WELCOME TO

TRAVEL TIPS & HIGHLIGHTS ------- Best Time To Travel ------- Summer (Dec - Feb) Spring (Sept - Nov) ------- How to Get Here ------- Drive: Approximately 2.5 hours from Christchurch, making it a scenic road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway. Tours: Explore our award-winning tours below. ------- Key Highlights ------- Whale Watching Tours: Year-round sightings of sperm whales. Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway: Scenic coastal trail with seal colonies. Dolphin Encounters: Swim with or view dusky dolphins. Seafood: Fresh crayfish and local cuisine delights. Kaikōura Museum: Discover the town’s history and marine treasures. Book Activities, Accommodation & Transport Below

Kaikoura

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MARINE WILDLIFE, SCENIC TRAILS & COASTAL ADVENTURES

Wondering How do you spend a day in Kaikōura? Start with whale watching, especially from June to August when sightings peak. Year-round, you can spot sperm whales and enjoy stunning coastal views. Is it worth going to Kaikōura? Absolutely! Explore the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, encounter seals, and savor fresh seafood. With a population of around 2,200 residents, Kaikōura combines small-town charm with unforgettable experiences in a breathtaking setting.

Kaikōura Helicopters - Classic Whale Watch

Flying above Kaikōura's unique deep-sea canyon you will be searching for the magnificent Sperm Whale, with breath taking views of the rugged Kaikoura coastline.

From $345.00

Kaikōura Helicopters Helijet

Birds eye view of the dramatic landscape over the Kaikōurapeninsula and track south along the coastline known for Sperm Whales. View Mt Beautiful Vineyard, to then land at the river and board your jet boat.

From $885.00

Kaikōura: Helicopter & Gin Tasting ON THE MOUNTAIN

Grab your mates and hop onboard for a breathtaking flight over Kaikōura and its rugged coastline before making your way to a landing spot on Mt Fyffe to enjoy an award winning premium gin tasting.

From $3,700.00

Kaikōura Whales by Helicopter

Experience the true scale and majesty of whales in their natural habitat, as your pilot gently manoeuvres the helicopter to maintain the best possible vantage point to see the whale from head to tail.

From $2,270.00

Kaikōura Ziplining & Native Forest Trail

Set amongst native bush on a working farm station just 15 minutes south of Kaikōura township, EcoZip Adventures is an award-winning adventure and eco-tourism destination, offering state-of-the-art flying-fox ziplines and a beautiful, eco-immersive experience.

From $189.00

Kaikōura: Whale Watching Cruise

Enjoy a unique whale watching experience off the South Island of New Zealand.

From $175.00

Explore the Cosmos

Kaikōura where you will be transported to our one-of-a-kind venue at our majestic star gazing lodge, which sits atop a mountain overlooking Kaikōura and the ocean.

From $109.00

Kaikōura Helicopters Top‘n’Tail Whale Watching

From whale tail to mountain top, this flight has it all covered and is one of our favorites!
Lift off from our beachfront helipad and fly out over the Kaikōura Peninsula into the Hikurangi Marine Reserve to search for the incredible wildlife found in Kaikōura’s waters.

From $640.00

Seal Kayak Tour

Come and enjoy the New Zealand Fur Seals as they play around and under your kayak in their natural habitat!

From $142.00

Seal Kayak Kaikōura Sunset Tour

Experience the magic of Kaikōura at sunset as you glide through the water on innovative hands-free pedal kayaks. Soak in the beauty of the landscape whilst discovering the magnificent wildlife.

From $142.00

Guided Family Wildlife Experience

Our highly stable sea kayaks allow children to safely enjoy the kayaking experience with an adult paddling right behind them.

From $150.00

Kaikōura: 40-Minute Whale Watching Flight with CommentaryTake to the skies for a unique view on a whale-watching flight over Kaikōura.

Take to the skies for a unique view on a whale-watching flight over Kaikōura.

From $275.00

Kaikōura: Wildlife Kayaking Tour at Sunset

Experience Kaikōura's world-famous sunset and wildlife on a sea kayaking tour. Enjoy 100% guaranteed fur seal sightings and surreal visuals of the Kaikōura Mountains toward the end of the day.

From $150.00

Kaikōura Whale Watching & Heli Gourmet Experience

Experience the best of Kaikōura – whales, rugged mountains and fine dining. This incredible collaboration is the ultimate Kaikōura experience.

From $1990.00

Kaikōura: Whale Watching Flight with Hot Drinks

Embark on an awe-inspiring aerial adventure to witness the majestic whales of Kaikōura in their entirety. Fly against the breathtaking backdrop of the coastal shores and Kaikōura mountain ranges.

From $275.00

Seal Kayak Private Tour

The private tour is designed for you! Let’s chat and figure out the best route and best chance to see active wildlife.

From $263.00

Guided Private Wildlife Experience

With a private tour its all about you! Explore the Kaikōura coastline, enjoy the incredible landscape and wildlife in their natural environment, have an unique personal experience.

From $300.00

Kaikōura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour

Head off on a kayak through the beautiful coastal waters with guaranteed seal viewing and breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. Enjoy chance encounters with dolphins and blue penguins.

From $150.00

Kaikōura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

Experience first hand the beauty of Kaikōura from the air! Embark on a 25 minute scenic flight exploring the coastal and alpine environment.

From $139.00

Kaikōura Motor Inn

Kaikōura Motor Inn provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors. Stay connected with your associates, as complimentary Wi-Fi is available during your entire visit.

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Bella Vista Motel Kaikōura

Bella Vista Motel Kaikōura is within a 15-minute walk of Kaikōura Museum and Kaikōura Beach.

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Kaikōura Boutique Hotel

Located in Kaikoura, Kaikōura Boutique Hotel is by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Fyffe House and Peninsula Walkway.

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Kaikōura Gateway Motor Lodge

With a stay at Kaikōura Gateway Motor Lodge in Kaikōura, you'll be by the ocean, within a 10-minute walk of KaikōuraMuseum and Kaikōura Beach.

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The Fairways Luxury Accommodation Kaikōura

Located in Kaikōura (Kaikōura Flat), The Fairways Luxury Accommodation Kaikōura is within a 5-minute drive of Kaikōura Golf Club and Kaikōura Museum.

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Kaikōura Luxury Apartments

When you stay at Kaikoura Luxury Apartments in Kaikōura, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Kaikoura Beach and Fyffe House.

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Blue Seas Motels Kaikōura

When you stay at Blue Seas Motels in Kaikōura, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Fyffe House and Peninsula Walkway.

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Kaikōura Quality Suites

Kaikōura Quality Suites is by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Kaikōura Beach and Museum.

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Sudima Kaikōura

When you stay at Sudima Kaikōura you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive to Kaikōura District Museum.

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TIPS & GUIDES

What to do in Kaikōura

If you're considering a trip to Kaikōura and wondering How do you spend a day in Kaikōura? you're in for an unforgettable experience.

YOUR BAGS!

We have our very own online store at Plango with hand-selected products to ensure you are prepared for your travels. From clothing and equipment to planners and car organisers.