Skip to content

Explore

Kaikōura

Kia Ora Kaikōura

A place like nowhere else in the world – where rugged mountains meet the sea, wildlife is accessible and abundant, and exciting adventures await. Discover the storied history of this region, and explore its many hidden gems.

Three hours north from Christchurch to Kaikōura, you'll find one of New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destinations.

Inspire Me

See & Do In

Loading

Inspire Me

Stay in Kaikōura

Loading

Explore These Deals

Loading

Explore the Region

Kaikoura Whale out of Water

Marine Life

Sperm whales are perhaps the most famous residents here, living with dusky dolphins, fur seals and albatross.

There's something captivating to see year round, with migrating species making themselves known as the seasons shift.

Explore wildlife by boat, kayak, plane or helicopter, or for a much closer encounter, swim alongside seals and dolphins.

View New Zealand fur seals at Point Kean or at the Ōhau Point seal colony lookout.

Explore Marine Life
Kaikoura South Bay Walkway

Rich History

Kaikōura has a captivating history and remnants of early Māori and European settlement remain throughout the region.

Visit Kaikōura Museum or the historic Fyffe House to learn about Kaikōura's whaling history. 

For the more active, the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway is a great way to explore the area. Information panels along the walk highlights the history of the local people, geology and marine environment that makes Kaikōura so unique.

Explore Rich History
Passengers getting off the Whale Watching Boat in Kaikoura

Eco Tourism

Kaikōura's beautiful environment is a massive source of pride, and locals are committed to protecting it for future generations.

 

Explore Eco Tourism
Kaikoura Nins Bin

Seafood Capital

Kaikōura is unrivalled in its seafood culture, offering visitors a chance to eat like a local. Be sure to sample the ocean larder while in town.

Crayfish is a local specialty, served from roadside stalls, beachside caravans and the township's various restaurants.

Grab an iconic fish and chip parcel and chow down by the seaside, perhaps with a local vintage to wash it all down. This is seaside living at its best.

Explore Seafood Capital

Explore by Foot or Bike

Kaikoura South Bay Walkway

Kaikōura Coastal Walks

The breath-taking scenery of Kaikōura is best explored on foot with a great variety of coastal walks. Enjoy the rugged landscape whilst spotting marine life. If you have time be sure to stop for a seafood lunch in and around the town.

Explore Kaikōura Walks

Kaikoura Coast Line

Kaikōura Cycling

Kaikōura offers spectacular biking opportunities and is a great way to soak up the breathtaking coastal and mountain views. Be sure to grab a track map from DOC in Ludstone Road or the Kaikōura i-SITE in the Westend.

Explore Kaikōura Cycling

Explore The Canterbury Region

Download our Official Visitor Guides.

Sunrise in Kaikoura

Explore More on kaikoura.co.nz

Explore where rugged mountains meet the sea, wildlife is accessible and abundant, and exciting adventures await.

Explore kaikoura.co.nz
Loading
5D6DACB5-F90A-4906-A658-3CFFABC2F5D1