Kaikōura is a coastal town on the eastern side of the New Zealand’s north island. Known as the Whale Watch Capital of the World, Kaikōura has become famous for its whale and marine mammal watching activities. The area also offers plenty of other things to see and do, including bush walks, seal-watching cruises and fishing excursions.
Some of the best places to visit include the Kaikoura Museum, Kaikoura Seal Colony, Fyffe House, Whale Watch Kaikoura, and Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura.
This article covers the best things to do in Kaikōura if you’re looking for outdoor activities or something more relaxing. Below is an overview of the top activities in this area and how to go about enjoying them
The 20 Most Popular Things To Do In Kaikōura, New Zealand
20. Maori Leap Cave
1.0 (1 review)
Credit: Geof Wilson, License, Flickr
19. Daves’ Diving Kaikoura
5.0 (4 reviews)
Credit: Daves’ Diving Kaikoura, Google Maps
Location: 79 Beach Rd. Kaikoura
Tel: 210-260-2316
Web Address: https://davesdivingkaikoura.com/
18. Hapuku Kitchen
5.0 (6 reviews)
Credit: Hapuku Kitchen, Google Maps
17. Manakau
3.6 (7 reviews)
Credit: Michal Klajban, License, Wikimedia commons
16. Whalers Bay
4.9 (8 reviews)
Credit: Vincent Lammin, License, Flickr
Location: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway Kaikoura Peninsula Kaikoura
15. Kaikoura Peninsula
4.9 (10 reviews)
Credit: Michal Klajban, License, Wikimedia commons
14. Jimmy Armers beach
4.4 (12 reviews)
13. Kaikoura Llama Trekking
4.8 (33 reviews)
Credit: Kaikoura Llama Trekking, Google Maps
Location: 8 Kowhai Ford Rd. Kaikoura Flat Kaikoura
Tel: 3-319-5033
Web Address: http://llamatrekking.co.nz/
12. Mt Fyffe Carpark
4.4 (87 reviews)
Credit: W R Edwards, Google Maps
Location: Kaikoura Flat Kaikoura
Web Address: http://doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/marlborough/places/ka-whata-tu-o-rakihouia-clarence/things-to-do/tracks/mt-fyffe-and-the-seaward-kaikoura-range/
11. Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
4.8 (256 reviews)
Credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway Kaikoura Peninsula Kaikoura
Tel: 3-319-5641
Web Address: https://doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/marlborough/places/kaikoura-area/things-to-do/tracks/kaikoura-peninsula-walkway/
10. Kaikoura Lookout
4.7 (448 reviews)
Credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 274 Scarborough St South Bay Kaikoura
9. Point Kean Viewpoint
4.7 (1,005 reviews)
Credit: Dr. Thomas Liptak, License, Flickr
Location: 40 Fyffe Quay Kaikoura Peninsula Kaikoura
Our Top picks
8. Kaikoura Beach
4.7 (35 reviews)
Credit: Michal Klajban, License, Wikimedia commons
7. Dolphin Encounter
4.8 (56 reviews)
Location: 96 Esplanade Kaikoura
Tel: 21-116-7277
Web Address: http://dolphinencounter.co.nz/
6. Fyffe House
4.3 (170 reviews)
Credit: Karora, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 62 Avoca St Kaikoura
Tel: 3-319-5835
Web Address: http://fyffehouse.co.nz/
5. Kaikoura Seal Colony
4.8 (210 reviews)
Credit: Michael Hurben, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway Kaikoura Peninsula Kaikoura
4. Seal Swim Kaikoura
4.6 (238 reviews)
Credit: Amaury Laporte, License, Flickr
Location: 58 West End Kaikoura
Tel: 3-319-6182
Web Address: http://sealswimkaikoura.co.nz/
3. Kaikoura Museum
4.5 (302 reviews)
Credit: Frank Barnes, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 96 West End Kaikoura
Tel: 3-319-7440
Web Address: http://kaikoura-museum.co.nz/
2. Encounter Kaikoura (Dolphin Encounter)
4.7 (927 reviews)
Credit: Nils van der Burg, License, Flickr
Location: 96 Esplanade Kaikoura
Tel: 3-319-6777
Web Address: http://encounterkaikoura.co.nz/
1. Whale Watch Kaikoura
4.5 (2,026 reviews)
Credit: Mathijs van den, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Whaleway Streetation Rd. Kaikoura
Tel: 3-319-6767
Web Address: http://whalewatch.co.nz/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Kaikōura, New Zealand! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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