Click HERE for a map of Kiakoura and
surrounding areas
Kiakoura is located on the South Island's north-east
coast, on State Highway 1, 99 miles (159 kms) south of the
Picton inter-island ferry terminal and 115 miles (184
kms) north of Christchurch. It can be reached by both train
and coach, should you not wish to drive.
Kaikoura is a large town, with aproximately 4,000 permanent
residents, located on the Kaikoura Peninsula, which extends out
into the Pacific Ocean. The shape of peninsula funnels the
deep ocean currents from the Hikurangi Trench, which lies
just off the shore of South Island, into the coastline, bringing
with them a huge variety of sealife, especially crayfish, as
well as dolphins, seals and number of different species of
whales.
Kiakoura is the centre for whale whatching in New Zealand,
with daily whale watching trips offered by both boat and
plane. Whale sightings are virtually guaranteed all year
round, with the Giant Sperm Whales inhabiting these waters year
round. During other times of the year, the waters are
home to Humpbacks, Pilot Whales, Blue whales and Southern Right
Whales, during their breeding migration journeys. The
spectacular sightings of whales in the ocean off the Kiakoura
coastline, are some of the best views of wild whales to been
seen anywhere in the world.
So, if you're in the South Island, and whale-watching is one of
your interests, then a visit to Kiakoura is a must.
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