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.

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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Hapuku Kitchen

Tap into the rich food story of Kaikōura with a culinary adventure or dining experience at Hapuku Kitchen. Created by passionate foodies Fiona Read and Chris Sturgeon, their private cooking classes and culinary tours provide a tasty and tangible way to connect with the land and sea.

Hapuku Kitchen

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Fish and chips on the beach

Looking for some freedom and fun? Grab a feed at the local fish and chip shop and head to the beach! View the wildlife, explore the rocks, search the flotsam and jetsam and feast on some locally caught fish and chips - there’s no better way to end the day!

Fish & Chips

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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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Kaikōura Heli Gin Experience

Enjoy a scenic flight around the Peninsula & Kaikōura before landing on majestic Mt Fyffe. Take in the stunning views while sipping on award winning Mt Fyffe Distillery Gin, hearing the story behind it all from the distiller herself.

Kaikōura Heli Gin Experience

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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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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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Kahutara

The Kahutara PurePod is perched high above the Kahutara River with vast views across to the mighty Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Range. It is only 20 minutes inland from Kaikōura and 2.5 hours north of Christchurch. Driving into the Kahutara PurePod carpark is the start of your unique PurePod adventure as you ford small streams on your way to the secure carpark near the farmhouse. From the carpark, you walk down a grove of trees and across a farm track, in the ever present company of the Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Range.

Kahutara

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Sudima Kaikōura

Located right on the edge of the stunning Kaikōura coastline, Sudima Kaikōura is a brand new 4.5-star hotel with stunning views of mountains and sea. It’s just a short walk from the township’s retail centre and main activity and attraction booking centres, making it the ideal place to stay.

Sudima Kaikōura

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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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Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses

Treat yourself to a little luxury and stunning ocean views at the Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses. Set on Kaikōura’s rugged coastline, Hapuku Lodge is also one of the best places in the region to experience the stunning produce that is grown, caught and foraged right here in Kaikōura.

Hapuku Lodge

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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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