Coastguard Kaikoura

17/07/2026

Coastguard Kaikoura is loaning our rooms for this Boating basic course presented by Wild Chix, 20 August.

11/07/2026

After the last weather event it looks like our volunteers are going to have plenty of bonding time each day, for a few days! Every tide will likely bring a “dumping” of more debris for quite some time. Most have logs too big to take the boat trailer over!

25/06/2026

Thanks Carmen Moceyawa for fundrasing for us via https://bigswim.org.nz/ for Coastguard Kaikoura

Join our month-long swimming challenge this June and help save more lives on the water.

15/06/2026

Thanks to Kaikoura New World, Heartland and Alasdair Lean, our volunteers have a few snacks to enjoy after training!

10/06/2026

Out of respect for the family and friends of the last two call-outs for Kaikoura Rescue, we have held back posting this.
But it is time we celebrated! Coastguard Kaikoura is honoured to have nominated Richard Craig for a Kings Service Award. For almost 50 years Richard Craig has been a pillar for Coastguard Kaikoura. Inspired by his father, Jack Craig, a founding member of the unit, Richard is the longest-serving volunteer in the organization’s history.
During his time with Coastguard, Richard has held various leadership roles, including 16 years as president, being the Health and Safety Officer and he remains active as a skipper, crew member, and board member. In recognition of his significant contributions, he has also been awarded Life Membership by Coastguard Kaikoura.
Richard's passion for the ocean extends beyond his work with Coastguard. He is/was actively involved in multiple organizations, including The Kaikoura Marine Guardians, The Kaikoura Boating Club, the MPI South Island Recreational Fishing Forum, The Kaikoura Salmon Enhancement Society, and Te Korowai. He advocates for a sustainable and healthy fishery, ensuring fair access for all user groups.
In 2011, Richard was one of seven crew members honoured by NZ Search and Rescue for his bravery in a daring rescue the previous year.
Richard is a dedicated mentor to new and junior crew members, actively assisting in their training and sharing his extensive knowledge of vessel and ocean safety. He rarely misses our weekly training sessions or meetings and is an engaged board member. As a seasoned volunteer, Richard stands out for his willingness to listen to new ideas and embrace changes that benefit both our unit and Coastguard as a whole.
Richard is always reliable, whether it’s for rescues, training, fundraising, or maintenance. His professionalism and respect for his peers are exceptional. He is dedicated, talented, and always eager to share his expertise. Richard encourages junior members to take the initiative once trained in specific areas and remains open to learning new techniques introduced by others. He is well-respected not only within the Coastguard family but also among the broader emergency services team.
Coastguard Kaikoura is fortunate that Richard chose Coastguard to dedicate so many hours of service to help save lives at sea...when he could have just gone fishing! We also want to thank his lovely wife Lynne for her help and support of our unit.

16/03/2026

Following the two postponements so far this year, continued poor seas and poor weather as well as now heading into Autumn we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Big5 until further notice.

We are so grateful for your support and are gutted that this important fundraiser is having to be put on hold. However, our main priorities are everyone being safe and having fun and that is getting more difficult as we run out of summer.

We really hope to run the event in the near future and hope you will still be in a position to support Coastguard Kaikoura when we announce a date.

Please follow Coastguard Kaikoura share this post with anyone who might be keen in the future...

11/03/2026

Big5 UPDATE Thursday.

BAD NEWS - Coastguard Kaikoura Big5 2026
Postponed again 😭

We have looked at the current conditions and multiple forecasts for Saturday and things are not looking great.

The swell is building, the wind is rising and there isn't anywhere we think that would be safe or fun to run a competition.

Obviously we are gutted!

Please share this post with anyone who might be coming. We will look and see what we can do to still make this happen during 2026...
Thanks and remember our wonderful sponsors...
Hunting and Fishing Kaikoura
New World Kaikoura
ITM Kaikoura
Daves Diving
Emporium Brewery
Seal Kayaks Kaikoura
Clearburn Creations
Lewthwaite Diesel Services
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Top Catch charters
Seamist Fishing Charters
Te Ana -The Caves
The Pier Hotel
Kingtide

08/03/2026

Big5 UPDATE Monday - 5 days to go!

We are still really looking forward to the Coastguard Kaikoura big5 this year!

The sea and weather has been really changeable recently and we have a mix of forecasts for Saturdays Competition.

Our focus is always on safety and fun.

We will aim to make a decision on Thursday afternoon, when things will be clearer so please bear with us till then.

Please share this post with anyone who might be coming.

Thanks and remember our wonderful sponsors...
Hunting and Fishing Kaikoura
New World Kaikoura
ITM Kaikoura
Daves Diving
Emporium Brewery
Seal Kayaks Kaikoura
Clearburn Creations
Lewthwaite Diesel Services
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Top Catch charters
Seamist Fishing Charters
Te Ana -The Caves
The Pier Hotel
Kingtide

03/03/2026

Just over a week out from the rescheduled Coastguard Kaikoura Big5 2026!

We are still looking forward to a primo event, but need your help spreading the word.

Please share the event page, tag a mate or get a team together and fill the wagon to be there at Hunting & Fishing Kaikoura on the 14th March.

See you there!

As always, huge thanks to our sponsors...

Hunting and Fishing Kaikoura
New World Kaikoura
ITM Kaikoura
Daves Diving
Emporium Brewery
Seal Kayaks Kaikoura
Clearburn Creations
Lewthwaite Diesel Services
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Top Catch charters
Seamist Fishing Charters
Te Ana -The Caves
The Pier Hotel
Kingtide

12/02/2026

BIG5 Postponed!

Currently marginal conditions with rising seas accompanied by wind have forced us to postpone this weekends event. While there may be somewhere to sneak in, it isn't practical for us to run a competition.

We will aim to reschedule as soon as we can so keep an eye on the event page.

Disappointing as it is, if you are in Kaikoura consider looking after one of our fantastic sponsors while you wait for things to improve.

Hunting and Fishing Kaikoura
New World Kaikoura
ITM Kaikoura
Daves Diving
Emporium Brewery
Seal Kayaks Kaikoura
Clearburn Creations
Leithwaite Diesel Services
Top Catch charters
Seamist Fishing Charters
WhaleWatch Kaikoura
Te Ana -The Caves
The Pier Hotel
Kingtide
Clarence River Rafting

If you do find a sheltered spot to dive stay safe and have fun!