Kaikoura Sunrise

Kaikoura sunrise and sunset with the mountains.

Kaikoura is one of the northernmost towns in Canterbury, on the east coast of the South Island. It is known for its abundant wildlife, most famously the sperm whales that spend their adolescent years feeding from the vast under-sea canyons that stretch along the coast. The sperm whales can be seen year-round in Kaikoura. Kaikoura is also home to orca, dolphins, albatross and an enormous seal population. Kaikoura offers up extensive natural beauty, and a rare location in New Zealand where snow-capped mountains can be photographed alongside the ocean. 

​

This photo was taken on trip in 2020, shortly after New Zealand came out of Covid lockdown. We were treated to a beautiful pink sunrise at Mangamaunu Beach, just north of Kaikoura. This is a popular surf beach, but also stunning for photography with its bouldered shore, calm rockpools and view to the Kaikoura mountain range.