InterCity® buses to Kaikoura operate year-round. Buses to Kaikoura arrive at either 77 West End or outside The Fish Tank Lodge at 86 West End depending on the service.   

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Approximate bus to Kaikoura travel times:

Christchurch to Kaikoura: 2 hours 40 minutes

About Kaikoura

The name Kaikoura means 'meal of crayfish' (kai - food/meal, kōura - crayfish) and the crayfish industry still plays a role in the economy of the region. Kaikoura is now a world famous tourist destination, mainly for whale watching (the sperm whale watching is perhaps the best and most developed in the world) and swimming with or near dolphins.

A large and readily observed colony of southern fur seals is located at the eastern edge of the town.

The natural beauty of Kaikoura attracts many visitors to the town, with the breathtaking Kaikoura mountain range extending out into the rugged Pacific Ocean. Winter months are a particularly beautiful time of year as the mountains are adorned in a layer of snow. 

In November 2016 caused damage to the roads in and around Kaikoura. The inland route south of Kaikoura is now open and Kaikoura is back on the map and ready to welcome visitors once more! For more info about Kaikoura visit Kaikoura.co.nz