Set between snow-capped mountains and the vast Pacific Ocean, Kaikōura is a place steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its name—kai meaning “food” and kōura meaning “crayfish”—is more than a simple description; it tells a story rooted in Māori legend and the region’s deep connection to the sea.

The Story of Tama ki te Rangi

According to local tradition, the name Kaikōura comes from the journey of a Māori chief named Tama ki te Rangi. While travelling down the coast in search of his runaway wives, Tama stopped in this coastal paradise to rest and gather food. Here, he enjoyed a feast of the area’s abundant crayfish, giving rise to the name Kaikōura—literally “eat crayfish.”

A Place of Abundance

For Māori, Kaikōura was far more than a stop on a long journey—it was a place of gathering, sustenance, and strategic importance. The nutrient-rich waters off the coast, fed by the Kaikōura Canyon, provided a year-round supply of crayfish, fish, and other seafood. The surrounding land offered fertile soils, birdlife, and fresh water. Evidence of early settlements and fortified pā sites can still be found along the Kaikōura Peninsula, a reminder of the area’s long history of habitation and trade.

From Past to Present

The legend of Tama ki te Rangi continues to shape Kaikōura’s identity today. While its role has shifted from a traditional food-gathering site to a renowned eco-tourism destination, the town’s name still honours its origins. Visitors can still enjoy the delicacy that inspired its name—fresh crayfish straight from the ocean—while experiencing the same natural beauty and abundance that first drew people here centuries ago.

An Invitation to Connect

At Ata Rangi Lodge, guests are surrounded by the very landscapes that inspired the name Kaikōura—where the mountains meet the sea, and the ocean’s bounty is never far away. To visit here is to step into a story that has been told for generations, and to experience a place where culture, history, and nature are woven together in perfect harmony.