"Fabulous Walks and Hiking Tours" Top 5 Page for this destination Kaikoura Things to Do Tip by Kakapo2

With such scenery it is nearly a must to explore the Kaikoura region on foot, at least on a coastal walk.

As I am not very good with watching the tides I prefer the Clifftop Walk to the Shoreline Walk which is only possible at low tide. Both start at the seal colony at the carpark at the end of Avoca St (Point Kean). From the cliffs you also have the better views. You can combine both walks to a round trip at Whalers Bay, or continue to South Bay (where the whale watch company has its marina). Point Kean to South Bay takes 2hrs one way. A shorter link track from South Bay to Kaikoura is about 45mins.

The most popular bush walks start at a carpark west of the town, via Ludstone Rd (museum) and Mt. Fyffe Rd.

The Hinau Loop Track takes just 45mins - "hinau" is a kind of tree, but there are a lot of other species, too. The Fyffe-Palmer Track (1.5hrs) is also an easy bush walk.

The steep climb to the summit of Mt. Fyffe (1602m) is strenuous and takes 7 to 8 hours but rewards you with fantastic panoramas. There is a hut at about 1100m.

More info:
http://www.virtual-kaikoura.com/activities/walkways/peninsulawalks.htm
http://www.virtual-kaikoura.com/activities/walkways/mountfyffe.htm
http://www.tramper.co.nz/tracks/index.cfm?view=object&id=114
http://www.kaikoura.co.nz/

Multi-day walks in the area are the Kowhai-Hapuku Circuit (2-3 days) and the Kaikoura Coast Track which is private. The good thing about the latter is that your luggage is transported to each overnight stay, and home-cooked meals are available as extras. But you can walk without guides at your own pace. It is open Oct-Apr and takes 3 days. Price incl. luggage transport NZ$150pp (as Feb. 2007). The track starts and finishes at the Staging Post, 45mins south of Kaikoura.

http://www.virtual-kaikoura.com/activities/walkways/kowhai.htm
http://www.kaikouratrack.co.nz/

There are shuttles available to all tracks. Contact the Kaikoura Visitor Centre.

Directions: To loop walks: SH1 north out of Kaikoura, turn left at Mill, Schoolhouse, or Postmans Rd, at next intersection right into Mt. Fyffe Rd to the carpark. To Mt. Fyffe summit track: Follow Postmans Rd to the Kowhai river, it is signposted on a narrow road.
Phone: (03) 319 5641 (Visitor Centre)