Kaikōura Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Kaikōura
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning

Where to stay in Kaikōura

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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.

South Bay
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Kaikoura Flat

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

Kaikoura Flat
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Kaikoura Peninsula

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

Kaikoura Peninsula
Sudima Kaikoura
Sudima Kaikoura
5 out of 5
Esplanade, 114, Kaikoura, Canterbury
The price is NZ$171 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$171
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (380 reviews)
"Always my first choice if I’m in Kaikoura for work travel. Great service, comfortable rooms, great shower pressure, lots of food options, highly recommended."

Reviewed on 24 Jun. 2025

Sudima Kaikoura
Kaikoura Quality Suites
Kaikoura Quality Suites
3.5 out of 5
154 Beach Road, Kaikoura
The price is NZ$155 per night from 1 July to 2 July
NZ$155
1 July - 2 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (309 reviews)
"Lovely space and welcoming staff, very helpful made staying in this stunning location memorable, would definitely return. Thanks."

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2025

Kaikoura Quality Suites
Kaikoura Beach Motel
Kaikoura Beach Motel
2.5 out of 5
124 Esplanade, Kaikoura, Canterbury
The price is NZ$140 per night from 11 July to 12 July
NZ$140
11 July - 12 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (360 reviews)
"Grest for a short stay"

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Kaikoura Beach Motel
See all 179 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 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (396 reviews)
"Very nice accomodation and a sincere thank you to Deka for your excellent customer service. Highly recommended. Will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura
Blue Seas Motel
Blue Seas Motel
3.5 out of 5
222 Esplanade, Kaikoura
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Fyffe House and Peninsula ...
9/10 Wonderful! (71 reviews)
"The view is magnificent."

Reviewed on 12 May 2025

Blue Seas Motel
Barnacle Bills
Barnacle Bills
3.5 out of 5
86 Scarborough Street, Kaikoura, Canterbury
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
Lovely cottage in handy location
"Lovely stay in the beautiful cottage. We expected rustic but the cottage was well appointed and everything was spotlessly clean. Comfortable and warm beds."

Reviewed on 23 Apr. 2025

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.

Popular places to visit

Peninsula Walkway

Peninsula Walkway

4.5/5(81 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.

Peninsula Walkway

Point Kean Seal Colony

4.5/5(80 reviews)

Find out about the history of Kaikōura with a stop at Point Kean Seal Colony. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Point Kean Seal Colony

Mount Fyffe

4/5(27 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Fyffe and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Kaikōura. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Mount Fyffe

Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park

4/5(6 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park during your stay in Kaikōura. Wander the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park

Kaikoura District Museum

4.5/5(27 reviews)

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Kaikoura District Museum during your trip to Kaikōura. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Kaikoura District Museum

Fyffe House

4/5(13 reviews)

You can learn about the history of Kaikōura with a trip to Fyffe House. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Fyffe House

Activities

Whale watching in Winter

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

NZ$179
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Whale tail splashing in water in the Kaikour whale watching tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour

NZ$365
per adult
Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour
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
Jumping dolphins in Kaikoura dolphin swimming tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura

NZ$410
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura
Kaikoura: Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour

Kaikoura: Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour

NZ$395
per adult
Kaikoura: Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour
Flock of sea birds near boat for Kaikoura Albatross encounter boat tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Full-Day Albatross Tour in Kaikoura

NZ$360
per adult
Full-Day Albatross Tour in Kaikoura
See all activities in Kaikōura

Other places like Kaikōura