10 Best Things To Do In Kaikoura, New Zealand - Updated 2024

1. Swim with Dolphins

If your dose of sea-adventure is not sated, you can opt for a trip to swim with the dolphins. Get into a wet-suit and gather all the snorkel-gears before diving into the sea. The boat will take you to the deep water where you can jump into the ocean with the dolphins. Prior to jumping into the ocean, it’s important that you listen to the instructions provided by the instructor. The tell-tale leaps and splashes will notify you of the presence of dolphins.

2. Enjoy the Rustic Countryside of Kaikoura in a Quad-Bike

The rugged countryside of the Kaikoura is best discovered on a Quad-Bike. The Quad-Bike tour takes you through the countryside and further into Christchurch city. Along with the other riders, a guide will accompany you to the caravan of the Quad-Bikes and will take you through the surrounding vineyards, rugged mountain routes. Get excellent views of the snow-capped peaks of the Seaward Kaikoura Range, and Kaikoura coastline on the way. You can also stop at Haumuri Bluffs to get acquainted with the sea-creatures.

3. Watch the Seals in Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Situated on the rugged east coast of the South Island, the coastal town of Kaikoura lures visitors in with its activities. The town offers lots of to hike; one of the important hiking trails is through the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway. Taking a hike till the Kaikoura peninsula walkway gives you the opportunity of watching a family of seals going about their business. To catch a glimpse of these seal colonies, you will need to walk to the Point Kean viewpoint and then head on towards the Wheelers Bay Viewpoint. Travel through the stairway from the cliff towards the coast to get a glimpse of the seal colony inhabiting the area, along with the sea birds and crayfish.

The seals in Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Address: Peninsula Walkway, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand

Website: Kaikoura Peninsula walkway

4. Get a Stunning View of the Town from Point Kean

Point Kean Viewpoint, at the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, is the best place to get a glimpse of the whole area along with the coast and the rugged mountain in the background. This viewpoint is located very close to Point Kean carpark. Even if you are not taking a hike, you can climb on the Point Kean viewpoint to have the beautiful view of the surrounding. The birds like reef herons, oystercatchers are most common birds seen here, you can also get a glimpse of the blue penguins waddling about from this platform.

Point Kean Viewpoint

Address: 40 Fyffe Quay, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand

5. Learn More About Maori History and Culture

Besides the beautiful nature encompassing the area, this town also has a long Maori history. There are many sites in and around Kaikoura, which bears the main stories related to the Maori history. Legend says that the Great Maui had stepped into the land to steady himself. The place was inaccessible for many years as it was surrounded by the coast and the mountain.

Maori Tours Kaikoura

Website: Maori Tours Kaikoura

6. Explore the Kaikoura Canyon

The Kaikoura Canyon is believed to have spawned the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Inland Kaikoura Range. The ‘U’ shaped canyon serves as the natural habitat of various sea-animals like heart urchins, bristle worms, sea cucumbers, spoon worms, apart from the significant whales and dolphins.

Kaikoura Canyon

Address: Kaikoura Peninsula, 7300, New Zealand

Website: Kaikoura Canyon

7. Embark on a Wild Adventure

Surrounded by the coasts, mountains, and forests, Kaikoura takes you on a wild ride. Here, you can embark on wilderness walks through the Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve, which normally takes up to three days to walk through the wilderness. While here, rock climbing in the Kaikoura Ranges is another activity that you cannot miss.

Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve

Address: Puhi Puhi Rd, Puhi Puhi 7371, New Zealand

Website: Puhi Peaks Nature Reserve

8. A trip to Fyffe House

Fyffe House is the oldest surviving building in the town. It was originally built as a whaling station in1842. The house belonged to the Fyffe family and was built by Robert Fyfe. Robert Fyfe used to create barrels for the whale oil. Unfortunately, he died an untimely death and this house and the whaling station was taken over by his cousin George Fyffe. Located on a cliff beside the sea, the house is located in an idyllic location and is perfect for a visit during a day-time trip.

Fyffe House

Address: 62 Avoca St, Kaikoura 7300, New Zealand

Website: Fyffe House

9. Join a Fishing Charters Tour and Catch a Crayfish

Your trip to Kaikoura will not be complete without catching a crayfish. Take your experience to a whole new level when you join a chartered fishing tour. In this chattered trip, you will also get to enjoy hunting the other fishes like Gurnard, Grouper, Tarakihi etc.

floating over the sea and take the pleasure of

Fishing Charters tours

Website: Fishing Charters tours

10. Whale Watching Trip

Boarding a cruise to enjoy seeing the whales swim around Kaikoura is the first thing you must opt for when visiting this town. Although you can complete this activity on a day trip - from Christchurch, an overnight stay will give you more time to explore the place.

Kaikoura is the prime location for whale watching off the coast of New Zealand, which is the main base of the sperm whales. Apart from that, you can also meet pilot whales, blue whales, southern right whales, humpback whales, most of which visit this shore. The cruise will give you a rundown of the history of these whales, till it reaches the Hikurangi Trench, where you will get a glimpse of these majestic creatures.

Kaikoura: Nature's Paradise

Kaikoura is a place filled with numerous outdoor activities and adventures! Whether you’re swimming with dolphins, enjoying some whale watching, in indulging in a sumptuous crayfish meal, Kaikoura offers something for anyone eager enough to take on the challenge!