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.

Dolphin Encounter

Kaikōura is one of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins in their natural environment. It's just you, the open ocean... and Kaikōura's wild Dusky Dolphins. Dolphin Encounter offers dolphin cruises, or for a truly life changing experience, dive in and take a swim alongside these sleek and playful beauties.

Dolphin Encounter

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Whale Watch Kaikōura

Whale Watch Kaikōura Jump aboard one of New Zealand’s most enduring tourist attractions and a truly memorable experience with Whale Watch Kaikōura. Enjoy an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment.

Whale Watch Kaikōura

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Kaikōura Kayaks

Get up close to the incredible wildlife of the Kaikōura coastline, with a half-day guided family kayaking trip with Kaikōura Kayaks. Survey the coastline and spot the Native New Zealand fur seals - and if you’re lucky you may even see some little blue penguins and Dusky Dolphins.

Kaikoura Kayaks

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Biking in Kaikōura

Whether you’re after a leisurely, family-friendly ride along the coast, a gravel grind workout or epic single trail riding, biking is one of the best ways to experience the majestic landscapes of Kaikōura. Ditch the car for your stay here, because cycling is an excellent way to get around Kaikōura!

Biking in Kaikoura

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Kaikōura Helicopters

Discover your sense of adventure with a heli-rafting experience, high-altitude picnic or incredible scenic flight with Kaikōura Helicopters. Put yourself at the ultimate vantage point and explore the rugged Kaikōura coastline and its towering mountain ranges. View an entire whale from head to tail, or be amazed by large pods of dolphins playing in the water.

Kaikoura Helicopters

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South Pacific Helicopters

To capture the best of Kaikōura with a premier whale watching experience, heli-picnic, heli-kayaking adventure or scenic flight with South Pacific Helicopters is the way to go. This locally owned and operated business will take you straight to where the action is and help you make the most of your time in Kaikōura.

South Pacific Helicopters

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Albatross Encounter

Meet nature's most extraordinary seabirds close-up on the wild Kaikōura coastline with Albatross Encounter, which offers an opportunity to spot up to 14 species of Albatross, not to mention a huge range of other sea birds, including shearwaters, petrels, shags, penguins, gulls and dozens more.

Albatross Encounter

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Wings over Whales

For an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind adventure book a whale watching flight, scenic air tour or private charter with Wings Over Whales. Enjoy your own window seat and their high-winged aircraft will fly high and give you a bird’s eye perspective of some of the incredible marine wildlife of Kaikōura and its majestic scenery.

Wings over Whales

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Ohau Point Seal Colony

Half an hour drive north of Kaikōura, you’ll come to the Ohau Point Seal Colony, a fur seal breeding area, which offers unrivalled views of these cute marine mammals in their natural habitat. Watch the playful pups play in the rock pools and the adults laze about on the rocks.

Ohau Point Seal Colony

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Puhi Puhi Reserve Walk

Let the kids burn off some steam along the Puhi Puhi Reserve Walk. This 10 minute walk starts at the Doc campsite, along PuhiPuhi Road, 9kms north of Kaikōura. It may be short, but it’s worth taking your time and listening to the birds and exploring the surrounding bush and river.

Walks in Kaikoura

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Learn more about Kaikōura

at the official tourism website

Visit Kaikōura

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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