Kaikōura Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A coastal landscape with rocky outcrops, a bay, and distant mountains.
A whale breaching near a boat with people on board.
A whale-watching boat named AORAKI with passengers observing a whale's tail fin.
A coastal landscape with mountains in the background and a turquoise sea in the foreground.
A coastal path with mountains in the background.

Our guide on where to stay in Kaikōura

Find the best Kaikōura areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kaikōura
Learn more about Kaikōura
A rocky shoreline with a person standing on the rocks, overlooking a calm sea and a mountain in the background.

South Bay

Though South Bay may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Seal Colony.

A coastal landscape with a rocky shoreline, a clear blue sea, and distant snow-capped mountains.

Kaikoura Flat

While visiting Kaikoura Flat, you might make a stop by sights like Mount Fyffe and Kaikoura Beach.

A seal resting on a rocky surface.

Kaikoura Peninsula

If you're spending some time in Kaikoura Peninsula, Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Seal Colony are top sights worth seeing.

Sudima Kaikoura

Sudima Kaikoura

5 out of 5
Esplanade, 114 Kaikoura Canterbury
The price is NZ$237 per night from 29 Nov to 30 Nov
NZ$237
29 Nov - 30 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (648 reviews)
"The accommodations were convenient and top notch with a free car park behind the hotel. The reception staff were welcoming and delivered friendly professional and personalized service. Our room was a king with ocean view and was very comfortable and absolutely beautiful. There is a nice sparkling ..."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2026

Sudima Kaikoura
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments

Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments

3 out of 5
126 Esplanade Kaikoura Canterbury
The price is NZ$208 per night from 5 Dec to 6 Dec
NZ$208
5 Dec - 6 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and bike hire on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (659 reviews)
"This place is in a perfect location can view the beach from the kitchen and balcony. Beautiful apartment, very new and well maintained with a kitchenette."

Reviewed on 8 Nov 2026

Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Kaikoura Quality Suites

Kaikoura Quality Suites

3.5 out of 5
154 Beach Road Kaikoura
The price is NZ$155 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
NZ$155
18 Nov - 19 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (534 reviews)
"😀"

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2026

Kaikoura Quality Suites
See all 186 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 beach aparthotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (426 reviews)
"Good stay in a beautiful location and helpful friendly staff"

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2026

The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura
Kaikoura Luxury Apartments

Kaikoura Luxury Apartments

5 out of 5
78 Esplanade Kaikoura Canterbury
Stay at this luxury apartment in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (52 reviews)
"Lives up to its name!"

Reviewed on 15 July 2026

Kaikoura Luxury Apartments
Barnacle Bills

Barnacle Bills

3.5 out of 5
86 Scarborough Street Kaikoura Canterbury
Stay at this cottage in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum are located ...
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.

Stay near popular Kaikōura attractions

Peninsula Walkway

9.4/10 (467 reviews)
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.
See properties

Activities

Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

NZ$199
per adult
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip
Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

NZ$295
per adult
Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)
Whale watching in Winter

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

NZ$179
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
EcoZop Kaikoura dual ziplines

Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura

NZ$209
per adult
Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura
Kaikoura: Guided Family Kayaking Adventure

Kaikoura: Guided Family Kayaking Adventure

NZ$160
per adult
Kaikoura: Guided Family Kayaking Adventure
Whale tail splashing in water in the Kaikour whale watching tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour

NZ$342
per adult
Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour
See all activities in Kaikōura

Cities near Kaikōura

A coastal landscape with a winding road, green fields, and a large body of water under a cloudy sky.

Hapuku

Other places like Kaikōura

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