One of the must stops in Kaikoura is the Peninsula walk: seals, rocks, cliffs and mountains… New Zealand is a Nature Explorer gem, and Kaikoura is a great example of that. Once you are finished with whales and dolphins, this walk will allow you to enjoy a big bowl of fresh air!
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INFO & PLANNING TIPS - KAIKOURA PENINSULA WALK
Kaikoura is the home of abundant wildlife and on the second day I swam in the ocean with wild dolphins. But on the first day, our whale watching tour was cancel due to the strong winds. Very disappointed but our tour guide cheered us up with the idea of walking along the peninsula.
Some of us took the high path along the cliffs (well mostly me as I am a rule follower and the guide indicated that path). The others decided to be adventurous and follow the sea at the base of the cliffs… and those regretted their choice afterwards, they were closer to animals but missing the views 
TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS - Kaikoura Peninsula Walk
Getting to Kaikoura Peninsula Walk
- The walk starts from the Point Kean car park, about 5 Km from the town centre. There many information points along the way to point out interesting features.
- There are no public transport from Kaikoura’s centre
Visiting Kaikoura Peninsula Walk
- Time: Plan a bit more than an hour from the Point Kean carpark to the South Bay carpark
- Difficulty: If you take the top walk – once you climbed to the top very easy walk. Climb was hard but not too long ; If you stay at sea level: there is no real path. Depending on the tide, it might be difficult.
- Safety: Always leave some distance between you and the seal: They seem lay but the can be fast!
- Here you can find their very detailed brochure fo the Kaikoura peninsula walk
The seal colony
At the beginning of the walk next to the parking, you can sit an observe New Zealand fur seals that you can get very closed to. They were not as many as in the colony we saw previously at Ohau point but they were a lot closer and enjoying the sand. I cna be tempting but do not get too close, they are still strong wild animals!
The cliff walk at Kaikoura peninsula
After having fun observing the seals, I got up on the track along the cliff. The walk up was a bit strenuous for me who is not fit and overweight but not unbearable either. The views from the top path were beautiful espically the waves crashing on the rocks. Sadly it was a cloudy day and looking away from the shore, towards inland I did not get to see the snow capped Alps in the background. Just google Kaikoura in pictures and you will see why I was slightly disappointed.
However the walk was still very enjoyable and relaxing. I welcomed the big bowl of fresh air and the connection with nature.
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