Kaikoura Coast Track

The Kaikoura Coast Track is a walkway and mountain bike track in North Canterbury, New Zealand. It is notable for the panoramic views it affords of the Kaikoura coast and the Seaward Kaikoura mountains.

First opened in 1994, it was one of the first private tracks in New Zealand - inspired in part by the Banks Peninsula Track.

Tramping and mountain biking

The track can be done as a 3 day walk or as an overnight bike ride. The 38 kilometre track passes over the Hawkswood Range of tussocked hills to the coast, along the beach, then back to its starting point.

Accommodation is backpacker-level, with hot showers and flushing toilets. Packs are transported between each night's stay.

It opens from October to April inclusive. Access is by booking only, limited to 10 walkers and 8 mountain bikers per day.

Environment

Several parts of the track pass through remnant native forest with large trees including rimu, kahikatea, matai, totara and beech.

Areas of regenerating native bush have been fenced off from farming, providing habitat for native birds.

The beach section of the track provides chances of seeing fur seals and Hector's Dolphins. Much of the normally sandy beach is bordered by sea cliffs that contain marine fossils.

As part of an ongoing commitment to minimising environmental impact, the track was successfully benchmarked with Green Globe in 2003.

Location

The Kaikoura Coast Track starts and finishes at The Staging Post, which is 140 kilometres north of Christchurch and 50 kilometres south of Kaikoura, by State Highway 1.

Secure car parking is available.

External links

* [http://kaikouratrack.co.nz/ The Kaikoura Coast Track]