Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

166 Rankers Reviews

152 Face-to-Face

12 Kaikoura

Your Nature Guide

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Marios Gavalas

Author And Researcher

Nau mai, haere mai

Nau mai, haere mai

I'm Marios, delivering the best of Aotearoa's nature walks to your device.

I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!

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Photos

Kaikoura Peninsula from the air
The walk along the coast
Kaikoura Penisula in the distance

Information

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

11.7 km return | 3 hours return

In a country of mountains and sea, nowhere else quite caps the contrast like Kaikoura. Those glistening mountains tumble directly into the ocean and as the tourist brochures are keen to re-iterate, Kaikoura is where ‘the mountains meet the sea.’

The Kaikoura Peninsula walk kicks off with seals right off the bat. But it's the classic New Zealand lookout that is the jewel in the crown. It takes your breath away - as the reviews show. More seals than you can poke a stick at. Enjoy!

Walking Track

Access

The two main access points for the walkway are at the Peninsula carpark (Kaimokehu or Point Kean) and South Bay. South Bay is heavier on the interpretation and facilities.

The Peninsula or Point Kean carpark is at the road end from Kaikoura township. Follow the Esplanade, Avoca Street and Fyffe Quay 4.5 km from the i-site to the carpark and seal colony.

South Bay is signposted on the left 1.8 km south of the township along SH1. Continue 2 km to the parking area by the shelter (with toilets) and interpretation panels.

Track

The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway loops around the whale’s tail. In a commendable effort by the district council and their partners a detailed series of interpretation panels not only gives insight on the natural and human histories, but is well-embellished with photographs, both old and new.

The various parties who have developed the walkway have poured a great deal of thought, time and money into developing a highly informative suite of interpretation panels, which complement the incredible scenery. Their initiative is to be commended, as this is a superb celebration of a town, it’s history, scenery and people, embodied in a walk.

While most visitors to Kaikoura will pay over $100 for a trip to see whales and listen to commentaries read from an operations manual, they will miss the essence of the place, which rests on its geology (both above and below water), Maori and early European whaling history and land based views. All these are amply described with the wealth of informative detail and good stock of black and white photos sourced mainly from the Kaikoura Museum.

The track can be divided into three sections, each of around 1 hour. Point Kean carpark to South Bay, South Bay to Kaikoura town centre and Kaikoura town centre to the start.

Initially the track climbs to the first of several lookouts – the Point Kean Lookout. There are fine views of the ocean and Seaward Kaikoura Range.

The track is mostly marked with poles, many with maps showing where you are. Follow these and you can’t go too wrong. The track mainly crosses farmland, which can be muddy after rain. It’s perched on the clifftops above the inter-tidal rock platform. The best chance to explore this is after 30 minutes, where there’s a 20 minute return detour to the coast at Whalers Bay. Look for the indentations in the grass where whaleboats were formerly parked. Be careful of nesting seabirds, especially in spring and early summer.

A metalled section of track then leads down to South Bay, where there’s a toilet, some lurid carving and detailed interpretation. This last 5 minutes is suitable for wheelchairs and looks over Limestone Bay.

Continue to the site of the old whaling station and past the fishing boats. The life of Kaikoura fishermen continues here. The only place the marking is confusing is after this point. 100 metres after the last pole, look for the small green sign which points to Kaikoura. This now ascends on a metalled track through farmland to Scarborough Street.

The main walkway descends to the township via Tom’s Track, however to keep you off the main streets and up high, head right along Scarborough Street. This also accesses the remains of Nga Niho Pa. These are the best views of Kaikoura, the sea and mountains. Dempseys Track then nips down the terrace to Torquay Street, just after the short detour to the Kaikoura lookout on the right.

On Torquay Street head right, which joins Avoca Street and leads to Fyffe House on the corner, complete with an old chimney for the old wharf shed and whalebone fencepost. Passing Armers Bay, (the only suitable swimming beach and with toilets) the track returns to Point Kean carpark.

There’s also the possibility of walking around the base of the cliffs. This is a great excuse to explore rock pools, but beware of the tides. This walk will take around 2 ½ hours one-way to South Bay, so you should leave no later than low tide on an incoming tide and wait until mid tide on the outgoing. The section nearest Limestone Beach is where the cliffs are closest to shore and you may get caught.

Geology

Snow-covered for much of the year, the Seaward Kaikouras are a series of ridges running south-west to north-east, capped by Manakau (2608 metres). The ocean they meet is the raison d’etre for Kaikoura in both Pre-European and the colonial eras.

By a quirk of geological fate, the Indo-Australian and Pacific tectonic plates meet right at Kaikoura. The theories of plate tectonics and continental drift postulate that the surface of the Earth is formed of 11 crustal plates, which move and jostle for position relative to each other. The Indo-Australian plate and Pacific plate battle it out in New Zealand, both on land and at sea. A deep oceanic trench only a few kilometres off shore forms an underwater canyon known as the Hikurangi Trench. This is the catalyst for upwelling of nutrients from the deep.

Most of the limestones and sandstones of Kaikoura were formed 100-60 million years ago in a sub-marine basin. The overlying layers compacted those below to form rocks, which were uplifted around 15 million years ago. Most recent penetrations on the surface have only been in existence for 180,000 years.

Over the last 125,000 years a succession of wave-cut platforms has been chiselled into the rocks, a response to tectonic uplift and coastal erosion. From the highest viewpoints on the walkway three distinct profiles are visible relating to terraces 125,000, 40,000 and the most recent 1,000 years old. The geological dynamism is also demonstrated by the fact the peninsula was originally an island. Outwash debris eroded from the mountains has been brought down by the Hapuku and Kowhai Rivers, filling the channel and joining it to the mainland.

Flora

The original vegetation of the peninsula would have been a podocarp forest dominated by matai and totara with an understorey of kowhai, mahoe, ngaio, titoki. On the bluffs native lilac and Marlborough rock daisy would have clung to the exposed rocks. With the advent of pastoralism nearly all the peninsula’s vegetation was burned and stock munched the delicate cliff plants. Revegetation programmes are now underway with fragile areas fenced. To avoid further degradation, keep to the track.

Fauna

Kaikoura lies at the meeting of several oceanic currents. Warm saline currents from the tropics and cooler nutrient rich water associated with the Southland Current from the south, intermingle and draw water to the surface, a marine larder stocked with phytoplankton and zooplankton. Krill such as Munida gregaria feed on this abundance and their vast numbers attract fish and higher predators. These include dolphins, seals, toothed whales and the sperm whales, for which Kaikoura is now famous.

Hutton’s shearwaters (titi) use the peninsula to nest. They spend 6 months at sea, then return to Kaikoura to breed. The region is the only place in the world they choose to breed, with sites on the peninsula, the headwaters of the Kowhai River and the Puhi Puhi Valley. They arrive in August, lay eggs in October, then after fledging migrate to the warmer climes of Australia for the winter. Juveniles spend s a few years in exile, before returning to breed.

The seal colony at Point Kean seems to co-exist harmoniously with the humdrum of 250,000 annual visitors. Cars and seals are parked next to each other. Keep at least 10 metres away from the seals and stay landward side. They can chase and bite, so beware! And they carry syphilis.

Polynesian History

According to Maori traditions, Kaikoura peninsula was the spot Maui braced his foot while fishing up the North Island. The area is known as Te taumanu o te waka a Maui, the thwart of Maui’s canoe. Kaikoura literally translates as meal of crayfish (kai = food, koura = crayfish), a name bestowed by Tamaki-te-rangi when he ate here during the chase of his estranged wives. Over 15 pa sites are noted around the peninsula probably occupied for short times by a succession of Waitaha, Ngati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu. The return route along Scarborough Street passes Nga Niho Pa, although little remains of the site’s contours.

European History

This abundance of whales not only attracted Maori to the area, but was the catalyst for European settlement. In 1845 Robert Fyffe started shore whaling at ‘Waiopuka’, with other stations soon established in South Bay. Fyffe House still stands, anchored on solid whalebone piles. Yes, Kaikoura is a town literally built on whales.

South Bay was also known as Fyffe’s Village. It was the social focus of the area but suffered a setback when Robert Fyffe drowned in 1854. His cousin George took over running the enterprise. From the 1840s to 1910 whalers went to sea in open 7-man clinker boats, with hulls painted blue to camouflage them from whales below. Their gear included a harpoon, lance and 100 fathoms of neatly coiled rope. From 1908 chasers became motorised, a relief for the crew who previously rowed, towing their 25 tonne cargo. The relief was short-lived as the industry soon slumped with a decrease in whale numbers.

At Whalers Bay, grooves in the grass behind the beach are the physical symbols of where boats were hauled ashore. Spotters would use the clifftop to spy whales, attracting the waiting crews at Atia Point with the cliché ‘There she blows.’

Feature

Ironically, in a town built on whales, the peninsula when viewed from above resembles the fluke of whale’s tail.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

DOC Marlborough

Central government organisation

Location

South IslandKaikoura RegionKaikoura

Categories

  • Activity__walking_and_trekkingWalking
  • Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-42.4232664423572

173.715991973877

Latitude
-42.4232664423572
Longitude
173.715991973877

Nearby

Reviews

    • Go there to see many seals and birds.
    • We saw some seals.
    • Direct walk on the coastline.
    • The walk is really nice.
    • Nice spot for walking but a bit short.
    Rating Count Percentage
    10/10 59
    36%
    9/10 49
    30%
    8/10 30
    18%
    7/10 25
    15%
    6/10 3
    2%
    5/10 0
    0%
    4/10 0
    0%
    3/10 0
    0%
    2/10 0
    0%
    1/10 0
    0%
  • 5.0/5

    I can’t add anything to my previous post some 5/6 years ago.

    3rd time there and just as enjoyable.

    Reviewed 6 months ago

  • 5.0/5

    Excellent walk along the top of the peninsula seeing the seals.

    What we didn't expect was to see a family of tourists climbing the huge cliff face! Quite risky and disrespectful and damaging of the land.

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    15Oct18.

    Very windy and chilly! A nice walk all the same. The last time we did it was April 2014 and it was warm and sunny.

    We walked along the top to Whalers Bay then down the cliff path and back along the beach. Keep to the non maintained path and avoid the bird colonies that are close to the path in some places. They don’t like us being there! We were seen off in no uncertain terms.

    Reviewed about 6 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    This coastal walk is really nice, lots of seals and birds.

    Tip : don't make a circular walk from the city, as advised in the i-site. You can park either in south bay, either near point Kean. From there, can bee nice to first walk on the cliffs, to enjoy the stunning view, then come back near the shore, to approach the seals : Check first at the i-site for the tide and weather info.

    Reviewed about 7 years ago

  • 4.5/5

    Nice to see seals in their own environment, great view around Kaikoura - such a nice walk!

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017

  • 5.0/5

    Windy as but worth it.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017

    AUSTRALIA
    Ben's avatar

    Ben

  • 4.0/5

    The walk around the peninsula of Kaikoura is wonderful, with nice views of the mountains and beaches.

    You can see sea lions and birds - really awesome.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017

  • 4.0/5

    Beautiful walk.

    Possibility to see seals.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome walk, follow the beach.

    Be aware of the tides. Saw some seals, at least 20.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016

  • 3.0/5

    Nice spot for walking but a bit short.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016

  • 5.0/5

    Easy walk with spectacular views and amazing animals.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016

  • 4.5/5

    The walk atop the cliff are a sight to behold.

    It is very well maintained and nice.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016

  • 5.0/5

    I can’t add anything to my previous post some 5/6 years ago.

    3rd time there and just as enjoyable.

    Reviewed 6 months ago

  • 5.0/5

    Excellent walk along the top of the peninsula seeing the seals.

    What we didn't expect was to see a family of tourists climbing the huge cliff face! Quite risky and disrespectful and damaging of the land.

    Reviewed almost 5 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    15Oct18.

    Very windy and chilly! A nice walk all the same. The last time we did it was April 2014 and it was warm and sunny.

    We walked along the top to Whalers Bay then down the cliff path and back along the beach. Keep to the non maintained path and avoid the bird colonies that are close to the path in some places. They don’t like us being there! We were seen off in no uncertain terms.

    Reviewed about 6 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    This coastal walk is really nice, lots of seals and birds.

    Tip : don't make a circular walk from the city, as advised in the i-site. You can park either in south bay, either near point Kean. From there, can bee nice to first walk on the cliffs, to enjoy the stunning view, then come back near the shore, to approach the seals : Check first at the i-site for the tide and weather info.

    Reviewed about 7 years ago

  • 5.0/5

    Windy as but worth it.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017

    AUSTRALIA
    Ben's avatar

    Ben

  • 4.0/5

    The walk around the peninsula of Kaikoura is wonderful, with nice views of the mountains and beaches.

    You can see sea lions and birds - really awesome.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017

  • 4.0/5

    Beautiful walk.

    Possibility to see seals.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017

  • 4.5/5

    Nice to see seals in their own environment, great view around Kaikoura - such a nice walk!

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in February 2017

  • 5.0/5

    Awesome walk, follow the beach.

    Be aware of the tides. Saw some seals, at least 20.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016

  • 5.0/5

    Easy walk with spectacular views and amazing animals.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016

  • 4.5/5

    The walk atop the cliff are a sight to behold.

    It is very well maintained and nice.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016

  • 3.5/5

    Go there to see many seals and birds.

    The place is quite packed but worth the trip.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in October 2016

  • 3.0/5

    Nice spot for walking but a bit short.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016

  • 5.0/5

    Great walk, well sign posted with lots of information provided en route as to significance of buildings, structures etc.

    Good wildlife to see en route.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016

  • 5.0/5

    We saw seals and had a wonderful walk on the peninsula.

    We loved it so much we stayed and did the walk twice.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016

  • 3.5/5

    A fairly easy, well maintained walkway leads you through an open landscape with many wide views of the sea and great aerial views of seals on the rocks beneath.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in November 2016

  • 4.5/5

    Great walk to see the seals and an amazing view over the ocean.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 3.5/5

    Nice three hour walk with the option of walking on top with great views and directly at the beach if it is low tide.

    You can see plenty of seals.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 3.5/5

    The walk is really nice.

    You will see plenty of seals and from the top you will have an awesome view.

    Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 5.0/5

    Well maintained walkway, easily accessed from the seal colony or South Bay with benches and information stations along the way.

    There are access steps down from the cliff top to Whalers Bay half way around so the walk can be varied from along the top to down on the beach depending on the tide. The round trip is great but the views from either of the lookouts over the ocean and back to the mountains at the seal colony and South Bay are both worth the climb up if you are short on time. Lots of birds and seals, rock pools on the beach.

    Reviewed almost 8 years ago

  • 3.5/5

    Nice walk, especially the great view over the sea and you can see lots of seals.

    Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 3.5/5

    Saw lots of seals.

    Relatively easy walk, stunning views. Did three times during my month stay in Kaikoura.

    Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 4.0/5

    Great experience!!

    We saw dolphins, seabirds and a whale.

    Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 4.0/5

    Sunny, easily accessible, gorgeous views.

    Was a splendid spot.

    Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 3.5/5

    Walked part of the walkway to the seal colony and stopped at the BBQ seafood truck along the way.

    Beautiful coastline and the board walk was well maintained. Wish we had more time to explore!

    Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 4.5/5

    Well worth a visit when you are stopping in Kaikoura.

    Seal and bird colonies and maybe you will see a whale from the top of the cliffs.

    Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 3.5/5

    Amazing views from the cliffs, tons of seals and bids.

    Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 5.0/5

    Park at the end of the road and see seals directly from the carpark!

    Then the walk up and around the coast offers amazing and changing views across the hills and coast!

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

  • 5.0/5

    The best track in the South Island.

    On the way you can see a lot of seals and birds. Good track with bathrooms and signage.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016

  • 4.0/5

    A lot of seals there, nice walk with great ocean view.

    Reviewed over 8 years ago and experienced in January 2016