Kaikoura

[[file:Seaward kaikoura mountain range banner.jpg|1280px|A panorama of the Seaward Kaikouras from Kaikoura, New Zealand}} On 14 November 2016, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck near Kaikoura, rendering some boat wharves unusable and damaging road and rail access into the town. Much of the town has reopened, but road access remains limited outside daylight hours.

Kaikoura (pronounced: Kai-kou-ra) is a small coastal town on the east coast (Pacific Ocean) of the South Island of New Zealand, about 180 km north of Christchurch and 130 km south of Blenheim (New Zealand) | Blenheim. It is famed for its marine mammals (whales, dolphins, seals) and other sea-life, all of which you can see, some of which you can swim with, and some you can eat. In Māori, kai means "eat" and kōura is "crayfish" (rock lobster). So Kaikoura is a place to eat crayfish!

Kaikoura Halal Travel Guide

Kaikoura lies on a narrow coastal plain between high mountains and the Pacific Ocean. In places along this coast the mountains drop almost straight into the sea, with barely enough flat land for a single railway line, two lane road and rocky beach, and even then some short tunnels are needed on corners. The steepness of the mountains reflects the underwater geography as well. The deep-water Hikurangi Trench and the continental shelf edge lies just offshore here. This causes the ocean around Kaikoura to be rich in sea life and attracts seals, whales (and humans) to the area to partake in the bounty of the sea.

The town itself has a similar charm to an east coast USA beach town, with a hodgepodge of signs trying to grab tourists' attention.At the edges of the town and the more relaxed and nature-oriented activities again take precedence.

Kaikoura is the perfect place to enjoy both the wonders of the magnificent Pacific Ocean and the tall, majestic mountains. A great place to stay, it is also an ideal rest stop on a section of State Highway 1 (SH1) that passes through isolated country both north and south of the town.

History

The Maori settled in Kaikoura long before European colonisation of New Zealand and cultivated the coastal plain, planting kumara, a form of sweet potato. Maori legend has it that Maui placed his foot on the Kaikoura Peninsula to steady himself as he 'fished-up' the North Island.

In 1770, Captain Cook discovered the Kaikoura Peninsula, believing it to be an island at first. Early European invadors used Kaikoura as a whaling station from 1842 and the remains of pots used to render the whale blubber can be seen on the town foreshore.

Travel to Kaikoura

Travel on a Bus in Kaikoura

When SH 1 is fully open, a number of bus or shuttle services run between Picton (New Zealand) | Picton and Christchurch. They all stop at Kaikoura.

From 18 December 2017, nz/travel-info/timetable/lookup/KKR Intercity two buses per day to / from Christchurch and Picton (New Zealand) | Picton.

By car

Kaikoura is situated on State Highway 1, two hours drive north of Christchurch, and you will pass through it on that route. Both State Highway 1 north and south of the town is open during daylight hours only, closing to traffic overnight. 24-hour access to Kaikoura is via the Inland Kaikoura Road (Route 70), branching off State Highway 7 a few kilometers north of Culverden.

Kaikoura is part of the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route, which links three popular recreational destinations, Hanmer Springs, Waipara Valley region and Kaikoura. The easy and pleasant drive around the entire touring route is 370km, beginning at its southern end just 45min drive from Christchurch International Airport or Christchurch City and finishing at its northern end in Kaikoura.

By Rail

Main article: Rail travel in New Zealand

The railway line through Kaikoura has reopened following the earthquake, however it remains restricted to freight trains only. The Coastal Pacific will restart on 1 December 2018.

The Coastal Pacific train runs through Kaikoura on its way between Picton (New Zealand) | Picton and Christchurch each day from October through April. It departs Christchurch 07:00 and then departs Kaikoura 09:54, arriving Picton 12:13. Departs Picton 13:00 and then departs Kaikoura 15:28, arriving Christchurch 18:21. The train journey is fantastic, with the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The track follows the coast for the last part of the journey into Kaikoura and you can often see fur seals lazing on the rocks. The station is on Whaleway Station Road (presumably named because Whale Watch Kaikoura operate out of the station).

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kaikoura

Kaikoura Airport is one of New Zealand's smaller airports. It's not just an airstrip, as the runway is sealed for a smoother landing. Don't expect to join crowds of other passengers filing aboard a widebodied jet, or even a narrowbodied one. You'll fly in a plane the size of a compact car, where every seat has a window, or two, and a door as well. You might even get to sit alongside the pilot, so don't play with the controls! Oh, and you will have to carry your own bags, so pack well and don't have too much luggage; excess baggage doesn't fly.

Sounds Air flies from Blenheim Monday to Friday 11:45 and then return flight departs Kaikoura 12:45. Flight time 30 min. This is a temporary service following the earthquake, and is planned to cease after 31 August 2017.

If you want to save a few dollars, fly into Christchurch and bus/train/drive the 180 km up the coast to Kaikoura.

How to get around in Kaikoura

-42.403|173.675

What to see in Kaikoura

• Fyffe House - 62 Avoca Street -42.4166, 173.7069 ☎ +64 3 319 5835 Opening Hours: Oct–Apr daily 10:00-17:00, May–September Th–Mo 10:00–16:00 Adult $10, tertiary student $5, child free Kaikoura's oldest building. The earliest part, built in the 1842, sits on whale vertebrae foundations. Has reopened after the 2016 quake.

• Point Kean Viewpoint: At the tip of the peninsula you can see fur seals sunbathing and seagulls sitting around in their nests. You can walk quite close, but please keep enough distance to avoid making them angry! A parking lot is only few meters away at the end of Fyffe Quay.

Walking and hiking

• Peninsula Walkway: This beautiful well-prepared walkway starts at Point Kean Viewpoint and leads along the top of the cliffs. 5 kilometers one-way to South Bay Beach, can be extended to a 12 kilometers loop if you include a few streets and a way through the forest.
• Mt Fyffe Track: Starting at Mt Fyffe carpark 15km away from the center of Kaikoura you can hike up Mt Fyffe (8 hours loop), or return earlier (5 hours loop to Mt Fyffe Hut, or 2-3 hours loop if you turn around at the viewpoint inbetween on 600m height). All these options offer stunning vistas over the Kaikoura Plains onto the sea. The roads to the carpark are partly gravel roads, but can still be used with bicycles or normal cars.
• Hinau Track: This short 45-min loop track starting at Mt Fyffe carpark leads through special native forest where you can hear and sometimes see native birds.

A short information about these tracks is available online from the DOC.

Animals

• Sperm whales
• Dolphins
• New Zealand fur seals
• Wandering albatross

Depending on the season you may also see migrating humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales and southern right whales. Kaikoura often hosts the orca and the largest member of the dolphin family, and is home to the world's smallest and rarest dolphin and the Hector's. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of albatross, 14 varieties of petrels and 7 types of shearwater.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kaikoura

• Whale Watch Kaikoura - Whaleway Station Road -42.3961, 173.6808 at the Kaikoura train station ☎ +64 3 319 6767 0800 655 121 Adults $150, children (3-15) $60 Operating at reduced capacity post-earthquake due to sea uplift damaging wharves. Cafe and gift shop open 09:00-15:00 daily.

• Surf reef breaks and point breaks. Two surf shops in Kaikoura plus local board manufacturer Surge Surfboards
• Fishing trip.

• Kaikoura Kayaks - 19 Killarney Street -42.4072, 173.6829 ☎ +64 21 462 889 0800 452 456 Adults $99, children (3-12) $70 Kayak with seals and dolphins.

• Dolphin Encounter - 96 Esplanade -42.4085, 173.6855 ☎ +64 3 319 6777 0800 733 365 Adults $95-175, children (5-14) $50-160

• Swim With Seals - 58 West End -42.4014, 173.6815 ☎ +64 3 319 6182 0800 732 579 Adults $55-110, children (14 and under) $35-70

• Kaikoura Wilderness Walks - ☎ +64 3 319-6966 - Two & 3 day all-inclusive guided hikes through the privately owned Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve near Kaikoura. Upmarket lodge lodging, untamed wilderness, dramatic alpine terrain, expert local guides.

• South Pacific Safaris - Glencree Station, RD2 ☎ +64 3 319-5189 - Experienced, professional hunting guides offering deer hunting trips and other trophy hunts amongst magnificent mountains near Kaikoura plus luxury hunting lodge lodging.

• Dive Kaikoura - 13 Yarmouth Street -42.409475, 173.685066 ☎ +64 3 319 6622 0800 348 352 5 Star PADI Dive Centre. You can dive the kelp forests and limestone reefs on guided scuba diving tours with them.

Halal Food & Restaurants

• The Top Shop Fish and Chips | Beach Road, Kaikoura at the branch of Beach Road and Old Beach Road Opening Hours: 8-8 most days Located about 1.5km north of the centre of Kaikoura, just on the beach side of the primary street, you'll find some of the best fish in New Zealand. However and the chips are without doubt the best and great value too. Run by the nicest, friendliest and most helpful couple you could wish to meet.
• Waipapa Bay Lobsters, 32km north of Kaikoura, has crayfish – always fresh, never frozen. There are outdoor tables where you are welcome to eat, or you can obtain them packed on ice should you want to eat them later in the day.

• Kekerengu Store | State Highway 1, Kekerengu -42.0036, 174.0104 ☎ +64 3 575 8600 Opening Hours: Daily 08:00-17:00 $18-24 On the main highway, 53km (40 minutes drive) north of Kaikoura. Stop for a bite to eat, or a meal. The best restaurant for miles - hey, its the only restaurant for miles and has to be the best, so people will stop. Just far enough north, on your way to Picton (New Zealand) | Picton, to justify pulling over for a rest break.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kaikoura

Kaikoura - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kaikoura, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kaikoura. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kaikoura and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kaikoura. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kaikoura. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKaikoura: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kaikoura.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kaikoura: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kaikoura, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kaikoura.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kaikoura, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kaikoura, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kaikoura and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kaikoura, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kaikoura, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kaikoura without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kaikoura is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Kaikoura.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kaikoura is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kaikoura, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kaikoura Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kaikoura

eHalal Group Kaikoura is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kaikoura. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kaikoura.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Kaikoura ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Kaikoura. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Kaikoura, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kaikoura are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

As of late 2017, lodging is in high demand in Kaikoura, as some places are currently out of us due to quake damage, and there is also demand from those involved in reconstruction work.

• Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park - 69 Beach Road -42.3932, 173.6787 ☎ +64 3 319 6275 0800 692 322 $21-$160 A picturesque holiday destination offering a wide range of lodging for motorhomes, caravans and tents. Also, a variety of self-contained lodgings.

• Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park - 34 Beach Road -42.3963, 173.6798 ☎ +64 3 319 5362 0800 36 36 38 Offers a range of lodging options including motels, self-contained units, cabins, camping and power sites. Has a heated swimming pool, spa, and adventure playground.

• Waipapa Bay Camping Ground. A small camping ground 32km north of Kaikoura. Dolphins are often seen from the camp, occasionally a whale cruises past, and there are resident seals. Fresh cooked crayfish are sold from here and registered campers get a $5 discount off each crayfish purchased. The camp is easily found as it's on SH1 and there is a giant crayfish on the roof of the crayfish shop out front.

• Lazy Shag Backpackers - 37 Beach Road -42.3962, 173.6791 ☎ +64 3 319 6662
• Dusky Lodge. Along the main coastal road. Has a hot tub / decking area and swimming pool.

• Hapuku Lodge - Station Road, Hapuku -42.3132, 173.7370 off SH 1 ☎ +64 3 319 6559 12km north of Kaikoura. World renowned for its whale watching and marine diversity. Nestled tight between the mountains and the sea and the Lodge shares the land with a deer stud and olive grove. Accommodation consists of six spacious bedrooms, a self-contained modern apartment and five luxury tree houses located in the canopy of a local manuka grove.

• Street Kilda Beach Bungalow - 52 Avoca Street - From $220 A newly renovated home that used to belong to one of Kaikoura's legendary fishermen, Richie Warman. Street Kilda is directly opposite the beach, on a quiet road just 2km from the town centre. Only 100m away from the historic Fyffe whalers cottage, 600m to a public boat launch which is at Jimmy Armer’s beach, 1km to the seal colony, peninsula walk and seafront BBQ. The walk to Kaikoura’s town centre and restaurants is flat and follows the sea. Opposite the house is Mics Bay which is a marine reserve and home to Street Kilda’s Reef, and is a great surf spot, weather permitting. Jimmy Armer’s beach is a great spot for snorkelling and boating. Street Kilda boasts breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Ideal for a romantic break or a treat for the family. There is a sheltered BBQ area, spacious spa bath, shower suitable for disabled persons. Cots and high chairs can be provided upon request. The kitchen is brand new and has all amenities.

• The Fairways - -42.41103528333333, 173.6448812333333 - Two bedroom $320 Luxury lodging situated in Kaikoura's newest residential 'eco' land development, Ocean Ridge. One and two bedroom self-contained apartments and studios ideal for couples and families. Located about 5min drive south of the town and these units feature all the mod cons including in-unit washer dryer.

Travel Next

• North to the small town of Ward and on to Blenheim (New Zealand) | Blenheim and the largest town in the Marlborough (New Zealand) | Marlborough region.
• South to Waipara

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