Whether you are planning a visit to Kaikoura for a long weekend or extended family holiday, there is always plenty to see and do in both the summer and winter months. Epic wildlife encounters are always top of the list, along with stunning scenic flights, wondrous water-based adventures and a great selection of local cafes and restaurants to refuel and relax.
If you haven’t been to Kaikoura before, you should set aside at least 2-3 days to ensure you have time to enjoy the range of activities on offer while also allowing time for rest and relaxation! Check out our top 10 things to do in Kaikoura below for some inspiration to get you started.
1. Wings Over Whales Scenic Whale Watching Flights
Whale watching flights are the best way to catch a guaranteed glimpse of these majestic creatures from above – and a great alternative if you tend to get sea sick out on the ocean or a short on time. Choose from the standard 30-minute flight, or opt for the 45-minute extended flight, and you might get to see some dolphins too! These flights obit around the whales offering unobstructed views from the comfort of fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters if you prefer. Sperm whales are viewable year round, with increased sightings of Humpbacks across the winter months and the possibility of Blue and Fin whales in the summer months.
Wings Over Whales watching flights are currently priced at $190 for the 30-minute fixed-wing option and $350 for 45 minutes. For helicopter tours, you are looking at $400 to $800. Always book ahead to avoid disappointment, flights are scheduled throughout the day. Occasionally flights may be cancelled due to poor weather (usually only high winds or very poor visibility).
2. Glenstrae Farm 4WD Quad Bike Adventure Tours
Situated just 20 minutes south of Kaikoura, you will find the rolling green hills of Glenstrae Farm. This fantastic coastal setting is home to some pretty cool 4-wheel motorbike adventures. Learn how to ride your own quad bike and enjoy whizzing across this working sheep farm, passing through native forest and over rolling farmland with some pretty awesome ocean views too! At the top of the Haumuri Bluffs, you will be provided with a small coffee and tea break before tearing it up along the creek bed on the way back!
The full 3-hour quad bike tour is priced at $159 per person, tours run daily, and bookings are required. Travelling with younger children? It pays to note that there is a minimum age requirement of 16 years for riding the quad bikes.
3. Middle Hill World Class Mountain Biking Trails
Widely considered one of NZ’s best mountain bike riding destinations by bikers from all over the country, Middle Hill is the perfect spot for fresh air, sunshine and some serious downhill dream rides! Choose from a wide variety of trails, most are suitable for intermediate to advanced riders but there are a few for the less experienced. The friendly team at Middle Hill offer shuttle rides up the hill to give you a head start for the day, or you can opt to tackle the uphill ride yourself.
Mountain biking at Middle Hill is operational through the warmer months only from September onwards. Bookings are essential, a 3-hour shuttle-inclusive pass will cost you $75.
4. Kaikoura Kayaks Guided Wildlife Kayaking Tours
Meet some of the locals – the dusky dolphins, fur seals, penguins and maybe even some whales with Kaikoura Kayaks on their guided wildlife tours. Gliding across the water at peace with your surroundings, sea kayaking is one of the most eco-friendly ways to view and interact with the marine wildlife at Kaikoura. Expect to see fur seals swimming and diving from the rocks and a high chance of encountering dolphins and penguins. You might even see a whale!
Kaikoura Kayak Tours cost $130 for adults and $75 for children for around 3 to 3.5 hours in total. No experience is necessary, safety and paddle instruction is included, and all gear is provided, but it pays to bring along a change of clothes just in case!
5. The Kaikoura Museum Informative And Interactive Displays
The perfect rainy day activity, the Kaikoura Museum offers an interactive educational experience for all ages. Learn about the history of the region, local Maori legend and Kaikoura’s famous fishing and whaling industry, as well as information on the recent earthquakes at this informative little museum. You will find the museum on West End Street opposite the Town Clock and i-Site visitor information centre.
The Kaikoura Museum is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm, and entry is $12 per adult, $6 per child, discounted family and group rates are available – just ask at the front desk.
6. Seal Swim Kaikoura Swimming With Seals Tours
Seal Swim Kaikoura offers the amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with these furry little sea creatures. Seeing the seals up close and in their natural habitat is one of the most interactive and exciting wildlife encounters in Kaikoura. While the seals may seem relatively sedentary while they bask in the sun on the rocks on land – they are quite the opposite when in the water, with their curious and playful natures on full display.
Seal swimming tours take place in a sheltered bay with buoyancy aids available if necessary. Always book ahead to avoid disappointment, expect to spend around 2 hours on the full tour which includes safety briefings, transport and suiting up. Wetsuits are provided. Pricing ranges from $120 for adults to $80 for children. If you don’t want to swim, viewing rates are offered at reduced cost ($60 and $40, respectively).
7. Nin’s Bin Local Crayfish Sampling Caravan
Trying out Kaikoura’s famous crayfish for yourself at the popular roadside caravan/food truck Nin’s Bin is something of a rite-of-passage for visitors to Kaikoura. Located just 20 minutes north of Kaikoura you will find this little caravan parked up overlooking the ocean. Choose from a variety of freshly caught seafood, including fresh crayfish tails (or whole crays) served with garlic butter, whitebait fritters, mussels and good old fish and chips.
Make sure you do a quick check online to make sure Nin’s Bin is open before you head out as sometimes they are unexpectedly closed – weather and catch permitting. Or if you prefer a more restaurant-style setting, head over to the Green Dolphin Restaurant & Bar or the Pier Hotel on Avoca Street to get your crayfish fix.
8. Dolphin Encounter’s Swimming With Dolphins Tours
One of Kaikoura’s star attractions – the dolphins are a delight to watch from a boat but even more fun up close when you’re in the water with them! Expect to see local residents the Dusky dolphins and the possibility of spotting Hectors Dolphins and Common Dolphins. These playful sea creatures are playful and surprisingly approachable, seemingly more curious than afraid of humans invading their habitat. So pop on a snorkel and jump in the water with Dolphin Encounters today!
Swimming with the dolphins tours are available year-round at different times depending on the time of year, booking ahead is highly recommended. Dolphin encounters will cost you around $220 per adult and $205 per child.
9. Albatross Encounter’s Wildlife Watching Cruises
Searching for even more wildlife encounters? How about ticking off the mighty Albatross? Kaikoura is a world-renowned spot for some serious bird watching with a huge variety of seabirds, including shearwaters, petrel, shags, prions, penguins, gulls and terns - and twelve species of the majestic Albatross! Enjoy a bird-watchers dream tour with the team at Albatross Encounters year round, with all ages and abilities welcome.
Albatross tours are approximately 2.5 hours long and include on-board commentary, helpful identification guides and a souvenir information pack. Tours depart daily at 9 am and 1 pm and are priced at $165 per adult and $70 per child.
10. Lavendyl Lavender Farm Relaxing Lavender Experience
Be sure to spend some time at the end of your visit relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee at the Lavendyl Lavender Farm where you will find a full café and gift shop on site complete with a beautiful selection of lavender products. Get yourself some essential oils, massage cream, bath products, hair and skin care products and even some lavender honey to take home for friends and family. Lavendyl Farm grows over fifty different varieties of lavender plants on their five-acre Lavender farm just 8 minutes’ drive from Kaikoura, situated on Postman’s Road.
Wander the peaceful aromatic gardens at your leisure any time of the year, if you’re interested, you may be able to see the distilling process if you visit between January and February.
Need the perfect restful accommodation while you’re in Kaikoura? Choose Manakau Lodge for a luxury rural accommodation experience complete with beautiful mountain or ocean views, super comfortable pillow top beds and air-conditioning for your comfort. Book your stay today!