Fyffe House

Set in the most stunning location imaginable looking out over the bay to the seaward Kaikoura Range, Fyffe House is the oldest surviving building in Kaikoura and a reminder of Kaikoura's whaling past. The life of the building began as part of the Waiopuka whaling station founded in 1842 by Scotsman Robert Fyfe, arriving in New Zealand the same year to hunt southern right whales.
 
A distinctive feature is the whale vertebrae that are used as piles on the oldest part of the house which was built as a workshop for the cooper who made wooden barrels required to ship whale oil from Waiopuka station to the rest of the world.
 
Whilst having been the home of three different families over time little has changed giving visitors a glimpse into earlier times and a harsher life.
 
Today the house is cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and is open to the public.
Interpretation including dioramas of whaling, and stories of Tangata Whenua and the three families, make a visit to Fyffe House an unforgettable experience.
 
As you drive from Kaikoura town centre and carry on past Fyffe House, you'll reach Point Kean Seal Colony park your car and walk over the rocks to observe the seals in their natural habitat, and enjoy views of the stunning Kaikoura mountains and coastline.