Kaikōura

Surf the local breaks, dive into some fresh crayfish and get up close and personal with some rare and beautiful wildlife.

From the thrill of whale spotting by plane, trekking with llamas and visiting with seals, there are so many exciting opportunities to explore this unique area by land, sea or air. 

The waters in this part of the world are home to a vast array of marine mammals and birdlife which can be viewed from above and below the waves. View giant sperm whales, playful dusky dolphins, and inquisitive fur seals by boat, or get even closer by swimming with seals and dolphins. Go fishing with a local and catch your own dinner, explore the stunning coast by kayak or immerse yourself in one of our excellent dive sites.

Discover the hills, valleys and streets of Kaikōura with a range of fun and family friendly land-based activities. Enjoy exhilarating views with a quad-biking trip on a working beef and sheep farm, visit the local lavender farm, check out the mountain bike trails, explore Kaikōura’s history at Fyffe House or meander through town, enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes and browse the outdoor, homeware, fashion and giftware stores.

For memories to last a lifetime, take a scenic helicopter flight, offering 360-degree views over the rugged ranges, coastline and Pacific Ocean.

Explore Kaikōura

In your own unique travel style

Food & Drink

Kaikōura is a mecca for seafood lovers, with oceans of fresh delicacies to try. Local specialties include groper, cod, mussels and of course the town’s namesake – Koura/Crayfish (Lobster). Other delights such as oysters, scallops and whitebait are available in season.

For those looking for a culinary adventure, why not try your hand at a farm to table cooking school. Here you will use the very best ingredients, foraged, fished and harvested from around the region and depart with a deeper understanding of the food on your plate.

Kaikōura has quality dining choices to suit all tastes, whether you prefer to eat in or dine out. From takeaway and cafes to upmarket restaurants there’s something to satisfy everyone. 

Rejuvenate

From whale spotting by plane, to scenic helicopter flights with alpine landings, an exhilarating flight with stunning scenery is bound to get your pulse racing and those feel-good endorphins flying.

Mix it up at Hapuku Kitchen with a hands-on, farm-to-table cooking experience or private cooking class and treat yourself to some award-winning wine or a spa treatment. Or pop into Lavendyl Farm for all the relaxing benefits of Lavender, including a delicious lavender ice cream!

For an unforgettable night, stargazing from the comfort of your bed, stay in one of two glass eco-cabins, set in a remote and vast landscape. Or book into the renowned five-star luxury Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses, and fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific Ocean.

Romance

Perfectly positioned with the lapping waves of the Pacific Ocean to one side and the towering mountains of the Kaikōura Seaward Ranges to the other; Kaikōura is surrounded by some of the world’s most natural beauty, making it the perfect place for a quick romantic escape with your partner.

Spot inquisitive New Zealand fur seals, wander past the endangered Hutton Shearwater sanctuary and keep an eye out for whales and dolphins as you stroll along the rugged and beautiful Kaikōura Peninsula walkway. Or indulge in a relaxing massage or nurturing spa treatment at Hauora Hut or La Luna Beauty.

Stargaze and slumber in comfort in a unique glass eco-cabin, or book into the renowned five-star luxury Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses, with ocean views to die for.

Families

From fish and chips on the beach, to visiting Fyffe House, jumping aboard a chartered fishing trip or touring a working farm on quad bikes, Kaikōura’s unique mountain and ocean environment offers the ultimate outdoor playground for families to explore.

Make the most of the calm weather in the mornings with a guided kayak tour around the Kaikōura Peninsula coast, take a cruise with Dolphin Encounter for a closer look at the remarkably acrobatic Dusky Dolphins, or jump aboard a whale watching tour by boat or by air, for memories to last a lifetime.

From holiday parks and camping grounds, to motels and waterfront apartments, there’s accommodation to suit all lifestyles and budgets too.

Outdoors & Adventure

From its dynamic peaks to its rolling surf, Kaikōura is paradise for lovers of the outdoors and seekers of adventure. Kaikōura is also renowned for its great fishing grounds and some of the best reef diving in New Zealand.

Explore the majestic Kaikōura landscape via the network of spectacular mountain bike trails in the region. Why not hike up Mt Fyffe for incredible views over the Kaikōura Peninsula, or join Clarence River Rafting for a white-knuckled white water paddle!

Enjoy an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator, the Giant Sperm Whale, or for a truly thrilling adventure dive right in and swim with the Dusky Dolphins or New Zealand fur seals.

Learn more about Kaikōura

at the official tourism website
Visit Kaikōura

Explore more of the Top of the South

Hurunui

From the rolling hills and wineries of Waiparato the rugged limestone cliffs along the east coast, the incredible vistas, relaxed vibe and warm Kiwi hospitality in Hurunui offers an opportunity to slowdown and make the most of your visit.

Marlborough

Dreamy sunsets, calm reflections and star-filled nights - you couldn’t ask for a more inspiring backdrop to create un-filled holiday memories with your loved ones.  Explore the four valleys that create Marlborough, meet the passionate people who live, work and play there and learn about their connection with the land.

Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman has an incredible arts and events scene, an exciting and diverse range of food and beverage producers and an indelible connection with the outdoors. Along with a vibrant array of fresh produce and artisan products, boutique wineries, craft breweries and award winning cider makers can all be found in this part of the world.

West Coast

From its stunning coastline to the epic peaks of the Southern Alps, the West Coast is a place of stunning natural beauty and the ideal spot for a getaway. Whether the hills are calling your name, or you prefer a more laid-back approach to taking some time out, there is no better place to re-set, recharge and reconnect.

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