Jutting out from
the shadows of the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges is the Kaikoura Peninsula, with
unforgettable views of snow-capped mountains, rising from the sea to 2600
metres or more.
Whaling Town of Old
Kaikoura (Kai = Food and
Koura= Crayfish) was established as a Whaling Town in 1843 by Robert Fyffe a
Farmer-Fisherman who arrived in 1842. Now with
whaling long gone the town thrives on Tourism where the Famous Whale is seen
and not Killed.
Historic Home
After Robert's mysterious drowning, George took
over the Whaling and built Fyffe House around 1860.
Built using the Whale Vertebrae as part of the foundations and joinery
salvaged form local shipwrecks, it still stands today and is open to view on
restricted hours. A visit to the Kaikoura District Museum & Archives will
also be a place of varied and colourful history.
Rocks and Stone
An Archaic Maori grave with Moa relics was found
near the present day site of the Old Wharf. A Walk
around the rocks will will highlight the history of the area. Many of the
Peninsula walkways will take you to historic sites like the Nga Niho pa
site.
Seals of Kaikoura
A short drive
from Kaikoura to the tip of the Peninsula will take you to the Seal Colony,
where at times hundreds of seals bask in the sun. By taking the Peninsula
Walkway not only will the breath taking views make you stand in owe, you
will sea the coastal rocks and formations that are a haven for many of the
birds and wildlife in this area.
