyed, so that Kaikura could only be reached from the outside world by ship or by air at times.
getting there
By plane
A small airfield at Peketa offers a few flights to Christchurch or Wellington at.
By train
The TranzCoastal- Railroad stops at Whaleway Station Road twice a day. Departure direction Picton is at 9:54 am and heading towards Christchurch at 3:28 pm.
By bus
Kaikoura is the station for all bus connections between Picton, (Blenheim) and Christchurch.
In the street
Kaikoura is on SH1. To Blenheim it is 130 kilometers to the north and after Christchurch 180 kilometers to the south.
After the earthquake in 2016, the roads were not completely restored at the end of 2019, so you have to allow for a longer journey time.
mobility
Dynamic cards- Kaikoura taxis. Tel.: 64 (0)3 319 6214.
The place in the center is so small that you can buy it on foot.
Tourist Attractions
The focus of most tourists is certainly on the activities that can be experienced around Kaikoura. The city has comparatively little to offer in terms of real sights, but if you have a little time to spare, perhaps because you're waiting for a boat trip, you could visit one of the following sights:
- Kaikoura Museum, 14 Ludstone Road. The various inhabitants of the place are depicted from the first moa hunters to the present day.Open: Opening times: Mon - Fri 12.30pm - 4.30pm, Sat Sun 2.00pm - 4.00pm.Price: Price: 3 NZD.
- Fyffe House, 62 Avoca Street. The building that once belonged to the whaling station is now the oldest in the city. Whale bones form the foundation and from and around the building you have a beautiful view over the coast. Guided tours are offered at different times.
- The parking lot behind Armers Beach, about 500 meters out of town, past Fyffe House, is not a real attraction, but is always well attended. There are very often Fur seals to be found directly on the flat rocks in front of the parking lot. End of the street Avoca Street.
- Maori Leap Cave. The cave with some considerable limestone formations is located a little outside the city, about 2 kilometers south of the city on SH 1 towards Christchurch. Guided tours take place several times a day.
activities
To and under water
- Whale watching
Kaikoura is known throughout New Zealand for whale watching. The reason for sighting the whales in Kaikoura lies in the underwater canyon, which is over 1000 meters deep, which can be found off the coast there. The only provider, Whale Watch, is based in the center of the village and offers tours every half hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Prices are around $ 150 NZ per person. The organizer speaks of a success rate of 95% that you actually see whales. In the event of failure, 80% of the purchase price is refunded.
You take the bus to South Bay and then change to a catamaran that takes you to the areas where the animals are. The ship knows the coordinates of a whale sighting and also has an echo sounder on board to locate the animal. The whales emerge for 10 minutes every 40 to 60 minutes to take in oxygen. So it is roughly predictable when you can see the animals.
- Swim with dolphins
- Swimming with dolphins is a unique experience for many tourists. Two or three times a day the two boats break away Dolphin Encounters to drop 13 tourists with snorkels and diving goggles in the middle of the dolphins. Due to the fish-rich waters around Kaikoura, a particularly large number of dolphins can be found in Kaikoura. Once you have reached the water, it is important to draw the dolphins' attention by splashing noises or singing. The animals appear driven by their curiosity and (hopefully) like to play a game. In general, the first trip in the early morning is recommended, because then the dolphins are still most playful (depending on the season, in summer at 6 o'clock). Dolphin Encounter: Tel 64 03 319 6777. Email [email protected].
- Swim with sea lions
- Various companies offer the opportunity to come into contact with the cute sea lions. As a rule, they are even more playful than dolphins and quickly inspect strangers with curiosity. Swimming with the seals is much cheaper than a trip to see the dolphins and is also shorter.
- Diving
- The sea off Kaikoura is home to kelp forests, which are more species-rich than coral reefs. Dive Kaikoura makes it possible to explore these underwater forests on dives. You can meet sharks, dolphins, many other fish, octopuses, sponges, giant lobsters and many other invertebrates. Rented and sold as a PADI 5 Star Dive Center Dive Kaikoura Diving equipment and offers diving training for beginners and advanced divers. Dive Kaikoura, 13 Yarmouth Street, Kaikoura 7300, email [email protected], tel 64 03 319 6622
- Swim with sharks
- The company offers an encounter with a shark Kaikoura Shark Dive. Secured by a cage, you are lowered into the water and can thus safely observe blue and mackerel sharks at close range. During the season (December-Easter) two trips per day are offered. Kaikoura Shark Dive: Tel 64 03 319 6777.
- Sea kayak trips
On land
- hike
- An approximately four-hour hiking trail is the Kaikoura Pensinsula Walkway. It runs along the coast of the peninsula of the same name and offers beautiful views of the coast and the distant Kaikoura Ranges - a mountain range that lies a little inland. On the way you will come across sheep and, with a little luck, seals. At the beginning of the path you have to overcome a few meters in altitude to get to the level of the cliffs and climb over one or the other fence between them. The path starts at the parking lot of Armers Beachwho at the end of the street leading to the shipyard (Wharf) lies.
- to ski
- Wine tasting facing the sea in the Kaikoura Winery, the southernmost winery in Marlborough.
shop
kitchen
In general, the cuisine in Kaikoura restaurants is dominated by seafood. The lobsters caught here are particularly popular (Crayfish). These are also offered at low prices along the SH1. Due to the large number of tourists, the restaurants in Kaikoura have rather high prices.
- Donegal's, School House Road.
- Finz, South Bay Parade. Tel.: (03) 319 6688. Probably the best fish and seafood can be found in this fine restaurant.
- Mussel Boys, 80 Beach Road. In addition to seafood, there are also very good mussels.
nightlife
accommodation
Cheap
- Peketa Beach Holiday Park, 7 km south of Kaikoura on SH1. Camping right on the beach.Price: $ 10 / day.
medium
Upscale
Learn
Work
security
Kaikoura is earthquake area. Therefore, on arrival at the accommodation you should find out what to do in the event of an earthquake and where the escape route to the outside is.
health
There is both a pharmacy and a clinic in town, so that health problems can be treated at least in the short term.
Practical advice
- 1 i-SITE Visitor Information Center, West End, Kaikoura 7300. Tel.: 64 (0)3 319 5641, Email: [email protected].
- Internet outpost, 19 West End. Has a lot of PCs, also with Skype.
