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Kaikoura
in New Zealand

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New Zealand

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a small town on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located on the Pacific Ocean coast, about 140 km north of Christchurch, and is situated on a rugged stretch of coastline. The town is known for its spectacular scenery, with the Kaikoura mountain range to the west and the Kaikoura Peninsula extending out into the sea to the east.

The town’s main industries are fishing, tourism, and agriculture. Kaikoura is a popular destination for whale watching, as the area is home to a wide variety of marine mammals. It is also a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, as well as other water activities.

The area has a rich history, with the first Māori settlers arriving in the area around the 16th century. The town was originally called Te Tai o Marokura, or “the sea of Kaikoura”, and was a popular fishing spot for Māori. In the late 1800s, the town was one of the first places in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans.

In 1843, the town was officially named Kaikoura, and the first European settlers began to arrive. In the early 1900s, the town’s economy began to grow, with the development of the fishing industry, and the establishment of the Kaikoura freezing works in 1903.

Today, Kaikoura is a popular tourist destination, with many visitors coming to enjoy the stunning scenery, the marine life, and the many activities available in the area. The town is also home to a range of historic sites, including the Kaikoura Museum, which chronicles the history of the area.

Excursion tips for a day in Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a stunning coastal town on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, renowned for its incredible marine life, stunning scenery and unique cultural experiences. Here are some of the activities you can do as a tourist in Kaikoura on a day:

1. Take a whale watching tour and spot the majestic sperm whales and other marine life.
2. Go swimming with dolphins and experience the unique thrill of being in the water with these playful creatures.
3. Take a scenic flight and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kaikoura coastline.
4. Visit the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway and experience the beauty of the rugged coastline.
5. Enjoy the local seafood and sample some of the freshest seafood in the world.
6. Explore the Maori culture and learn about the history and customs of the indigenous people.
7. Take a boat cruise and explore the local marine life, including seals, dolphins and whales.
8. Go kayaking and explore the stunning coastline and coves.
9. Visit the seal colony and watch the playful seals in their natural habitat.
10. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach and soak in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

 

to business owners in Kaikoura

Experience Kaikoura with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Kaikoura. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Kaikoura

Kaikoura in New Zealand has a temperate climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. In summer (December-February), temperatures are mild, ranging from 10-20°C, and rainfall is low. In autumn (March-May) temperatures are slightly cooler, ranging from 5-15°C, and rainfall is higher. In winter (June-August), temperatures are cool, ranging from 0-10°C, and rainfall is highest. In spring (September-November), temperatures are warmer, ranging from 5-20°C, and rainfall is moderate. Overall, Kaikoura has mild temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year.

Cruise weather for Kaikoura

Our weather forecast for Kaikoura helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Date Icon Temperature Wind speed/gusts Cloudiness/Visibility Air humidity/pressure Sunrise/Sunset
Dec. 21st 2024 Dec. 21st 2024 max: 18.6 °C
min: 14.7 °C 		45.4 m/s
54.0 m/s		 65.6 %
23.4 m		 82.0 %
998 hPa		 05:44:45
21:02:05
Dec. 22nd 2024 Dec. 22nd 2024 max: 18.9 °C
min: 15.7 °C 		20.9 m/s
25.6 m/s		 78.7 %
24.1 m		 77.0 %
995 hPa		 05:45:14
21:02:34
Dec. 23rd 2024 Dec. 23rd 2024 max: 17.3 °C
min: 15.3 °C 		30.2 m/s
42.8 m/s		 44.7 %
23.1 m		 87.9 %
1,001 hPa		 05:45:46
21:03:00
Dec. 24th 2024 Dec. 24th 2024 max: 16.6 °C
min: 15.3 °C 		33.1 m/s
43.9 m/s		 12.2 %
24.1 m		 88.9 %
1,005 hPa		 05:46:20
21:03:24
Dec. 25th 2024 Dec. 25th 2024 max: 18.7 °C
min: 15.6 °C 		28.4 m/s
40.7 m/s		 85.6 %
17.7 m		 84.4 %
997 hPa		 05:46:56
21:03:46
Dec. 26th 2024 Dec. 26th 2024 max: 16.6 °C
min: 13.7 °C 		45.7 m/s
56.9 m/s		 100.0 %
14.9 m		 88.3 %
997 hPa		 05:47:34
21:04:06
Dec. 27th 2024 Dec. 27th 2024 max: 14.0 °C
min: 13 °C 		49.7 m/s
58.3 m/s		 63.1 %
21.7 m		 74.6 %
1,007 hPa		 05:48:15
21:04:23
Dec. 28th 2024 Dec. 28th 2024 max: 14.4 °C
min: 12.7 °C 		29.6 m/s
33.2 m/s		 25.3 %
24.1 m		 73.8 %
1,006 hPa		 05:48:57
21:04:38
Dec. 29th 2024 Dec. 29th 2024 max: 16.2 °C
min: 14.4 °C 		42.5 m/s
51.8 m/s		 15.3 %
24.0 m		 80.2 %
1,003 hPa		 05:49:42
21:04:50
Dec. 30th 2024 Dec. 30th 2024 max: 14.8 °C
min: 13.9 °C 		35.6 m/s
42.8 m/s		 63.8 %
23.0 m		 81.8 %
1,006 hPa		 05:50:28
21:05:00
Dec. 31st 2024 Dec. 31st 2024 max: 14.0 °C
min: 13.3 °C 		26.2 m/s
29.0 m/s		 20.5 %
24.1 m		 70.6 %
1,014 hPa		 05:51:17
21:05:08
Jan. 1st 2025 Jan. 1st 2025 max: 15.0 °C
min: 13.7 °C 		35.6 m/s
41.4 m/s		 1.1 %
24.1 m		 69.4 %
1,018 hPa		 05:52:07
21:05:13
Jan. 2nd 2025 Jan. 2nd 2025 max: 16.5 °C
min: 14.8 °C 		38.5 m/s
44.6 m/s		 1.7 %
24.0 m		 81.4 %
1,009 hPa		 05:52:59
21:05:16
Jan. 3rd 2025 Jan. 3rd 2025 max: 16.7 °C
min: 13.2 °C 		42.5 m/s
43.6 m/s		 84.6 %
23.1 m		 79.8 %
1,007 hPa		 05:53:53
21:05:16
Jan. 4th 2025 Jan. 4th 2025 max: 13.0 °C
min: 11.8 °C 		23.0 m/s
23.4 m/s		 94.9 %
17.6 m		 84.7 %
1,006 hPa		 05:54:49
21:05:14

Cruises to Kaikoura

Would you like to travel to Kaikoura on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Kaikoura.

Scheduled ship calls in Kaikoura, New Zealand
Date Ship Arrival Departure Details
Jan. 2nd 2025 Thursday, 2nd of Jan. 2025 Seabourn Quest 07:00 am 05:00 pm
Jan. 7th 2025 Tuesday, 7th of Jan. 2025 LE SOLEAL 12:00 am 12:00 am
Jan. 30th 2025 Thursday, 30th of Jan. 2025 Silver Muse 08:00 am 06:00 pm
Jan. 31st 2025 Friday, 31st of Jan. 2025 Azamara Pursuit 08:00 am 02:00 pm
Feb. 2nd 2025 Sunday, 2nd of Feb. 2025 Seabourn Quest 07:00 am 05:00 pm
Mar. 1st 2025 Saturday, 1st of Mar. 2025 Scenic Eclipse II 12:00 am 12:00 am
Dec. 10th 2025 Wednesday, 10th of Dec. 2025 Scenic Eclipse II 12:00 am 12:00 am
Feb. 14th 2026 Saturday, 14th of Feb. 2026 Seabourn Sojourn 08:00 am 05:00 pm

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Maritime AIS Data Kaikoura

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