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Boutique hotels in Kaikoura

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Kaikoura Overview

New Zealand

Coastline
Ocean-lapped, snow-capped mountains
Coast Life
Whale watching, wine quaffing

A name which translates as ‘meal of crayfish’ gives a taste of the sumptuous scene in store.

Lying midway between Christchurch and Picton on the spectacularly rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, the seaside town of Kaikoura is blessed with a soul-stirring surf-and-turf setting. Wildlife lovers, immerse yourselves in dolphin-spotting and more – a catalogue of much-protected marine life is at your flippers, including whales, seals, penguins and albatross. Or mingle with this vibrant fishing community and meet inspiring artists and craftsfolk whose wares make great mementoes of this fascinating former whaling station with a rich Maori heritage. By the way, the surf’s not half bad either.

Keenly Kaikoura

Eat crayfish like the locals do at the beachfront Kaikoura Seafood BBQ, little more than a roadside shack with shaded tables outdoors. Dishes that if they were any fresher would ask you out include whole crayfish, grilled scallops, whitebait fritters and steaming chowder – all served with rice or bread. Hold that thought and try not to salivate, then track down this foodie treasure at 194 Torquay Street, near the seal colony.

Local knowledge

Taxis
There are no local firms as such, but there are shuttle services that operate sightseeing trips and airport transfers (www.kaikourashuttles.co.nz).

Tipping culture
Optional – free free to tip 5–15 per cent, based on service.

Siesta and Fiesta
Shops are open typically 9am–6pm. Restaurants start to fill up from 7pm and bars are open until midnight or 1am, depending on how busy they are. Life does slow down in winter though, with some places closing altogether.

Packing tips
Outdoor gear is the local uniform; and don’t forget your splashproof camera for marine-life snaps.

Recommended reads
You're in whale country now, so forgive the North Island setting and dive into Witi Ihimaera’s 1987 novel The Whale Rider.

Regional specialities
As the name indicates, Kaikoura is not for the shellfish shy, with crayfish a must on the menu. Other local delights include grouper, cod, mussels and paua, as well as kumera, a kind of sweet potato long cultivated here. There are also organic options, award-winning wineries and sweet treats such as fudge. And it’s not just the edibles that make the restaurants worth visiting – the aesthetics are just as tasty thanks to those show-stopping views.

Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZ$).

Time zone
GMT+12.

Dialling codes
New Zealand: +64; South Island: (0)3 (drop the zero if dialling from overseas).

Do go/don't go
November until February is usually the warmest and driest time to visit; March is often a rainy month and temperatures drop in winter (June until August). If you’re planning some whale watching, summer (December to March) is the best time to spot orcas, winter (June to September) is prime time for southern right whales, and giant sperm whales can be sighted year-round, along with dusky dolphins and fur seals.

Don't go home without

...taking a dip in Hanmer Springs’ thermal pools, just under two hours’ drive inland (NZ$14 an adult; NZ$7 a child, aged three to 15). Soak in the warm mineral-rich waters, book a treatment at the attached spa, or retreat to its private pools and sauna and steam rooms (www.hanmersprings.co.nz).