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20 Best and Fun Things To Do In Kaikōura, New Zealand


TouristWire Editors

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)

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Credit: Geof Wilson, License, Flickr

19. Daves’ Diving Kaikoura

5.0 ★★★★★ (4 reviews)

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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)

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Credit: Hapuku Kitchen, Google Maps

17. Manakau

3.6 ★★★★☆ (7 reviews)

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Credit: Michal Klajban, License, Wikimedia commons

16. Whalers Bay

4.9 ★★★★★ (8 reviews)

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Credit: Vincent Lammin, License, Flickr

Location: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway Kaikoura Peninsula Kaikoura

15. Kaikoura Peninsula

4.9 ★★★★★ (10 reviews)

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Credit: Michal Klajban, License, Wikimedia commons

14. Jimmy Armers beach

4.4 ★★★★☆ (12 reviews)

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Credit: Sue K, Google Maps

13. Kaikoura Llama Trekking

4.8 ★★★★★ (33 reviews)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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Credit: Bernard Spragg. NZ, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 274 Scarborough St South Bay Kaikoura

9. Point Kean Viewpoint

4.7 ★★★★★ (1,005 reviews)

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Credit: Dr. Thomas Liptak, License, Flickr

Location: 40 Fyffe Quay Kaikoura Peninsula Kaikoura

Our Top picks

8. Kaikoura Beach

4.7 ★★★★★ (35 reviews)

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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)

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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)

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Credit: Michael Hurben, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway Kaikoura Peninsula Kaikoura

4. Seal Swim Kaikoura

4.6 ★★★★★ (238 reviews)

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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)

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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)

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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)

800px-diving sperm whale near kaikoura

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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