Photo: Destination Kaikoura New Zealand

A clear day at the popular holiday destination of Kaikoura along the east coast of the South Island, New Zealand

Situated on the East Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, the town of Kaikoura is cradled between the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Mountain Range.

The small community was once only known as a whaling port and was often overlooked by travellers on their journey between Blenheim and Christchurch.

Now Kaikoura thrives on eco-tourism and the only whale hunting conducted is during whale watching tours in the form of searching for the giants of the sea - Sperm Whales. Both the Sperm Whale and Dusky Dolphin Watching operations have transformed Kaikoura into a must see destination during a holiday in New Zealand.

Another feature to lookout for while travelling to or near Kaikoura are the stalls along the highway selling local bounty from the sea such as Crayfish (lobster), prawns, crabs, and local species of fish. The Maori name of Kaikoura, translates into English to mean 'meal of crayfish' (Kai means food and koura means crayfish). ... continue below the picture...

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... It was the bountiful crayfish which first made Kaikoura famous.

Aerial view of the Kaikoura Peninsula and coastline during a Whale Watching flight with Wings over Whales, Kaikoura, East Coast, South Island, New Zealand.