Known for its abundant marine life, Kaikoura is an essential New Zealand destination for animal lovers. Thanks to its clear skies, the town has also been recognised as the world’s newest dark sky sanctuary for star-gazing. In this South Island peninsula, there are plenty of things to do that you will remember forever. Here’s the lowdown on the best things to do in Kaikoura.
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Things to do in Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a one-of-a-kind destination where rugged coastal cliffs meet the vast Pacific Ocean and the waters teem with marine life.
Known for its commitment to eco-tourism, a visit to Kaikoura gives you the chance to see whales, dolphins and albatrosses in their natural habitats. This makes it a must-visit for animal lovers and adventure seekers.
Whether you’re spotting a giant sperm whale breaching the surface or swimming alongside playful dusky dolphins, Kaikoura delivers unforgettable and ethical wildlife experiences.
First, you need to choose where you’ll stay in Kaikoura.
Where to stay in Kaikoura
Kaikoura has a range of accommodation to suit different budgets, all set against the backdrop of its stunning coastal and mountain scenery. Here are some top options to consider for your stay:
Dolphin Lodge
Located a two-minute walk from Kaikoura’s town centre and beach, Dolphin Lodge offers cosy private rooms and dorms. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, a garden with BBQ facilities and stunning views from the outdoor deck.
Kaikoura Seaside Lodge
Set directly on the beach, Kaikoura Seaside Lodge has comfortable dorms and family rooms. With shared kitchen facilities, a playground, and ocean views, it’s a convenient base for exploring local attractions.
Te Mahuru Retreat
Known as the best B&B in Kaikoura, this retreat offers a serene environment with personalised service, making it ideal for those seeking a peaceful getaway.
Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
Housed in a historic 1880s building, this beachfront hotel combines classic charm with modern amenities. Located a 10-minute walk from Kaikoura Town, its rooms have refrigerators and 32-inch flat-screen TVs.
When choosing your accommodation in Kaikoura, consider its proximity to the town centre and access to the tours and activities you want to do. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Explore the map below to find the best deals for your dates:
Things to do in Kaikoura: Whale watching
Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter whales so close to shore, making it a dream destination for marine enthusiasts.
Thanks to the unique geography of the Kaikoura Canyon—a deep underwater trench just off the coast—these nutrient-rich waters attract a variety of marine life, including the magnificent Giant Sperm Whale.
Whether you’re a marine life expert or new to the wonders of the ocean, whale watching in Kaikoura is an unforgettable experience that brings you face-to-face with nature’s giants.
Book your two-hour whale-watching experience in Kaikoura here.
My whale-watching experience
The Whale Watch team established that conditions were conducive to a safe trip out to sea and briefed us.
We boarded a bus to the harbour and made ourselves comfortable on the boat as it sped out to sea.
The Giant Sperm Whale we were going to spot on our whale watching in Kaikoura was called ‘Tiaki’, the largest whale in the area. He has been swimming in the local waters for 25 years.
Take to the skies for a unique view on a whale-watching flight over Kaikoura.
Every 45 minutes to an hour, we were told, Tiaki would surface to inhale oxygen, before making his descent back to the depths.
Today we were lucky enough to see Tiaki breach the water twice, as he was reaching the surface just as we arrived, so we could stick around to see him ascend again.
After a few spurts of water and gathering enough oxygen, he arched his back, so we knew he was about to dive down and give us the money shot – his enormous tail curling and reaching up into the air as he swam back down to the bottom of the ocean.
Simply magical.
Book your two-hour whale-watching experience in Kaikoura here.
Things to do in Kaikoura: Dolphin swim encounter
Swimming with wild dolphins in Kaikoura is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to meet these intelligent and playful creatures in their natural habitat.
The waters off Kaikoura are home to dusky dolphins, known for their acrobatic flips and curious nature.
Unlike commercialized “swim with dolphins” programs, this ethical encounter takes place entirely on the dolphins’ terms, offering a truly authentic and unforgettable adventure.
Whether you’re in the water with them or observing from the boat, the magic of being near these beautiful mammals is an experience you’ll treasure forever.
Book your Kaikoura day tour with dolphin cruise from Christchurch here.
My dolphin encounter experience
I would love to say it was a bright sunny day for my dolphin encounter, but sadly we weren’t that lucky. It was distinctly overcast, though an improvement on the previous day’s heavy rain.
Dolphins aren’t bothered by a bit of rain, of course. It’s the sea conditions that matter, when determining whether or not the boats will sail that day. It turned out we were in luck after all. Despite some moderate sea-sickness warnings, we were all good to set sail for our Kaikoura dolphin tour.
At Dolphin Encounter HQ, the team briefed us with a video, advising us on how best to attract the attention of our aquatic cousins. For the brave, it meant diving downwards while holding your breath – freediving, essentially. But I knew this wasn’t going to be for me.
For the rest of us, it was simply a case of keeping our faces down in the water, moving our bodies in a fish-like manner and making squeaking or singing noises.
This was going to be interesting.
An early start
Donning full-body insulating and buoyant wetsuits, jackets and caps, we boarded the boat and headed to where the dusky dolphins are known to hang out.
Did I mention this was 5.30am? Yes, it was a challenge to get out of bed at that time. But this time of day is when the dolphins are most active and mostly likely to perform acrobatic flips and jumps.
As we sailed through the waters, we spotted one of Kaikoura’s other famous residents, the albatross, soaring over the sea. Looking for a fishy breakfast, its wingspan was an impressive three metres.
Then, with delight, we started to spot a few fins breaking the surface of the water.
Preparing to dive in
As we sat on the back of the boat with our snorkel gear, ready to drop off the edge into the sea, it seemed unreal that we were about to go swimming in the natural habitat of these beautiful and intelligent wild creatures. Here we were on their turf – or surf, in this case.
With the sea stretching as far as the eye could see, we had to respect their wishes if we wanted to get close. Maybe they would be in a playful mood, maybe not.
So I dove in and channelled my inner Flipper as best I could.
Meeting the dolphins
I looked down into the deep sea, gently waving the long flippers on my feet, arms at my side, and doing my best dolphin noises.
My heart skipped a beat when two of these mighty creatures passed by right under my nose, merely a few inches away. My Flipper impression seemed to be doing the trick.
Occasionally when I looked up, I could see that there were dozens of dolphins playing in the water around our group of about twenty. Quite astonishing.
We did three swims in total, as the boat would approach a pod of dolphins and drop us in.
We were advised not to touch them, but sometimes one of these powerful mammals would nudge into my leg and I would squeal, partly from delight, partly from fear.
Not that they could probably tell the difference from my musical dolphin-like squeaks and attempts to sing to them. At one point, I tried a slightly strangled version of ‘Bear Necessities’. They didn’t seem impressed.
Reflecting on my dolphin encounter
The whole experience was incredible and, honestly, felt like a dream. Though perhaps it was the sleep deprivation.
Here we were, swimming in the sea with multitudes of wild dolphins coming up close to your face.
Passing alongside your body, they are curious to check out who are these friendly intruders making the daft noises.
I wished I had an underwater camera to capture the experience. Though, on the other hand, having one might remove you from the moment, which was simply magical.
Book your Kaikoura day tour with dolphin cruise from Christchurch here.
More things to do in Kaikoura
Kaikoura is bursting with activities that go beyond its famous marine wildlife. Whether you’re exploring dramatic landscapes, paddling alongside seals, or soaring through the treetops, this coastal gem has something for every kind of adventurer.
Hike Kaikoura’s stunning trails
Hikers will love Kaikoura’s incredible coastal walks and mountain climbs. The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a 2-3 hour trail along dramatic cliffs, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean plus opportunities to see the local fur seals. For a more challenging adventure, scaling Mount Fyffe rewards you with sweeping views of the peninsula, ocean and surrounding mountains. If you prefer a shorter trek, the Mount Fyffe Hut walk offers a taste of the alpine scenery without the full climb.
Paddle or surf in Kaikoura
Kayaking in Kaikoura is a peaceful way to explore its stunning coastline and encounter fur seals, dolphins, and even penguins. Guided tours provide an eco-friendly way to experience the region’s marine beauty. There are even pedal kayaks available.
For those seeking more action, paddleboarding and surfing are great options. Cruise the calm bay or catch waves at popular surf spots, with lessons available for beginners. Whether paddling or surfing, Kaikoura’s waters are perfect for adventure.
Book a sunset kayaking tour of Kaikoura here.
Step back in time at Kaikoura Museum
For a glimpse into the town’s history and culture, the Kaikoura Museum offers engaging exhibits that cover everything from the town’s Maori heritage to its history as a whaling settlement. The museum also showcases the story of Kaikoura’s remarkable recovery after the 2016 earthquake, highlighting the resilience of its community.
Taste the local seafood
Kaikoura is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly crayfish. In fact, Kaikoura is named after it (“kai” means food and “koura” means crayfish in Māori). Visit roadside seafood shacks or local restaurants for a taste of this regional specialty. Don’t miss the chance to try fish and chips with a view of the ocean.
Feel the rush on a ziplining adventure
For an adrenaline-packed experience, try ziplining near Kaikoura. Soar through lush forests and enjoy incredible views as you zip from platform to platform. Local adventure companies offer guided tours that combine heart-pumping excitement with breathtaking scenery. It’s a thrilling way to see Kaikoura from a whole new perspective.
Book your zip-lining and forest adventure trip in Kaikoura here.
Kaikoura is a destination that invites you to slow down and appreciate the natural world, whether it’s kayaking alongside seals, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints or savouring fresh local crayfish. Beyond the whales and dolphins, this coastal gem brings a wealth of activities that make it a highlight of any New Zealand adventure.
Practical tips for visiting Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a stunning coastal town and to make the most of your trip, a little planning goes a long way. Here are practical tips to ensure your visit is smooth and enjoyable:
1. Best time to visit
Kaikoura is a year-round destination, but your experience will vary with the seasons. Summer (December to February) brings warmer weather, perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife encounters. Winter (June to August) is the best time for spotting humpback whales and orcas during their migration. Always check the weather forecast, as sea tours depend on conditions.
2. Book wildlife tours in advance
Kaikoura is a popular spot for whale watching and dolphin encounters, so book your tours early, especially during peak travel seasons. Check cancellation policies, as weather conditions can lead to rescheduling.
3. Getting to Kaikoura
Kaikoura is located on New Zealand’s South Island, roughly a 2.5-hour drive from Christchurch or a 2-hour drive from Picton. The scenic Coastal Pacific train is a relaxing alternative, running between Christchurch and Picton with a stop in Kaikoura.
4. Layer your clothing
The weather in Kaikoura can change rapidly, especially out at sea. Bring layers, including a waterproof jacket, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes for walks and hikes. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses for sunny days on the water.
5. Pack seasickness remedies
If you’re heading out to sea for whale watching or dolphin tours, bring seasickness remedies like ginger tablets, acupressure wristbands or medication to avoid discomfort on choppy waters. I definitely needed this on the whale-watching trip.
6. Respect the wildlife
When interacting with marine life, follow the guidelines provided by tour operators. Avoid feeding or touching the animals, and maintain a respectful distance to ensure their safety and yours.
Final thoughts on the best things to do in Kaikoura
Kaikoura isn’t just a destination—it’s an opportunity to connect with the natural world in a way that few places allow.
Watching Tiaki breach the water and feeling the brush of a dolphin in its wild home reminded me of the incredible beauty and fragility of the world we share.
Kaikoura offers not just adventure, but a chance to pause, reflect and marvel at the planet’s wonders.
This experience was truly something to take in as much as possible, with your eyes wide, and all the while mentally pinching yourself as it seemed so unreal.
What a privilege.
Now, check out more of my New Zealand South Island adventures.
Incredible! Love the pics
Sent by Lady P on the move
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