Kaikōura Ranges

The two ranges are visible from a great distance, including from the southern coast of the North Island.

Formed along New Zealand's Marlborough Fault System, they can be seen as the northernmost extension of the Southern Alps in the South Island.

This range rises straight from (and dominates) the coast to the north of the town, and reaches its highest point with the 2,608-metre (8,556 ft) Mount Manakau.

Beyond the Inland Kaikōuras is the valley of the Awatere River, which runs parallel to that of the Waiau Toa / Clarence.

[4] The ranges contain the Kowhai Valley and Shearwater Stream Important Bird Area, some 15 km (9.3 mi) inland from the coastal town of Kaikōura.