Things to do in Kaikoura Tours & Activities

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Kaikoura: Where Mountains Meet Magic – Explore NZ’s Nature Paradise

Welcome to Kaikoura, New Zealand, where snow-capped mountains embrace the mighty Pacific Ocean, creating a wonderland for wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Nestled on the east coast of the South Island, just a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Christchurch, Kaikoura boasts a dramatic landscape and an abundance of experiences that will leave you breathless.

Dive into a world of marine marvels:

  • Swim with playful dolphins: Kaikoura is renowned for its resident pods of Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest in the world. Get up close and personal with these gentle creatures on a boat tour or kayak adventure.
  • Witness the giants of the deep: Embark on a whale watching expedition and come face-to-face with sperm whales, majestic humpbacks, and playful orcas. The Kaikoura Canyon, a deep-sea trench just offshore, attracts a diverse array of marine life, making it a whale-watcher’s paradise.
  • Seal the deal: Observe a thriving colony of New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks near the harbour. Witness their playful antics and learn about their fascinating social behavior.

Trek through breathtaking landscapes:

  • Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway: Embrace the rugged beauty of the peninsula on this easy-to-moderate 8km track. Stunning coastal views, native bush, and seal colonies await.
  • Fyffe House and Heritage Trail: Delve into Kaikoura’s rich history with a visit to Fyffe House, built on whalebones in the 1800s. Follow the heritage trail and discover Maori rock art, whaling stations, and fascinating stories of the past.
  • Seal Colony Lookout: Hike to the lookout point for panoramic views of the ocean and the bustling seal colony below. Capture unforgettable photos and soak in the tranquility of nature.

Indulge in local flavors:

  • Fresh seafood feasts: Savor the bounty of the ocean with succulent crayfish, fish and chips, and freshly caught delicacies. Kaikoura’s restaurants offer incredible seafood experiences.
  • Wine and dine with a view: Enjoy local wines and gourmet cuisine at waterfront restaurants, taking in the breathtaking coastal panorama.
  • Support local cafes and markets: Discover charming cafes serving homemade treats and browse local markets for unique souvenirs and handcrafted goods.

More than just wildlife and scenery, Kaikoura offers a vibrant, welcoming community. Immerse yourself in Maori culture, explore art galleries and studios, or unwind at one of the many cozy cafes and bars.

Book your Kaikoura adventure today and experience the magic of this extraordinary corner of New Zealand!

Things to do in Kaikoura


Kaikoura

Kaikoura is an all-year destination renowned for its diverse marine life due to its location on the rocky east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, where the stunning coastline meets the breathtaking alpine splendour of the Kaikoura Ranges.

You can take a tour with a company like “Whale Watch Kaikoura” to witness marine life, like the massive Sperm Whales that gather near the coast to feed in the deep water trenches on the continental shelf. You can take a scenic flight above Kaikoura with companies like “Kaikoura Helicopters,” “Wings over Whales,” and “South Pacific Helicopters” to see the whales as they surface and get ready to dive. The whale’s final descent into the canyon’s depths, with onlookers waving goodbye from above, is a sight to behold.

With eco-friendly tours like those offered by Dolphin Encounters and Encounter Kaikoura, you may see marine animals like seals and birds up close and even swim with native Dusky dolphins, known for their acrobatic jumps and friendly behaviour towards humans. You can get closer to the Royal Albatross and other birds of New Zealand on the “Albatross Encounters” tour than anywhere else. You can also go on a guided tour with “Kaikoura Kayaks” to see seals, dusky dolphins, and even whales and orcas up close as they swim around the coast. Or you can”Swim with the Seals” up close and personal

 

Things To Do In Kaikoura

Things To Do On Land In Kaikoura

There is enough to do for land lovers, from short coastline and bush walks to guided and unguided multi-day hikes.

Experience a ziplining Adventure or take a quad-riding excursion on ‘Glenstrae’s’ 1,600-acre working farm, bring your camera and see the seals at ‘Ohau Point,’ and in the winter, throw on your skis and travel to Mt. Lyford.

Kaikoura township and the surrounding region provide a range of accommodation choices to accommodate all travellers and several restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities. There are so many activities and attractions in Kaikoura that there is something for everyone.

 

Kaikoura offers some great accommodation to suit all budgets “Click Here”