I don't think there has ever been a time that I have visited Kaikoura and come away disappointed. It's one of New Zealand's most beautiful places. The mountains, the ocean and some of New Zealand's most iconic waves make it a dream destination for most surfers. So, when they decided to hold two surf contests there back-to-back, it was an easy decision to be in attendance.
My wife had the great idea to get one of the campervans that had been abandoned courtesy of the international tourism tap being turned off with Covid-19. They were suddenly affordable and so we took the plunge – 10 days in one with the whole family ... and one stowaway.
I really wasn't sure how that would go – a confined space, my whole family ... including two teenagers and Remi, the kelpie. We ended up with a six-berth Maui camper. At first glance it looked like it would be a juggernaut to drive, but actually it was about as easy as any automatic car.
We've always been a tent and campfire family, but this kind of surf adventure has a lot of appeal. Just having a space to cook and hangout when the southerlies hit makes it really surf adventure friendly. And you can pack up in the time it takes to load the boards and you're off. So easy.
Kaikoura's surf is all centered around the Meatworks to Mangamaunu magic mile. Then Kahutara in the southern side if you're lucky enough to get swell. The earthquake lifted up a few new spots, but the locals are pretty quiet about those. The town itself still shows signs of the challenges the community has faced, but it does feel like they're on the bounce back. Albeit with a Kiwi vibe.
Here's our top 6 tips for Kaikoura:
1. The Top Shop: Don't let the deadpan guy with a mean mullet put you off. They serve some of the best fish and chips in the country.
2. Seal Kayak Kaikoura: One of New Zealand's top surfers, Levi O'Connor, runs this trip and will take you right among the seals out around the stunning South Bay. Just epic.
3. The Groper Garage: Terrible name, but great food. Try the salt and pepper squid, cajun chicken or get one of their famous pizzas.
4. Kiwi Surf Experience: Based right there at Meatworks and you can hire a board or a board with a lesson. Great family with loads of experience and good yarns.
5. Surf Shops: There are several along the main street and they each have their own character from the hard core boards, fins and wetties store right across to some that are more streetwear orientated.
6. Plan Your Own Trip: There won't be many opportunities to experience Kaikoura without the usual flood of international tourists. It's quite nice to visit a place that is humming with that laidback friendly character and buzz that New Zealanders thrive on.
See you at the beach ... Derek
PS While there we covered the Kaikoura Grom Comp and ran a photo report from each day of the Scholastics. You can see those right here.
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