Kaikōura

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Kaikōura
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning

Where to stay in Kaikōura

Small but beautiful town. Tons to do. Sadly my seal encounter got cancelled due to weather, but my dolphin encounter was the best thing I've ever done in my entire life. And I heard the whale watching was also phenomenal. When I get back to NZ

South Bay

While there might not be top attractions in South Bay, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Point Kean Seal Colony and Peninsula Walkway.

South Bay
Default Image

Kaikoura Flat

If you're spending some time in Kaikoura Flat, Kaikoura Beach and Mount Fyffe are top sights worth seeing.

Kaikoura Flat
Peninsula Walkway showing tranquil scenes

Kaikoura Peninsula

While visiting Kaikoura Peninsula, you might make a stop by sights like Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Seal Colony.

Kaikoura Peninsula
Sudima Kaikoura
Sudima Kaikoura
5 out of 5
Esplanade, 114, Kaikoura, Canterbury
The price is P4,538 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
P4,538
P5,219 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (383 reviews)
"Very nice modern hotel, and very comfortable. We paid extra for a sea view room (only 1 night) so it was disappointing that our room wasn't ready until 5:30, when it was dark! To add insult to injury, I was told that if we were late to check out, there would be additional fees! So I don't feel like ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Sudima Kaikoura
Kaikoura Quality Suites
Kaikoura Quality Suites
3.5 out of 5
154 Beach Road, Kaikoura
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (310 reviews)
"Short notice stay. Had everything I needed. Hosts totally accommodating."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

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Kaikoura Quality Suites
Kaikoura Beach Motel
Kaikoura Beach Motel
2.5 out of 5
124 Esplanade, Kaikoura, Canterbury
Stay at this motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (364 reviews)
"We stayed for 4 nights in the superior room with sea view. Absolutely loved it! clean, quiet, would definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

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Kaikoura Beach Motel
See all 178 properties in Kaikōura
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura
The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura
3.5 out of 5
1 Kersage Drive - Ocean Ridge, Kaikoura
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (396 reviews)
"Very nice accomodation and a sincere thank you to Deka for your excellent customer service. Highly recommended. Will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura
Blue Seas Motel
Blue Seas Motel
3.5 out of 5
222 Esplanade, Kaikoura
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Fyffe House and Peninsula ...
9/10 Wonderful! (71 reviews)
"The view is magnificent."

Reviewed on May 12, 2025

Blue Seas Motel
Barnacle Bills
Barnacle Bills
3.5 out of 5
86 Scarborough Street, Kaikoura, Canterbury
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
Lovely cottage in handy location
"Lovely stay in the beautiful cottage. We expected rustic but the cottage was well appointed and everything was spotlessly clean. Comfortable and warm beds."

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2025

Barnacle Bills
See all properties in Kaikōura
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Peninsula Walkway

Peninsula Walkway

Go wildlife spotting as you hike on a coastal route across cliff tops and down to the shoreline. See whales, seals, sea lions and much more.

Peninsula Walkway

Point Kean Seal Colony

Find out about the history of Kaikōura when you spend time at Point Kean Seal Colony. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Point Kean Seal Colony

Mount Fyffe

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Fyffe and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Kaikōura. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Mount Fyffe

Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park

Enjoy an outing to Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park during your stay in Kaikōura. Wander the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park

Kaikoura District Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Kaikoura District Museum during your trip to Kaikōura. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Kaikoura District Museum

Fyffe House

You can learn about the history of Kaikōura with a visit to Fyffe House. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Fyffe House

Things to do

Whale watching in Winter

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

P6,065
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Private Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

P10,137
per adult
Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch
Whale tail splashing in water in the Kaikour whale watching tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour

P12,334
per adult
Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

P6,724
per adult
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip
Jumping dolphins in Kaikoura dolphin swimming tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura

P13,854
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura
Kaikoura: Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour

Kaikoura: Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour

P13,347
per adult
Kaikoura: Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour
See all activities in Kaikōura

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