Kaikoura
On the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island,
the seaside settlement of Kaikoura is overlooked by majestic
mountains which are snow capped for many months of the year.
The unique combination of ocean and mountains never fails
to leave visitors to Kaikoura in awe. The township is located
on a rocky peninsula, protruding from lush farmland beneath
the mountains. In the waters off this peninsula, a complex
marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine
mammals and seabirds making it an ideal place for getting
'close to nature'.
Kaikoura is renowned for whale watching and is one of the few
places in the world that these magnificent creatures can be
seen year round. Dolphin and seal swimming, pelagic bird watching,
fishing, diving and a large number of other land and water
based activities are also available.
History
Wonderful local products can be seen in several galleries
in and around the town, including gold gilding, pottery, paintings
and prints, jewellery, wood turning, knitted garments and
much more, or join the Art Trail starting at the Visitors
Centre and see for yourself the artists at work in their own
environment.
In Maori legend, Maui placed his foot on the Kaikoura peninsula to steady himself while he 'fished-up' the North Island. Archaeological remains indicate that Moa Hunters inhabited the peninsula 900 years ago.
The Maori name Kaikoura translates to 'meal of crayfish'
(Kai - food, koura - crayfish), and it is crayfish for which
the region has traditionally been famous. The area's abundant
food sources attracted Maori settlement, and the remains of
several pa sites can still seen on the peninsula to this day.
In
1770 Captain Cook first discovered the Kaikoura peninsula,
believing it to be an island. The first shore whaling station
was established in 1843, located near where Fyffe House still
stands today. Other whaling stations soon followed, and at
one stage the industry employed over one hundred men in the
Kaikoura district alone. Whale numbers steadily declined after
1850 and the exportation of them became un-economic, leading
whalers to turn to alternative means of existence, such as
farming. Whaling continued sporadically until as recently
as 1964 when the last of NZ' s whaling operations ceased.
In 1978, the Marine Mammal Protection Act was finally passed, providing total protection to New Zealand' s whales, dolphins and seals. Today Kaikoura lies in the Southern Hemisphere Whale Sanctuary.
Swimming with seals.
Swim out among the rocky outcrops and treat yourself to a truly amazing
experience. Come face to face with inquisitive seals and watch
them gracefully glide and play around you.
