Kaikoura is famous for its whale watching, swimming with dolphins and its fantastic crayfish! But there is more to this seaside village - Kaikoura has some of the best coastal and inland walks in the South Island and they are free!
Walks in the Kaikoura region feature a variety of scenic landscapes, from rocky coastlines complete with resident seals to the impressive Kaikoura Ranges. Explore Kaikoura’s big outdoors with our carefully curated list of the best walks in Kaikoura today!
1. Kaikoura Peninsula Walk (1-2 hours one-way, 3 -4 hours loop)
The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is actually a series of short walks which you can combine into a loop track if you wish. The full loop will take around 3-4 hours but leave some extra time for stopping to enjoy the sights - especially the seal colony at Point Keen. As you make your way around this scenic track keep an eye out for a variety of seabirds including several nesting colonies, some pretty impressive rugged cliff formations, open tidal platforms, the “Sugarloaf” landmark, penguins and even the odd dolphin out to sea if you're lucky!
You can walk the Kaikoura Peninsula in either direction starting from the Kaikoura township, however if you wish to make it a bit easier you can avoid the first 4.5 km from Kaikoura out to Point Keen by driving. This will mean you need someone to collect you at the other end or return the same way instead of making the full loop.
The basic route follows the Kaikoura Esplanade, Avoca Street and Fyffe Quay around to the Point Kean car park (approximately 1 hour or 4.5km). From here it's a quick 5 minute walk to the viewing point and then a further 30 minutes (1.5km) past the seals and over to the Whalers Bay viewpoint. From here you can pop down into Whalers Bay (side trip of 10 minutes or so) or just carry on to the South Bay Viewpoint (20 minutes or 1.1km).
After South Bay it's a short stroll (15 minutes) to the car park and you cut inland across to Scarborough Street, following the Toms Track across to Torquay Street and back to the Esplanade to complete the loop back into town (approximately 1 hour or 3 km). Keep in mind the peninsula is exposed to coastal winds and always observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance at all times.
2. Puhi Puhi Reserve (20 minutes loop)
Looking for an easy going walk that you can take the kids on and that doesn't require too much effort? Then the Puhi Puhi Reserve Walk is the one for you! Featuring lush coastal forest that is up to 1000 years old, the Puhi Puhi Reserve track is a short walk that will take you only about 10 minutes one way. Bring along a picnic and enjoy a morning or afternoon out in the forest!
You will find the Puhi Puhi reserve next to the Puhi Puhi River on Puhi Puhi Valley Road, 20 minutes inland north of Kaikoura. There is a DOC campsite located at the car park from where you begin the trail. This camping ground is free but it has limited space - first in first served! Stay on overnight for a complete immersion and take a dip in the river while you're there.
3. Hinau Track (30 minutes loop)
Named after the stands of hinau trees featured along the trail, the Hinau Track isn't just hinau’s, you will see a variety of New Zealand native forest including kanuka, mahoe, broadleaf, fuschia, putaputaweta and pigeonwood trees.
You can start the Hinau Track at the Mt Fyffe car park on Postmans Road, roughly 13 km or 15 minutes drive inland northwest of Kaikoura. It will take around 30 to 45 minutes to complete this relatively easy loop track but allow for extra time to stop and appreciate your surrounds. The Hinau Track is a great option for those in the group who aren't up to the far more challenging Mt Fyffe Hut hike or the 3 day Kowhai-Hapuku Circuit (more on these below).
4. Mt Fyffe Summit Track (8 hours return)
Not for the faint hearted, the Mt Fyffe Track is a challenging full day hike but the reward is breath taking views! There are two options here, walk to the Mt Fyffe Hut (approximately 3 hours one way) or keep on going right to the summit of Mt Fyffe (another hour further). The full trip there and back will take around 8 hours so you need to make an early start on this one!
Featuring various kinds of terrain including farmland, steep forest clad foothills and the upper slopes of Mt Fyffe, make no mistake this track is steep! It also pays to note that this is a shared use track meaning mountain bikers also use this trail. You will need to carry water and food as well as appropriate outdoor gear. The Mt Fyffe Summit Track begins at the Mt Fyffe car park on Postmans Road, 13km northwest of Kaikoura.
5. Kowhai Hapuku Track (2-3 days)
Winding its way along the river valleys and up over the Kowhai Saddle, the Kowhai Hapuku Track is a lengthy 2-3 day hike over some pretty challenging terrain - but the reward is some of the best hiking in Kaikoura!
With an altitude change of over 1000 metres expect some pretty steep areas, plus rocky riverbeds and slopes - you will need to be an experienced hiker for this one. Sturdy boots are a must along with plenty of food and water. There are very basic huts at both the Kowhai and Hapuku areas; bookings are not required however both huts sleep only 6 people. You can walk the Kowhai Hapuku Track in either direction but the track ends are quite a distance apart so you will need to organise end to end transport.
6. Haumuri Bluff Walk (4-5 hours return)
This 12 km hike is great for those who like to explore off the beaten track as it were. The Haumuri Bluff walk is not an official walking track but more of an uncharted adventure! Expect to see an old train wreck and some seals along the way if you're lucky along with the picturesque Mikonui Beach providing the perfect backdrop.
The Haumuri Bluff walk begins in Oaro (20 km south of Kaikoura) and follows the railway line for about an hour. Where the railway line enters the tunnel you will need to peel off and make your way down to the rocky beach below, walking along the beach rock hopping for about 40 minutes until you reach “Spy Glass Point”, a limestone stack that used to be an archway joining the cliffs. You must return the same way you have come so make sure you only attempt the beach section of this walk at lower tides (starting out just after high tide is best).
7. Fyffe-Palmer Track (Mount Fyffe Forest Walk) (1-2 hrs)
Looking for a shorter walk that still offers a bit of a work out? Then the Fyffe Palmer Track is the perfect option. This track takes you across farmland for a start, complete with climbing fences and views over the Kaikoura Township, but before long you will be engulfed by the beautiful native forest for the remainder of the walk. With a choice of two directions (either way is fine as it’s a loop) you can easily make the full loop within an hour if keeping a good pace.
You will find the starting point for the Fyffe Palmer Track at a small car park roughly 10 minutes' drive from Kaikōura Township on Mt Fyffe Road (this is located before the “Mt Fyffe car park” - they are not one in the same).
8. Kaikōura Coast Track (2 days)
Prefer not to carry your pack and a hot shower at the end of the day? The 2 day Kaikoura Coast Track is a privately operated walk over parts of the Kaikoura coastline not previously accessible to the public. This is the only walking track on our list that isn't free- but it is such a great experience we thought we’d add it in anyway.
Covering around 13 km a day the track covers rolling farmland, tussock covered coastline and bush clad valleys, with an abundant supply of marine wildlife along the way. The Kaikoura Coast Track is only open from the 1st of October through to the 30th of April so bear this in mind when traveling if this one is on your must-do list. Pricing starts at $240 per person which includes luggage transfers and cottage accommodation with hot showers and fully equipped kitchens. Prepared meals are an optional extra.
9. Point Kean Seal Colony Walk (1 hour)
For those who just want to see the seals you can walk out to the Point Keen seal colony and back easily within the hour. Starting off from the Point Kean car park there is a bit of steep incline at the start but the rest is pretty easy going. Some pretty amazing coastal and mountain views accompany you as you make your way around the point.
The sunbathing seals are sure to impress with their easy care nature and good natured antics. Depending on the time of year, you may even see some baby seals being nurtured by their parents. The best time to see the seals is in the morning, bear in mind you need to keep your distance as their behaviour can be unpredictable. Keep an eye out for a variety of native birds along the way and maybe even a dolphin or two out to sea!
10. Okiwi Bay Half Moon Bay Track (6 hours)
A coastal route located just north of Kaikoura, the Okiwi Bay Half Moon Bay Track offers an interesting hike between the two bays. Making your way across the ranges you will cross several streams, pass through lush forest and enjoy many excellent views, and there is the opportunity to extend the walk up to the summit of Patutu if you wish.
The Okiwi Bay Half Moon Bay Track can be walked in either direction, there are even camping grounds at either end so making it an overnighter is a great option for extending your outdoor adventure. The track ends are some distance apart so transport between the two will be required upon completion.
Staying on in Kaikoura and need quiet comfortable accommodation? Relax in style at the Manakau Lodge. The best views, luxurious beds and a quiet serenity rural awaits.