Photographing the stunning landscape of Kaikōura
This post shares highlights from my four-day photography adventure, including top spots, essential tips to capture stunning images in Kaikõura.
1. Sunset and Sunrise
Kaikōura offers a unique chance to experience the vibrant hues of both sunrise and sunset. The rocky shoreline creates a stunning foreground for your sunrise and sunset shots. As the sun sets behind the mountains, the colourful sky creates a beautiful backdrop for the majestic mountains. Using a long exposure can enhance this effect, capturing the essence of the golden hour. For those who are shooting in the mountains, there are even more opportunities to experiment with light and shadow.
Sunrise in the shoreline
Point Kean Lookout Point
Sunset in shoreline
Near Historic Chimney
2. Kaikōura peninsula clifftop walkway
The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway starts at Point Kean car park and can extend up to 11 kilometers one way. This walkway offers stunning views of both mountains and the sea.
Kaikōura peninsula clifftop walkway
3. Mount Fyffe
Watching the sunrise on Mt Fyffe is also quite remarkable. If you plan to capture either the sunrise or sunset, I highly recommend staying at Fyffe Hut. The hut is located about two-thirds of the way from the car park. You may require microspikes during the winter season. Alternatively, you can book a sunrise or sunset helicopter tour with Kaikoura Helicopters. https://kaikourahelicopters.rezdy.com/429470/kaik-ura-helicopters-sunrise-sunset-flights
View from the Mt Fyffe summit
Aerial photos
Aerial photo of the mountains
Buy landscape prints from Kaikōura collection
4. Seal colony
Seals are frequently seen along the shoreline of the peninsula. A 20-minute walk from the Point Kean car park will reveal hundreds of seals resting in various spots along the coast.
5. Whale watching and dolphin encounter
Whale-watching tours can be booked through https://whalewatch.co.nz/kia-ora/
6. Plunging waves
7. Fyffe house and historic chimney
Fyffe house
Fyffe House is now open to the public as a house museum. Its history spans over 900 years. Opposite the house, you'll find the chimney, a popular spot for capturing sunrise photos thanks to its rocky foreground.
8. Astro photogrpahy
Night Sky
Kaikoura is renowned for its stargazing opportunities. There are numerous spots where you can enjoy the night sky or capture stunning Astro photograph yourself. This photo was taken near the Kaikōura Boating & Fishing Club on Kaka Road.
9. Kaikōura Lookout point
From the lookout point, looking west, you can see Mt. Horrible.
Kaikōura lookout point
10. Accomodation - Top 10 Holiday Park
Top 10 Holiday Park
I stayed at Top 10 Kaikōura during my time, which is conveniently located within a 15-minute drive of all the popular photo spots. https://hampshireholidayparks.co.nz/park/kaikoura-top10-holiday-park/