Kaikoura: Best Things to Do
Kaikoura, a popular destination on New Zealand's South Island, is a place to unwind and reconnect with nature as the town is a popular place to see wildlife. Here's our list of the best things to do in Kaikoura, accompanied by practical tips on how to get there, where to stay, and when is the best time to visit.
New Zealand is a country of deep fjords, towering mountains, glaciers, forests, and an incredible amount of lakes.
Put that all together, and it cannot surprise you that Aotearoa, alias the Land of Long White Cloud, is one of the most sought-after destinations among all travelers who love pristine nature and incredible sceneries. But that's not all.
New Zealand is also rich in fauna, and Kaikoura, a small town located on the east coast of the South Island, is a perfect destination to base yourself, and admire not only the stunning surroundings but also for wildlife watching.
Simply put, Kaikoura is a place that should have a rightful place on your itinerary, no matter if you decide to spend here only a few hours, or several days.
This charming town offers so many things to do and so many activities, that every type of traveler will choose the absolute best alternative.
From budget-friendly options such as walking the winding paths along the coastline to more expensive whale watching flights, from observing dolphins and seals from the shore to more adventurous kayaking, Kaikoura, which is also conveniently located between Picton and Christchurch, can easily become one of the (unexpectedly) best places on your New Zealand itinerary.
We spent an absolutely incredible sunny day in Kaikoura, right after we finished the three-day Great Walk Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
There are a few reasons why we will never forget our time in Kaikoura, some of them we've already mentioned above, but one of them was also the strong wind.
It gets windy in New Zealand quite often, especially if you are near the Pacific Ocean, but during that particular night in Kaikoura, we had a feeling that our campervan would turn over; this is how the wind gusts were strong.
Hopefully, you will enjoy a peaceful day and night in Kaikoura, which is rightfully considered one of the best places in the country to spot wildlife, especially whales.
What are the best things to do in Kaikoura?
Where to stay, how to get there, or when is the best time to visit this coastal town?
We've got you covered.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN KAIKOURA
Even by a brief look at the best activities travelers can do in Kaikoura is quite clear, that this place has so much to offer.
If you are looking for a place where you can spend your time actively, we are pretty sure that Kaikoura won't disappoint, but even those of you who prefer romantic strolls along the coastline and freshly caught dinner will be thrilled.
Hopefully, this travel guide will inspire you to spice your travels a bit and maybe try an activity you've ever done before.
WHALE WATCHING
Kaikoura is a perfect place for whale watching, and if you are wondering whether you can stretch your tight budget a little bit further, we can only encourage you to do so.
At the time of our visit to New Zealand, we were true budget travelers and felt we could not afford this experience, but a few years later, we did the whale watching tour in Husavik in Iceland, and absolutely loved it.
The feeling when you finally spot the giant whale's tail is indescribable, and the excitement will resonate in your body and soul whenever you get back to this very moment.
Kaikoura is home to sperm whales that you can see all-year-round, the chance to spot whales in this small coastal town is actually about 95%, but between May and October, other species such as humpback whales migrate near Kaikoura.
Warmer weather, on the other hand, brings orcas or blue whales.
Tours
Simply put, if there's one activity you should not miss in Kaikoura, it is whale watching.
Tours are often sold out well in advance during the summer, so make sure you make your reservation.
There are two popular whale watching tours in Kaikoura.
One of them is Kaikoura Whale Watching Cruise while the other is a more adventurous Kaikoura Whale Watching Flight.
SWIMMING AND SNORKELLING WITH DOLPHINS
Marine life in New Zealand is very diverse, and whales are by no means the only underwater creatures you can spot in Kaikoura.
Dusky dolphins are other reasons why Kaikoura made it high on every traveler's bucket list.
Dolphins swim close to the shore all-year-round, and you can enjoy the sight even from land (we recommend having binoculars), from the boat, but if you want to experience something unique, swimming with dolphins might be the right activity for you.
Make sure you choose a company that follows all the guidelines that keep the well-being of animals in mind.
The waters around New Zealand are pretty cold, but this activity is available even in the winter, you just need to ask for a warmer swimsuit.
SEALS
Kaikoura is home to a seal colony, and if you are an avid photographer, we can ensure you that you will have a time of your life here.
Once we parked our car at Point Kean and stepped outside, we could not believe that a parking lot is actually a resting place for several seals.
We know that it is important to keep the distance from wild animals, but that was almost impossible in Kaikoura if we wanted to cross the distance between our car and the pavement.
Even though seals often seem slow and lazy, be very careful, because especially males can be very protective, so always try to keep several meters long distance between yourself and the animals.
We swam with seals in the Galapagos Islands, and if you decide to take a swimming tour here in Kaikoura, you might be lucky enough to spot some seals as well.
It is quite an experience because clumsy seals on land turn in the water into true acrobats.
HIKING
The area around Kaikoura offers several hiking trails, and because we are avid hikers, we could not miss out on this activity.
We parked our car at Point Kean, which is also a trailhead for Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.
This three to four hours long trail (you can turn back wherever you want) offers rewarding views of rugged coastline and green pastures.
It also features views of sea colony and birds such as albatrosses.
If you are a wildlife photographer or you simply want to have the best photos possible, it is essential to pack a telephoto lens or at least binoculars so you can take a closer look at abundant birds.
KAYAKING
You've probably noticed, but many activities that are available in Kaikoura are closely connected with the water.
Even though the town is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the shining star here is the Pacific Ocean and marine life.
Another adventure outdoor activity you can do is kayaking.
Kaikoura Kayaking Tours are super-popular, because it allows you to see the coastline from a different point of view, but you have also another opportunity to spot dolphins or playful seals.
BIKING
We did many one-day or multi-day treks in New Zealand, and we often noticed, that especially the more popular trails were not accessible to bikers, and if they were, it was usually not the case during the peak hiking season.
Well, if you are an avid biker, Kaikoura might be the right place for you.
Kaikoura and its surroundings offer a variety of biking trails, and it is only up to you whether you opt for a challenging mountainous adventure or for a more casual trail.
Biking also belongs among activities that are possible to do in every season, but always check the weather forecast and do not overestimate your level of fitness.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
VISIT KAIKOURA MUSEUM
We are very well aware that most of the visitors travel to New Zealand because of the otherwordly landscape, but we think it is always worth it to take some time and learn more about the country's history and background.
Kaikoura Museum is a place where you can get to know the region's history and culture even better.
Visiting the museum is also a great alternative when the weather is not pleasant.
The entrance fee is 12 NZD. If you travel on a strict budget or want to visit only one museum during your time in New Zealand, we can recommend the Te Papa museum in Wellington, which is absolutely outstanding.
WATCH THE SUNRISE
In the section down below, we are going to recommend you the best places where you can spend the night in Kaikoura.
If you can, book a room with an ocean view and watch the stunning sunrise from your bed, or be ready to jump out of bed a bit earlier because you surely do not want to miss the moment when the first sun rays appear on the horizon.
WHERE TO STAY IN KAIKOURA
Kaikoura is a small town, but the range of accommodation is actually bigger than you would have expected.
Being one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand has pros and cons, but the fact that you can choose from many hotels and hostels is, for sure, the advantage.
It is good to know that the main season, between December and February, attracts crowds, so make your reservation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
We've handpicked three best hotels in Kaikoura for every budget and every type of traveler.
Budget | Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park - Wonderful location and cozy studios make from this holiday park the best budget-friendly option in Kaikoura. The views and outstanding outdoor swimming pool should persuade you to make a reservation straight away.
Mid-range | Te Mahuru Retreat - Beautifully furnished rooms and the location surrounded by farmlands and mountain views is hard to beat. Shared kitchen and hot pool are places where you can meet other travelers.
Luxury | Glenburn Coastal Retreat - Very stylish place that will never cease to amaze you. Huge glass windows ensure the views even from the bathroom, and the overall experience is out of this world.
HOW TO GET TO KAIKOURA
Kaikoura is a well-accessible destination as it is located on the State Highway 1 that basically connects the north and south of the eastern coast of South Island.
For travelers like you, it is good to know that SH 1 connects Picton - a port where you arrive if traveling between North and South Island by ferry - and Christchurch, so there's literally no reason why Kaikoura should not be on your South Island itinerary.
According to our opinion, the best option on how to get to Kaikoura is by car or campervan.
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore New Zealand as it gives you the opportunity to explore some of the top places in the country, plus the coastal road is very scenic and perfect for a road trip.
Alternatively, you can jump on an InterCity bus, that connects Christchurch and Picton, and stops in Kaikoura on the way.
If there's one way of transport that is getting increasingly popular, it is the train.
If you want to enjoy wonderful vistas and get a unique experience, consider traveling by seasonal train (September to April) Coastal Pacific, which also stops in Kaikoura.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KAIKOURA
Great news, Kaikoura is an all-year-round destination. The peak season is between November and March when you can expect spring-like temperatures around 20 degrees.
During the summer season, which is between December and February, the town gets crowded, and it is more than recommended to reserve your tours well in advance.
Winter and shoulder season is a bit colder, rainier, and the surrounded mountains are often covered in snow.
Kaikoura is located right on the coast, that's why the area is pretty windy - the wind picks up in the afternoons, so no matter for what time of the year you plan your visit, never forget to pack a quality windbreaker.
If your main reason to visit Kaikoura is taking a whale or dolphin tour, it is good to know that your chances are very high throughout the year.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
