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Visiting Kaikoura, New Zealand


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In the Maori language, Kaikoura means "meal of crayfish," a nod to the New Zealand township's seafood-rich origins. Remnants of those early days can be found at Fyffe House, the oldest surviving... more » In the Maori language, Kaikoura means "meal of crayfish," a nod to the New Zealand township's seafood-rich origins. Remnants of those early days can be found at Fyffe House, the oldest surviving building, and Kaikoura Museum. Today, the South Island settlement provides an ideal base camp for observing the abundant offshore wildlife (sperm whales, dusky dolphins, orcas and fur seals) and dining on fresh local catch. Numerous galleries showcase the knitting, pottery and jewelry of area artisans. « less
Best fare found from San Francisco to Christchurch: €772

Traveler Advice on Kaikoura

61 Hotels & Accommodations

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14 Things to Do

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22 Restaurants

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Weather

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Monthly Averages
Month
High
Low
Nov
61°F 16°C
51°F 10°C
Dec
64°F 17°C
54°F 12°C
Jan
66°F 18°C
56°F 13°C
Feb
67°F 19°C
57°F 13°C
Mar
65°F 18°C
55°F 12°C
Apr
61°F 16°C
50°F 10°C
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Reviews you can trust

“Waves was all they claimed it was and more!”

Waves on the Esplanade Kaikoura

5 of 5 stars
Mazzles
Perth
Nov 29, 2009

We stayed in apartments 1 and 8. They were really lovely and had everything we needed for our stay. Comfy beds, clean throughout , spacious and well furnished with a good serviceable kitchen. They...more

“Great place to stay if you have a car...”

Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge

4 of 5 stars
AlamoGal
Alamo, California
Nov 29, 2009

We got to Kaikoura on the Intercity bus and had to walk a long distance and up a steep gravel hill to this motel...we were unaware that they had pickup service (they didn't mention it when we left and...more

“Sunrise Lodge Kaikoura - Excellent stay - Fantastic Hosts!”

Sunrise Lodge

4 of 5 stars
Mankiwi
Christchurch
Nov 25, 2009

A very last-minute trip this month saw myself and our 8 year old son head North out of Christchurch on the wonderfully-wobbly Tranzscenic train beyond the ponderously Eeenglish confines of 'The Garden...more

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Kaikoura Forum

Ask a Question or Browse the Discussions
kaikoura day tour November 10, 2009, 4 replies
intercoastal train October 26, 2009, 5 replies
dolphin or whale? October 16, 2009, 6 replies
Whale watch - boat or flight? September 14, 2009, 3 replies
Xmas holidays - how busy? August 16, 2009, 4 replies
Bully hayes September 25, 2009, 2 replies
Silly question re whale/dolphins watch October 09, 2009, 13 replies
Dolphin swimming with weak swimmers October 12, 2009, 6 replies
Dolphin swimming- Kaikoura or Tauranga? July 23, 2009, 1 reply
Sharks in Kaikoura (swimming with dolphins) June 06, 2009, 6 replies
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