Kaikōura

The landscape around Kaikōura is defined by the steep Seaward Kaikōura Range meeting the Pacific Ocean, which has shaped both the town’s narrow coastal setting and its marine-based economy. The Kaikōura Peninsula reaches into waters where the Kaikōura Canyon approaches close to shore, supporting the marine life for which the town is known, including sperm whales, dolphins and New Zealand fur seals. Whale watching is central to Kaikōura’s identity, while its Māori name is commonly translated as “meal of crayfish”, recalling a long connection with coastal food resources. The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake also uplifted sections of the nearby shoreline. Find related webcams along the Canterbury coast to build a fuller picture of Kaikōura and the South Island’s east coast.

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