Kaikoura Walks & Hikes
Kaikoura Trail
42km
The Kaikoura Trail gives you the chance to explore some of the places you don't see from
the highway. Mt Fyffe and the Seaward Kaikoura Range watch over you for the entire trail and you will get many glimpses of the ocean as you make your way around. Loosely following the
perimeter of the Kaikoura plains and skirting the Kowhai and Hapuku Rivers, the Kaikoura Trail sections are as diverse as the scenery.
The Kaikoura Trail is suitable for riders in good health with basic off-road biking skills. A basic mountain bike is required. The Trail is also suitable for E-bikes. Motorbikes and horses are not permitted on our single trails.
No crossing or riding of State Highway 1 is required. Cycle the entire loop or cycle a section or two as time allows.
The Trail can be ridden in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. The single trails are two-way shared trails so be ready to give way to other riders and walkers at any time. Obey road rules when on-road. Keep left. Ride with respect to the Trail and the environment. Ride within your ability and to the mountain bikers’ code of conduct.
There are 10 sections of the Kaikoura Trail which when linked together create an exciting, scenic and exhilarating ride. The descriptions below are for riding in a clockwise direction. Look out for these signs to guide you around the Trail.
Puhi Puhi Scenic Reserve
The Puhi Puhi Scenic Reserve is a protected significant Area of International Importance, renowned as a haven for a diverse array of rare and endangered native species of New Zealand flora and fauna.
30 minutes
Halfmoon Bay Track
This track is wide with easy gradient, walking through the lower forest opening out to great views of the forest below, the ocean and the mountains. Enjoy the birds, flora and fauna When we reach the saddle the 360 degree views are stunning a great place to stop and have refreshments. This area is steeped in history. A lovely trip in the wilderness. There is an option to go down on to the beach where you can view seals and sea birds etc.
4.5 hours
Coastal Track
The coastal walk starts off at the beach, there are many points of interest along the way, from shells to sea birds to seals sunbathing or frolicking in the pools. You leave the beach and walk through the forest to a lookout point where the views will amaze you. Sometimes you can see large pods of dusky dolphins playing from here, if you are very lucky you may even see a migrating Whale, it is a nice place to spend time with great photo opportunities.
4 hours
Mount Fyffe Track to the mountain hut
This is a brilliant trip because on the lower mountain you experience the native forest and birds as you wind your way up the stunning views appear and in no time you are in an alpine environment, looking over steep ridges, down into deep river valleys before reaching the mountain hut where you will experience breathtaking views of the mountains and the ocean.
5 hours or Heli-Hiking Option Available
Kaikoura Town Centre to point Kean Car Park
From the town centre, follow the footpath and road verge along The Esplanade, Avoca Street and Fyffe Quay to Point Kean. On the way, look out for the interpretation signs on The Esplanade opposite Brighton and Margate Streets, telling stories of “Life on the Edge”, a community living by the sea — the land, the sea and the people.
As you approach Point Kean car park, you will notice several signs warning that seals are likely to be present in the surrounding area. Most of the seals in the car park are males. They may appear to be harmless; however, they are capable of becoming aggressive if disturbed and can inflict a nasty, infectious bite. The seals on the rocky platforms out from the car park are females and their pups. These females have recently begun breeding at this location. For your safety and to avoid disturbing the seals please remain 10 metres from any seal in the vicinity of the car park. Along the rest of the Kaikoura Coast, 20 metres is the recommended distance to keep away from a seal.
50 minutes, 4.4km
Point Kean car park to Point Kean Viewpoint
A five-minute walk up the hill from the car park takes you to a lookout platform. This platform, designed in the shape of a waka, affords an excellent view of both the sea and the mountains. Here, interpretation panels provide stories of the land, the sea and the people who lived here.
5 minutes, 200m
Fyffe Palmer Track
This track starts from the end of the Mt Fyffe Road. It initially meanders through farmland and then through the regenerating forest of Fyffe-Palmer Scenic Reserve. There is a picnic area along the track with excellent views.
1hour 45 min return
Point Kean Viewpoint to Whalers Bay Viewpoint
Beyond the lookout platform, follow the track along the cliff top for superb views of rugged cliff formations, tidal platforms and the Seaward Kaikoura Range.
25 minutes, 1.5 km
Whalers Bay Side Trip
A 10-minute track follows a former whalers’ route down the cliff to the shoreline. A prominent feature in this area is known as “The Sugarloaf”. To prevent further erosion to this landmark, please refrain from climbing it.
Seabirds, seals, walkers, divers, crayfish floats and fishing boats all lend their own flavour to the view. Out to sea, you may see scores of seabirds feeding frantically on small fish herded to the surface by bigger fish or dolphins. Please take great care to avoid disturbing any wildlife along the shoreline as there are large colonies of birds in the area. These are particularly vulnerable to disturbance during the breeding season over summer. Return back up via the same cliff track, as tides or seals along the shoreline may prevent you from returning to the car park.
20 minutes, 200m
Kaikoura Peninsula Discovery Walk
Easy flat walk after a short path up and then down to the coast. Start with a bush track then 360oC million dollar views where the mountains almost tumble into the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Learn about the unique Kaikoura canyon and its location.
Discover the rich Peninsula one of the most biologically diverse locations on the South Islands, seabirds, fish, marine.
2.5 – 3 hours
Whalers Bay Viewpoint to South bay viewpoint
On the sea cliffs near this section of the Walkway, DOC is working to establish a new colony of Hutton’s shearwater. If you are walking this section in summer, you may see large rafts of these birds sitting on the water. At nightfall, these birds, after feeding at sea all day, return to their breeding colonies high up in the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges.
20 minutes, 1.1 km
South Bay viewpoint to South Bay carpark
From the South Bay viewpoint, the Walkway descends to a fully accessible path that leads to an information shelter and toilets at South Bay. Before descending to South Bay, linger to view the tidal platforms and the view south.
15 minutes, 200m
South Bay to Kaikoura town centre via Scarborough Street
From the South Bay shelter, return to Kaikoura town centre by following the marker posts along the coast towards the marina. Follow the marker posts to South Bay Parade and cross to South Bay Track, walk up the hill, cross Scarborough Street and walk down Toms Track to return to The Esplanade.
1 hour, 3.9km
Hinau Track
This track also starts at the Mt Fyffe car park. It is a gentle loop through a remnant forest containing a large number of hīnau trees. The track is well formed and suitable for families.
45 minutes loop
Extra Information & Safety
It is important to be well prepared before going on your trip. The weather can change drastically here in Kaikoura. Always seek further information before heading off and make sure you take warm clothes and plenty of water/food. Please inform a member of staff before embarking on all hikes except for the Kaikoura Peninsula Walk.