Popular holiday spot on spectacular coast

Press, 11 August 1982, Page 36

Popular holiday spot on spectacular coast

Kaikoura was given its name by a legendary Maori chief who stopped there for a meal on his travels. The name “Kaikoura” means to eat crayfish: “Kai” is Maori for food and “koura” means crayfish.

This peninsula was prized territory among the Maoris. It was not only easy to defend, but also had a plentiful food supply. Captain Cook noted that it was jealously guarded, as when he sailed past in 1770 he was subject to the close scrutiny of Maoris in four canoes.

European settlement began with the establishment of a whaling station in the area which remained a base for shore whaling for 80 years, until the 19205. Relics of this activity may still be seen about the town.

Today Kaikoura is still a centre for fishing, especially crayfishing. Dairy farming is also a major activity, and the area has . many attractions for holiday-makers.

The varied coastline is ideal for surf fishermen, skin divers, surfboard riders and beach-combers. The steep,

spectacular terrain behind the town is equally attractive for climbers, hunters and trampers. The Inland and Seaward Kaikouras, though largely bare of vegetation in their upper reaches, provide good shooting .of deer, pigs, goats and rabbits.

Further round by the lighthouse, the bays and pools abound in crayfish, butterfish and moki. These provide sport for rock fishermen. Ling, snapper, sea perch, blue cod, elephant fish and crayfish can also be taken by boat off the peninsula. Family recreation areas are available and include a swimming pool on the town’s foreshore and safe play areas for children. . Jimmy Harmer’s Beach, which is just past the wharf, is suitable for family swimming, being sheltered and gently shelved.

South Bay, a self-contained holiday resort, has its own boat harbour and camping area, as well as the local racecourse.

A further 3km to the south is a limestone sea cave with stalactites from the roof and

stalagmites from the floor. A further special attraction nearby is the native bush reserve at the head of the Blue Duck Valley, rich in bird life. Further on, over the Hundalee Hills, the Conway is a noted trout river with some attractive swimming holes and walks. Accommodation available covers a wide range and includes hotels, motels, boarding houses and motor camps — with and without cabins.

There is a youth hostel at the corner of Torquay Street and the Esplanade, as f well as many picnic and camping spots north and south along the coast.