Fyffe House
A historic house on the site of an 1842 whaling station, its foundations built from whale vertebrae, telling the story of Kaikōura's whaling era.
Fyffe House is the oldest surviving residence in Canterbury. It was originally built around 1842 by the whaler Robert Fyffe, and its foundations, raised on whale vertebrae, can still be seen today. Inside, the furnishings recreate the lives of 19th-century whalers and farming families, and outside stands an iron pot once used for rendering whale oil. It is managed by Heritage New Zealand, with admission of about NZD 10. In summer it is generally open daily from about 10:00 to 17:00, and in winter there are fewer opening days. It lies on the road to the peninsula seal colony, so it is easy to visit on the way.
Opening hours
Summer approx. 10:00–17:00 (winter Thursday–Monday)
Nearby sights
- Kaikōura Seafood BBQ
- Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
- Point Kean Seal Colony
- Kaikōura Esplanade
- Swim with Dusky Dolphins (Dolphin Encounter)
- Albatross Encounter
- South Bay
- Kaikōura Museum