Kaikōura

Six days of wine, seafood and snow-capped mountains by the sea.

By Hilton Luke

July 27^th, 2023

Kaikōura

In the charming coastal settlement of Kaikoura, New Zealand, you'll discover a paradise where the exquisite marine life and majestic alpine mountains beautifully coexist.

Here, the lush mountain landscapes stretch out to meet the vibrant turquoise-colored oceans, creating splendid vistas that leave visitors in awe. Each turn offers a fresh visual banquet, reinforcing the unspoilt natural elegance of Kaikoura.

Whether you're a photographer seeking ethereal shots or simply a lover of extraordinary landscapes, Kaikoura's prolific natural tableau caters to all.

The primary allure of Kaikoura, however, resides in its teeming waters. The turquoise waters are home to an assortment of wildlife. From playful seals bobbing in the waves to the stately albatrosses soaring high above, the opportunities to witness and respect nature are infinite.

The pièce de résistance, though, remains the thrilling up-close encounters with the magnificent marine giants—the whales.

An excursion to witness these enchanting creatures in their habitat is a sublime experience that will stay with you for a long time.

I booked my whale tour experience through Whale Watch New Zealand and got 50 percent off as part of their winter special. We were lucky to have an inquisitive juvenile humpback whale checking out the tour boat for over an hour.

Food

Emphasising the ocean’s richness, Kaikoura’s seafood is a culinary experience that truly captures the essence of this town. The freshest crayfish, blue cod, and mussels are brought to your plate straight from the sea, offering a scrumptious feast for your senses.

The culinary delights here carry the distinct taste of the ocean, underlining the intimate bond between the land and sea.

The service everywhere was excellent and the people are genuinely proud of their local town and what it has to offer.

I ate at:

The Pier Hotel — bookings essential, even in the off-season, and get the big bowl of mussels, 10/10.
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses — the menu is intimate but very good quality and beautifully presented. Do yourself a favour and get a glass/bottle of Esses Pia NV Extra Brut Cuvée with your meal.
Nins Bin — don't let the rustic ocean van on the side of the road fool you, they do the best fish and chips.
Kaikoura Seafood BBQ — best crayfish in Kaikoura, and you get to eat it on the side of the road.
Hiku — a lovely dining experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner located in the new beachside Sudima Hotel.

The harmonious blend of alpine serenity, vibrant ocean wildlife, and delectable seafood make Kaikoura a destination like very few.

The sublime fusion of land and sea, framed against the backdrop of extraordinary landscapes, affirms Kaikoura as a must-visit locale on New Zealand's map.