Kaikoura Peninsula Hike

Inland Kaikoura mountains seen from the Kaikoura peninsula

Ever hopeful to see whales and penguins, on Sunday we headed back to Kaikoura to check out the Peninsula Walkway. After a short stop at Ohau point, a visit to the Kaikoura iSite and gift shop, and stop at a pretty roadside cove to photograph shags, we got on the trail by about 1:30PM.

Right off the car park was another seal colony, then the very well maintained trail ascended steeply to Kean Point. The trail was absolutely fantastic. Because of its height, it afforded an even better view of the mountains to the west, newly covered with snow under clearing skies. Cliffs, bays, beaches and rocky shores punctuated the turquoise waters to our east all along on the 1hr 5 min track. Kiwis describe tracks in terms of time instead of distance, and if it is a round trip they simply say, for example, a 20 minute return. I find this system more meaningful, plus it has the advantage of avoiding the issue with Americans converting kilometers to miles.





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We shared the trail with cattle for a bit on the South Bay side, where we also saw some Variable Oystercatchers and shags. The travel books suggested walking a loop through town to return to Kean Point, but that way appeared to be longer and less scenic so we opted to retrace our steps instead.

We want to come back again earlier in the day and add the short walk down to the Whaler's Bay viewpoint, as well as try to see Blue Penguins and whales.

Here's a map of the peninsula where we hiked.



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