Kia ora from the Kaikōura Ocean Research Institute!

We are a network of marine researchers and educators who are committed to protecting what is here in Kaikōura.

Since 2012, the Kaikōura Ocean Research Institute Inc. has conducted meaningful scientific research on Kaikōura’s marine environment, and the animals that live within it, with the aim of increasing scientific and public understanding of local species, and the threats which face them.

We believe that this combination of research and education is key to the conservation of the marine wildlife we have here in Kaikōura, some of which is already critically endangered.

Read our Annual Report, Learn more about what we do, and hear the latest news.

Thank you for all your support for the latest event Swim For Our Seas at the Kaikōura Aquatic Centre, it was a fantastic community event. In total the community covered 32.775km, that is roughly swimming from the Kaikōura Memorial Gardens to Oaro! Great job swimmers.

Complete the Google form below to register your interest for the next Young Marine Biologists Programme! https://forms.gle/EiQBbEK9nvDmgcgp7 or email youngmarinebiologists @ gmail.com

Looking back on 2025… thank you to all our supporters!

The South Pacific Helicopters Great Kaikōura Whale Count 2025 is complete!!

How many whales were spotted throughout the South Pacific Helicopters The Great Kaikōura Whale Count 2025?? How many volunteers? How many hours spotting? How many species of cetacean?

In addition to South Pacific Helicopters, our main sponsor for 2025, this community project was made fabulous this year thanks to: Florence Rappin, Gabriele Tosetti, All our Beautiful Volunteers, Fyffe House, Seaweek, Emporium Brewing, Mayfair Theatre, Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura, Envirohub Marlborough – Conservation Kids NZ, Kaikōura Museum, Wings Over Whales, Te Korowai o Te Tai o Marokura, Constanza Victoria Reid Reyes, And of course, all the whales who graced us with their presence