To see your first glimpse of Kaikoura, follow the curve of the sparkling Pacific Ocean by road or rail. Sea and air options tie the journey together.
By Road
Driving
Two main arterial routes connect Kaikoura to the rest of the South Island. State Highway 1 runs from Picton to Invercargill. State Highway 6 runs from Westport to Blenheim.
Self-drive visitors can reach Kaikoura by following the scenic Alpine Pacific Touring route. State Highway 70 links Kaikoura with Hanmer Springs (New Zealand’s alpine spa village) and State Highway 7 links Hanmer Springs with Waipara wine region which is just 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Kaikoura.
Approx. drive time and distances to other towns and cities:
|
|
Km |
Miles |
Approx Drive time |
|
Kaikoura to Picton |
157 |
98 |
2 hours 9 mins |
|
Kaikoura to Blenhiem |
129 |
80 |
1 hour 47 mins |
|
Kaikoura to Hamner Springs |
130 |
81 |
2 hours 6 mins |
|
Kaikoura to Christchurch City |
180 |
112 |
2 hours 35 mins |
|
Kaikoura to Nelson |
243 |
151 |
3 hours 24 mins |
|
Kaikoura to Westport |
328 |
204 |
4 hours 42 mins |
|
|
|
|
|
The Coastal Pacific rail service links Christchurch, Kaikoura, Blenheim and Picton. Daily services operate during the summer months. Operations cease during winter. In Picton, travellers using the Coastal Pacific can conveniently link with ferry services to Wellington.
By Sea
Two main ferry options provide services between the North and South Island:
The Interislander takes approximately three hours and offers either passenger or car services. In the peak season there are five trips a day between Wellington and Picton.
Bluebridge offers passenger and car ferry services up to four times a day.
You can then get from Picton to Kaikoura by coach, by car or by rail.
By Air
Christchurch International Airport provides both domestic and international services. Both Picton airport and Marlborough Airport Blenheim provide regional scheduled and charter services. Scenic flights and charters are available at Kaikoura airport which is a short 10 minute drive from Kaikoura town centre.
Getting Around Kaikoura
Getting around the township of Kaikoura is easy by foot. In addition, Kaikoura Shuttles provide a local service with easy access to areas such as Kaikoura Airport or Mount Fyffe Carpark. You can also rent a car, a scooter or bike through West End Rentals and Caltex Kaikoura on Beach Road provide car rental options.