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

Near Historic Chimney

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.

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 - Kaikōura peninsula over the Kowhai Saddle route ridge line

Aerial photo - Kowhai Saddle route to Mt Fyffe hut

Buy landscape prints from Kaikōura collection

Golden Farewell - Kaikōura

Peninsula - Kaikōura

Panorama - Kaikōura

Cloud swirl in dawn light - Kaikōura

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.