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Things To Do In Kaikoura

For those of you who love wildlife, Kaikoura is the place to be! This picturesque coastal town, situated on east coast shores of the South Island, boasts such natural wonders that few places in the world can compete! Abundant with whales, fur seals and dolphins who live permanently in the coastal waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula. Go wh... Show More

Tourist Information About Kaikoura

Top Attractions

Seal Kayak Tour

Seal Kayak Tour

Seal Kayak Kaikoura is the first kayak tour of its kind in New Zealand that allo ......

Daves Diving Kaikoura

Daves Diving Kaikoura

Join us to experience kelp forests, octopus, stingray, native fish species, spec ......

Dolphin Encounter - Swim with or watch Kaikoura's Dusky Dolphins

Dolphin Encounter - S...

Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to both view and swim with wild ......

Tawanui Farm Energy Jet

Tawanui Farm Energy J...

We are a small family owned business that run jet boating, farms tours and accom ......

Albatross Encounter

Activity LocationKaikoura, Canterbury

Kaikoura is renowned worldwide as a seabird hot spot and is one of the best places in the world to view albatross! Alba ...

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NZ $175 Book Now

Kaikōura Ziplining & Native forest trail

Activity LocationKaikoura, Canterbury

Set amongst native bush on a working farm just 15 minutes south of Kaikōura township, EcoZip Adventures is an award-win ...

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NZ $159.00 Book Now

Kaikōura Helicopters - Classic Whale Watch

Activity LocationKaikoura, Canterbury

Lift off from our beachfront helipad and within minutes you will be in the spectacular environment that plays host to on ...

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NZ $330.00 Book Now

Guided Wildlife Kayaking

Activity LocationKaikoura, Canterbury

Experience the excitement of watching seals ducking, weaving and diving around your kayak. Have chance encounters with d ...

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NZ $120 Book Now

Extended Whale Watch Flight - 40 Minutes

Activity LocationKaikoura, Canterbury

Take to the skies for a unique view on a whale-watching flight over Kaikoura. With a guaranteed window seat, all passeng ...

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NZ $165 Book Now

Related Areas

Tourist Information About Kaikoura

For those of you who love wildlife, Kaikoura is the place to be! This picturesque coastal town, situated on east coast shores of the South Island, boasts such natural wonders that few places in the world can compete! Abundant with whales, fur seals and dolphins who live permanently in the coastal waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula. Go whale-watching by boat or air at any time of the year and experience seal swimming with the playful New Zealand fur seals in the shallow waters. The local speciality is crayfish, you will be spoilt for choice whether you are eating in or dining out. In the Maori language 'kai' means food and 'koura' means crayfish!


Best Attractions and free things to do in Kaikoura



Seal Kayak Tour

1. Seal Kayak Tour

There is a 100% probability of sighting a New Zealand Fur Seal! Come see the New Zealand Fur Seals as they play around and beneath your kayak in their natural environment, which provides the perfect photo opportunity! These Seal Kayak Tours are second to none!!! These excursions last 2.5–3 hours and include up to 2 hours on the water. Bring your camera since you'll be able to snap incredible moments, or simply relax on your hands-free Hobie Pedal Kayak.

 
Albatross Encounter

2. Albatross Encounter

The Albatross Encounter trip provides a "up up and personal" look at Kaikoura's diverse assortment of seabirds, including the magnificent albatross. The sights that are regularly seen on our trip will not disappoint. It is known as the "albatross capital of the world" because of the diversity of albatross species that can be seen in one small spot so close to shore.

 
Dolphin Encounter

3. Dolphin Encounter

Have you ever fantasized of swimming with dolphins in the ocean? Even seeing a pod of dolphins frolicking around and demonstrating their acrobatic skills, or bow riding at the front of the boat, is really unique, and Kaikoura is a great spot to witness this. Dusky dolphins are fantastic performers, and the pods that can be spotted all year around the Kaikoura shore are just breathtaking.

 
Guided Wildlife Kayaking

4. Guided Wildlife Kayaking

On the Wildlife Kayaking experiences with Kaikoura Kayaks, experience the thrill of watching Fur Seals dodge, weave, and dive around your kayak. They paddle gracefully down the coast as they swim around the Kaikoura Peninsula in search of Octopus, their favorite food. Marvel as hundreds of Pelagic (ocean-going) birds swoop in to clean up the appetizing leftovers.
This journey takes you around the magnificent coastal seas, where you'll see breathtaking vistas of sheer cliff faces, rugged rocks, and mountain ranges while looking for Dusky Dolphins and Blue Penguins.

 
Discovery Tour

5. Discovery Tour

Plant your own unique tree to aid with the regeneration of our native ecosystem and leave your stamp on the history of our newly founded "Mable Hope reserve."

You will acquire an understanding of the value of New Zealand native forest and explore some of the crucial connections created with our native fauna on a stunning scenic drive over an ancient volcano accompanied by our experience guide.

In Pohatu Bay, you'll find a wonderful blend of thriving sheep farms, penguin colonies, and native woods.

This farming family's conservation efforts have helped the penguins grow throughout the years, but they've also designed their agricultural operations to balance economy and ecological in order to conserve the biodiversity in their backyard.

 
Hot Air Balloon

6. Hot Air Balloon

Your flight will take off in Mt. Hutt's foothills, where the mountains give great protection from the North Westerly winds. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, including Mt. Cook and Mt. Aspiring! Enjoy the Eastern views as well as the patchwork beauty of the plains to the Pacific Coast along the journey. After taking off, you'll soar to an altitude that provides amazing panoramic views of the mountains, then descend to a lower height for the second half of the flight to enjoy a different perspective by flying closer to the ground. Enjoy a celebration drink and snack in the landing paddock before boarding the chase car and returning to Methven.
Take your friends and family and create lifelong memories atop the world!

 
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

7. Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Taking a stroll is always an enjoyable and free activity, especially when seals are around! One of Kaikoura's most popular treks is the 11-kilometer Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, which has stunning coastline views and lookouts over seal colonies. There are shorter choices available if you don't feel like tackling the entire walk.

 
Watch Seals

8. Watch Seals

If you don't feel like hiking but still want to see some seals, drive down to the Point Keen parking lot. A 5- to 10-minute drive from town is a car park towards the end of the Kaikoura Peninsula, where you may park and watch the seals bask in the sun. However, be aware that some seals take over automobile parking places, making parking scarce.

 
Kaikoura Museum

9. Kaikoura Museum

Head to the Kaikoura Museum if the weather isn't cooperating or if you're simply interested. The Kaikoura museum, located across the street from the i-SITE, houses excellent exhibits on local animals, Maori tribes, fishing and whaling history, as well as information on the 2016 earthquake.

 
Kaikoura Beach

10. Kaikoura Beach

From Kaikoura's beach, feel the sea wind and take in the landscape. The beach stretches out in front of the town, providing breathtaking views of the Kaikoura mountains. In the summer, the beach is safe to swim at, and local surf schools have even discovered a new surf break off the beach following the 2016 earthquake.