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The nesting of variable oystercatchers (Haematopus unicolor) on the Kaikoura Peninsula was studied at 6 sites over 8 years. Only in 1 year were birds known to have laid eggs at all 6 sites and only at 2 sites was nesting observed every year. Loss of nests often resulted in re-nesting and at 1 site birds made 4 attempts in 1 season. Over the 8 years, 117 eggs were found in 53 nesting attempts between mid-Oct and late Jan. The average size of 114 eggs was 58.2 x 40.6 mm. Thirty of 53 nesting attempts were completed and averaged 2.4 eggs/clutch (range 1–3 eggs). Twenty three chicks hatched from observed nests: this comprised 20% of eggs laid, 32% of eggs from completed clutches, and 72% of eggs from successful nests. At least 7 more chicks hatched from nests not found. A total of 17 chicks fledged including 6 chicks from nests not found. The other 11 fledglings came from 13 nests with hatchlings (0.84 chicks/nest; 41% of the eggs laid), 30 completed nests (0.37 chicks/nest; 15% of the eggs from these nests) and 9.4% of all eggs laid. Including chicks from 3 nests not found increases fledging to 1.06 chicks/nest with hatchlings, 0.51 chicks/completed nest and about 14% of eggs laid. Newly fledged young were seen from 26 Dec until mid-Mar. High tides washed away several nests, seals squashed eggs in 1 nest, and 1 adult was probably killed by a cat. While people walk in the vicinity of nesting, there was no evidence that they caused egg or chick losses.