In Maori, ‘kaikoura’ means ‘a meal of crayfish’, and crayfish are still abundant here. You can buy beautiful seafood cheaply from stalls on the side of the road, or at several local restaurants.
The combination of peninsula, deep bay and good currents bring whales and dolphins to the area, and it was the whaling trade that established the town. These days, Kaikoura has Green Globe certification for sustainable natural tourism.
Now people flock here to watch the twenty-metre sperm whales that can be seen around Kaikoura all year long, by boat or plane. You can also swim with dolphins, go fishing, or visit the fur seal colony.
You can explore the history of the area at Fyffe House, the oldest house in the district and the remains of the Waiopuka Whaling Station. From here you can tramp the Fyffe track, on foot or leading a llama.
