A Lobster Breakfast to Kick Off Your South Island Adventure

｜Itinerary｜ Kaikoura is a coastal town with a stunning snowy mountain backdrop. Its name comes from the Maori word 'kōura,' meaning 'lobster,' which naturally makes it the town's signature delicacy. Grab a fresh lobster from a seaside food truck, enjoy the ocean breeze, and savor this local specialty—it's a must-do ritual when visiting Kaikoura. After your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the coast. You don't need a boat to get up close to seals 🦭; they can often be seen lounging lazily on the rocks, resembling a sleepy travel companion. Besides seals, seagulls gather along the shore, seemingly ready to scavenge leftovers. Even the animals in this town seem to enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. ｜Transportation｜ Driving is recommended. Kaikoura is located on the eastern coast of the South Island, about a 2–3 hour drive from either Picton or Christchurch. The town is compact, making it easy to explore the coastline and scenic spots in half a day to a full day. ｜Recommendation｜ Kaikoura is a perfect starting point for your South Island journey. With sunshine, snowy mountains, ocean breezes, and lobsters, it sets a relaxed tone for your trip. Heading south towards Christchurch, the open roads and Pacific Ocean views give you a sense of traveling along the edge of the world, making it hard not to feel excited about the adventures ahead.