8 reasons why Kaikoura is a must-include destination in your South Island Roundtrip
Kaikoura is a small seaside town located 2.5 hours drive north of Christchurch.
Kaikoura is renowned for its stunning marine life along its picturesque coastline, hosting whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and a variety of aquatic bird species.
In Kaikoura, you experience the feeling of seeing the majestic Southern Alps meeting the shorelines of the vast Pacific Ocean. The views are epic and there is so much to see and do. And if you are a foodie, Kaikoura is a seafood heaven that you will never forget!
Here are our tips on what to do and see and where to stay!
1. Dolphin Encounter
For almost three decades, Dolphin Encounter has been providing people worldwide with unforgettable experiences of swimming with dolphins. In Kaikoura, it stands as New Zealand’s pioneer in offering this unique opportunity.
Time to allow: 3-4 hours, tours depart daily morning and afternoon
Location: 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura
2. Whale Watch
Each Whale Watch tour offers a distinctive experience, and the sightings are diverse. The majestic Giant Sperm Whales take center stage. In addition to these Sperm Whales, up to 14 other species of whales and dolphins migrate through these waters at different times of the year, enhancing the richness of the marine spectacle.
Time to allow: 3-4 hours, tours depart daily morning and afternoon
Location: Whaleway Station Road, Kaikoura
3. Nin’s Bin
Nin’s Bin is a family-owned and operated food stall that has been serving since 1977. Specialising in fresh and local crayfish, it has become a beloved establishment known for its commitment to quality seafood.
Time to allow: around one hour, open 9 am – 6 pm
Location: State Highway 1, 6, Kaikoura
4. Fishing Tours
Kaikoura Fishing Tours are renowned as one of the best in the South Island. While you catch your dinner, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kaikoura and be entertained by the playful aerobatics of the Dusky dolphins.
Upon return to the port, some crayfish pots would be lifted, allowing you to savor the finest seafood Kaikoura has to offer, including the delectable Kaikoura crayfish.
Time to allow: tours are 2, 3, or 4 hours in duration, the best time to do it is in the morning
Location: all fishing tours depart from South Bay Marina, Kaikoura
5. Kaikoura Peninsula Scenic Lookout
The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is known for its breathtaking ocean vistas, abundant marine wildlife, and convenient proximity to the Kaikoura town centre. Classified as a walking track, it offers an ideal outing for families, presenting an easily manageable, yet fulfilling, half- or full-day excursion.
Time to allow: 1-2 hours depending on your fitness, it’s an uphill walk, but the views are well worth it!
Location: Point Kean Car Park, Kaikoura
6. Sudima Kaikoura
Do you want to see the sun rise above the ocean from your hotel bed? Sudima Kaikoura is the place to stay! The elegant hotel showcases meticulously designed rooms, a restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, and conference facilities. Sudima Kaikōura embodies 4.5-star sophistication, comfort, and affordability. Its location serves as an ideal starting point to explore Kaikōura’s globally acclaimed natural wonders.
Time to allow: we recommend a minimum of 1-night stay, and ideally 2-3 nights
Location: 114 Esplanade, Kaikoura
7. Night Sky and Pure Pods
Pure Pods are a genius concept of connecting you with nature by allowing you to see and feel it in your privacy with uninterrupted views. Kaikoura is home to 2 Pure Pods – the Manakau PurePod and Kahutara Pure Pod.
The Manakau PurePod is a glass eco-cabin situated in a vast landscape with perfect views of the mighty Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Range (including Mt Manakau). It is nestled amid rolling hills and stunning rocky outcrops, enjoy breathtaking vistas of the history. The Kahutara PurePod is perched high above the Kahutara River with vast views across to the mighty Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range. Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the New Zealand landscape, and witness the unlimited stars in the night sky.
Time to allow: we recommend a minimum of 1-night stay
Location: 20 minutes inland from Kaikoura township
8. EcoZip Kaikoura
Have you ever experienced a zipline tour where you fly high above the ground and see the most epic views? EcoZip Kaikoura will take you to the new heights! Experience Kaikoura like you’ve never seen it before. Five, epic ziplines, ranging from 250m to 610m in length await. All up, you’ll ‘zip’ over 2.2km on a series of ziplines that deliver increasingly spectacular sea and mountain views. And their twin lines make this side-by-side adventure an exhilarating, shared experience.
Time to allow: 4 hours, tours are departing throughout the day
Location: EcoZip Homebase, 11 West End, Kaikōura
