Kaikōura coast camping

At Kaikōura the mountains drop almost straight into the sea, and a deep ocean trench just offshore brings sperm whales, dolphins and seals close to land year-round. The town runs on marine wildlife, coastal walks and a legendary crayfish scene.

Camping along this coast puts you near the peninsula walkway, the seal colony and the early-morning whale tours — an easy first or last stop on a South Island loop from Christchurch.