A R U O K I A K

....one of the Worlds most famous whale watching areas.

n The Town: ....a very safe place to plant down your roots. Kaikoura township is located on a rocky peninsula, protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains. In the waters off the peninsula, a complex marine system provides an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds making it an ideal place for getting close to nature. A town with its own fasinating history, archaeological remains indicate that Moa Hunters inhabited the peninsula 900 years ago. In Maori legend, Maui placed his foot on the Kaikoura peninsula to steady himself while he fished-up the North Island. The Maori name Kaikoura translates to CHRISTCHURCH Q meal of crayfish - kai - food, koura - crayfish. It was given by Tamaki-te-rangi when he stopped over to eat here while chasing his runaway wives. It is likely that Kaikoura was first settled by the Waitaha followed by the Ngati Mamoe and then the Ngai Tahu tribes. Settlements
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became more important so they built lookouts and fortifications around their hilltop pa sites. Although they were only occupied for short times there are at least fifteen of these pa sites in and around Kaikoura with fierce battles occurring at some of them. In 1770 Captain Cook first

Kaikoura has a mild maritime climate and high sunshine hours all year round. The average summer temperatures are between 13 deg C and 20 deg C with winter 5 deg C to 11 deg C.

discovered the Kaikoura peninsula, believing it to be an island. The first shore whaling station was established in 1843, located near where Fyffe House still stands today. Other whaling stations soon followed, and at one stage the industry employed over one hundred men in the Kaikoura country district alone. Whale numbers steadily declined after 1850 and the exportation of them became un-economic, leading whalers to turn to alternative means of existence, such as farming. Whaling continued sporadically until as recently as 1964 when the last of NZ s whaling operations ceased. Today, the emphasis in Kaikoura is the conservation of marine life, working with a sustainable tourist industry which allows visitors from all over the world to appreciate life in the

ocean. In 1978, the Marine Mammal Protection Act was finally passed, providing total protection to New Zealand s whales, dolphins and seals. Kaikoura lies within the Southern Hemisphere Whale Sanctuary n Population: approximately 3,860, without tourists n Google Map: http:// maps.google.co.nz/maps?hl= en&tab=wl&q= kaikoura n Location: from the Christchurch Airport, travel north along the eastern coastline, 188 km/117 mile, approx 2hr 46 min n Local Statistics: There are 1,524 occupied dwellings and 447 unoccupied dwellings in Kaikoura District.....77.1 percent of people belong to the European ethnic group (Pakehas).....28.2 percent of people aged 15 years and over have never married, 53.6 percent are married, and 18.4 percent are

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Friday 3rd May 2013.......we started off with a drizzly morning but the sea was nice and calm and has only improved as the day has gone on. We managed to locate sperm whale activity 12 miles offshore with some fantastic sightings.

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separated, divorced or widowed.....34.7 percent of people aged 15 years and over have a postschool qualification.....unemployment rate is 2.3 percent for people aged 15 years and over.....for people aged 15 years and over, the median income (half earn more, and half less, than this amount)

If your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, (mine did at a busy motorway off ramp)........people will come from nowhere, and help you. To the extent where theyll help fix your car, and just go once the jobs done. I didnt even get to know their names!
is $21,800.....one-family households make up 69.3 percent of all households.....53.6 percent of households have access to the Internet.....71.4 percent of households have access to a cellphone.....18.0 percent of households have access to three or more motor vehicles.....56.4 percent of households in private occupied dwellings own the dwelling, with or without a mortgage n Strange....but true: The Kaikoura District Council is the first local authority in the world, and the second community in the world, to achieve Green Globe certification in recognition of commitment to protecting our environment and working towards sustainability for our residents and

visitors....(thats not strange! thats wonderful) n Main Kaikoura site: http://www.kaikoura. co.nz/ n Shopping: in the West End.....souvenirs, clothing, art, grocerys, Information Centre n Banks: BNZ, Westpac, Kiwibank - they are open Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 4.30pm n Schools: Preschools: Kaikoura Playcentre - Barnardos Early Learning Centre - Little Tamariki Montessori Preschool - Te Kohananga Reo - Whales Tails Preschool - Kaikoura OSCAR (Out of School Care And Recreation) - Whales Tails Preschool - Barnardos Early Learning Centre...... Primary Schools: Kaikoura Primary School - St Josephss School - Hapuku School - Kaikoura
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Suburban School - Lynton Downs School - Woodbank School.... high School: Kaikoura High School n Churches: New Life Fellowship - Catholic Church - Anglican Church - St Pauls Presbyterian Church n Restaurants: Kaikoura, being an important fishing port, is a mecca for

seafood lovers with ample fresh delicacies for all. Local specialties include grouper, cod, mussels, paua (abalone), and of course the towns namesake - Crayfish (lobster). For those that are unable to catch their own, or just don t want to spend time cooking while on holiday there are cafes, restaurants, and takeaways (NZ fast food) offering a wide range of meals for a wide range of tastes. They cater from casual to upmarket, from fast foods to organically grown health foods. Award-winning wine may be tasted at the Kaikoura Winery. The White Morph Restaurant features fresh fish, crayfish & delicious Pacific rim cuisine complimented with a selection of local wines

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n Main businesses: As well as the traditional farming, forestry and fishing in Kaikoura, there are many other well established businesses such as the Bakery, Timber mill, Dairy factory, Engineering, Air charter, and various Tourism ventures. Local products include a health products, Woodcrafts, Pottery, Jewelry, Carvings, Fine art and Beehives. New ventures such as vineyards, Restaurants, Boutique bars and adventure activities n Leisure activities within 60 minutes: Today, the emphasis in Kaikoura is the conservation of marine life, working with a sustainable

A tiny New Zealand town is hoping to become the worlds first starlight sanctuary. Where other places greet the night by lighting up their streets, Tekapo has gone the other

way using low-energy sodium lamps shielded from above, town of 830 people on the South Island is on a mission its heavens, even as the night sky disappears behind

and household lights that must face down, not up. The to protect the sight of the vast starry blanket spanning light and haze in many parts of the globe. The ultimate prize would be Unescos approval for a world-first starlight reserve, and already astro tourists are heading there. Tekapo was suggested as a pilot site because of its hazefree sky and lighting controls already in place. A Unesco working party agreed to study what tourism boss Graeme Murray calls a heritage park in the sky. We helped make Unesco world heritage look upward as well as around cultural, ecological and natural sites around the planet, but none includes the sky.

them in protecting the worlds heritage, he said. The UN body has extended world heritage status to 878 historic,

tourist industry which allows visitors from all over the world to appreciate life in the ocean. In 1978, the Marine Mammal Protection Act was finally passed, providing total protection to New Zealands whales, dolphins and seals. Kaikoura lies within the Southern Hemisphere Whale Sanctuary. Several different species of whale can be seen off Kaikoura at different times of the year, but almost always the huge Sperm Whales. Flukes lifting clear at the start of the deep dive, adolescent male Sperm Whales enjoy the rich diet of the Kaikoura waters while building up their strength to move to the mating grounds of the warm north. Regularly diving to depths of one kilometre, Sperm Whales have been known to dive to 3 kilometres, holding their breath for up to two hours - perhaps gulping down a few groper or wrestling with a giant squid. Kaikoura boasts
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a number of tourist attractions apart from whale watching, dolphin swimming (yes, you can actually swim with the dolphins in certain seasons), seal swimming, trout and salmon fishing, and amazing costal walks, all set under the magnificent Kaikoura ranges. There are a number of interesting bush walks near Kaikoura. These walks include short tracks around the foothills of

There are plenty of reasons to visit the Old Wine Barn at Springbank Estate. Sampling a chilled wine in our sunny courtyard looking up to the magnificent Mt Fyffe or relaxing inside the old rustic barn - there is always an interesting chat to be had with Taffy (the owner, originally from Wales)when you wander around the property or observe the boutique winery processing line. A selection of six from the Springbank Estate wines (Breidecker, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Rose and Pinot Noir), which are poured as 50ml tasting measures. The winemaker provides an insight into the wines and lets you enjoy the unique characteristics of the Kaikoura terroir that makes this region a good place to grow grapes.
Mount Fyffe, to climbing the mountain itself, to a height of over 1600 meters! Come prepared for all climates though, since the combination of mountains and the sea create strong winds and quick changes in temperature n The Golf Club: Kaikouras golf course is nestled between the vista of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains and the ocean waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its within five minutes drive of the township on State Highway 1 offering an 18 hole golf

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course. Phone: +64 3 319 5628 - email: info@kaikouragolf.co.nz n Local tourist attractions: The Wheel to Wheel Awesome trials or tours (by arrangement) on the Segway X2...segways latest model adventure Personal Transport. Riding a Segway PT is a unique and exciting experience that will have you smiling as you master this futuristic mode of transport within minutes. Segway riding appeals to the young and the..not so young. They are easier to ride than a push bike and a whole lot more fun...and its effortless. Theyre not only fun to ride...theyre eco friendly too. No fuels, emissions or noise means that Segway could quite possibly be the mode of transport for future generations. Wheel Awesome Kaikoura - Bruce & Janenne Blackler - Phone: (64 + 3 319 7456) n Best local Resort: Hapuku Lodge was built to give guests a great nights sleep in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Located 12 kms north of Kaikoura, the Lodge is surrounded by an expansive deer farm and 1000 tree olive grove. Hapuku Lodge is situated in one of the most spectacular settings in New Zealand, nestled between the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range and famed Mangamaunu Bay. Designed by a family of architects and designers as a contemporary country lodge, Hapuku Lodge offers six guest rooms, a stand alone spacious apartment, five luxury Tree Houses, a function venue, and a dedication to creating exciting food from local, seasonal ingredients. Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses positions guests to experience eco-marine tourism at its finest n Local 4 star accomodation: Admiral Court Motel is beautifully situated on the Kaikoura peninsula close to the sea (a two minute walk), town centre and the seal colony (2kms). It offers the ideal balance between convenience and tranquility with views of the sea and/or mountains. Juliana Sullivan & Mike Clucas - phone: +64 3 319 5525 email: enquiries@kaikouramotel.co.nz n Average home prices (local advertising): $519,000 - At last you can spread out with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two living areas. Front lounge with big picture windows, family room with diesel fire and opening to private rear garden with access to community park and beach. Established section, ample parking. Great play area for children.... $350,000 - 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom - an opportunity to renovate and add value to the existing dwelling plus potential to subdivide. Take full advantage of the great location and
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build for sea-views and the sun..... $310,000 - Tidy three bedroom cottage on 587sq m of land. Single garage, off street parking.... $675,000 - Breathtaking views is just a start! This property will impress the most discerning buyer. Built for extended family or joint ownership with two kitchens and living areas. 4 bedrooms and boat height basement garaging. Ample parking. 1271sq m of land n Average home rental/week (local advertising): $250 - 3 bedrooms, 1

home for sale - 2013

3 BRM - 2 BTHRM - 1 CARS.......Family living at its best on 776sqm. A home for all occasions the generous use of space offers 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms one the master ensuite and two separate living/lounge areas. You will enjoy the superb indoor/outdoor flow opening out to decks and a private sundrenched courtyard with an inbuilt gas outdoor fire place. Only minutes away from the golf course, the whole setting is visually stunning.........$549,000

bathroom.... $300 - 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom.... $180 - this tidy two bedroom unit is available or rent. Carport, open plan living with shower over bath. Great location close to town and river n Local newspapers and frequency: Kaikoura Star - weekly newspaper. Office hours 8.30am - 5pm - Contact: Karen Sparrow - Phone: +64 3 319 5021 n Weekly grocery costs for a family of 4: approx. $250 n Cost of a local burger & fries? $9 n What do the locals wear: most days, jeans and t-shirt, both sexes n How much do I pay for petrol? $2.20/litre n Are the natives friendly? most of them would walk across the road and buy you a cup of coffee. Thats

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how friendly.....see if it works at the local tourism office with Mandy, Kelly and Ronda. You wont miss - they bent over backwards to get this report out on time. Thanks Kaikoura Team n Local Radio Stations: Out Of The Blue FM (also known as Blue FM) is a Kaikoura based community radio station that broadcasts on 100.3 FM n Television stations: TV1, TV2, TV3, Mainland TV(regional) sky TV n Movie theatres: Mayfair Theatre is at 80 Esplanade n Heres looking at Kaikoura : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1TAbl Bst6A n Calendar Events: Moa Hunt - mountain bike race - Suburban School Half Marathon - Art In The Dark - 48 Hours in Kaikoura ( photography) - Eco Art Exhibition - Trash Fashion Show - Stock Car racing - Kaikoura Race day - Fishing competitions

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