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.
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.
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.
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. 8th 2024 Dec. 8th 2024 | max: 19.4 °C min: 15.2 °C |
31.7 m/s 40.3 m/s |
99.0 % 24.1 m |
77.6 % 1,002 hPa |
05:42:02 20:52:44 |
|
Dec. 9th 2024 Dec. 9th 2024 | max: 18.0 °C min: 15.9 °C |
34.9 m/s 48.2 m/s |
11.8 % 24.1 m |
77.1 % 1,000 hPa |
05:42:00 20:53:38 |
|
Dec. 10th 2024 Dec. 10th 2024 | max: 15.7 °C min: 14 °C |
20.5 m/s 24.5 m/s |
23.2 % 24.1 m |
67.9 % 1,010 hPa |
05:42:00 20:54:31 |
|
Dec. 11th 2024 Dec. 11th 2024 | max: 17.0 °C min: 14.4 °C |
29.5 m/s 38.2 m/s |
83.6 % 24.1 m |
81.2 % 1,009 hPa |
05:42:03 20:55:22 |
|
Dec. 12th 2024 Dec. 12th 2024 | max: 19.3 °C min: 16.7 °C |
36.7 m/s 41.0 m/s |
90.1 % 24.1 m |
71.7 % 1,000 hPa |
05:42:08 20:56:11 |
|
Dec. 13th 2024 Dec. 13th 2024 | max: 17.4 °C min: 15.1 °C |
40.3 m/s 48.2 m/s |
38.8 % 24.1 m |
79.0 % 1,011 hPa |
05:42:16 20:56:58 |
|
Dec. 14th 2024 Dec. 14th 2024 | max: 17.4 °C min: 15.1 °C |
37.4 m/s 43.2 m/s |
17.4 % 24.1 m |
80.8 % 1,016 hPa |
05:42:26 20:57:44 |
|
Dec. 15th 2024 Dec. 15th 2024 | max: 16.4 °C min: 15.5 °C |
18.4 m/s 30.6 m/s |
32.8 % 24.1 m |
82.3 % 1,021 hPa |
05:42:39 20:58:27 |
|
Dec. 16th 2024 Dec. 16th 2024 | max: 16.6 °C min: 15.7 °C |
19.8 m/s 27.6 m/s |
52.0 % 20.8 m |
86.2 % 1,022 hPa |
05:42:54 20:59:09 |
|
Dec. 17th 2024 Dec. 17th 2024 | max: 18.4 °C min: 16 °C |
17.9 m/s 28.1 m/s |
17.7 % 21.7 m |
81.0 % 1,014 hPa |
05:43:11 20:59:48 |
|
Dec. 18th 2024 Dec. 18th 2024 | max: 19.7 °C min: 15.3 °C |
25.6 m/s 29.5 m/s |
35.4 % 24.1 m |
76.6 % 1,007 hPa |
05:43:31 21:00:26 |
|
Dec. 19th 2024 Dec. 19th 2024 | max: 15.1 °C min: 13.8 °C |
23.0 m/s 24.2 m/s |
68.8 % 24.1 m |
65.4 % 1,011 hPa |
05:43:53 21:01:01 |
|
Dec. 20th 2024 Dec. 20th 2024 | max: 16.0 °C min: 13.8 °C |
41.4 m/s 49.7 m/s |
81.8 % 24.1 m |
76.4 % 1,011 hPa |
05:44:18 21:01:34 |
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.
Date | Ship | Arrival | Departure | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dec. 12th 2024 Thursday, 12th of Dec. 2024 | Scenic Eclipse II | 12:00 am | 12:00 am | |
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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