Location: Kaikoura
Top Things to do in Kaikoura
Countries
7 Free Things to do in Kaikoura That You Shouldn't Miss
In the Maori language, Kaikoura means "meal of crayfish," a nod to the New Zealand township's seafood-rich origins. Remnants of those early days can be found at Fyffe House, the oldest surviving building, and Kaikoura Museum. Today, the South Island settlement provides an ideal base camp for observing the abundant offshore wildlife (sperm whales, dusky dolphins, orcas and fur seals) and dining on fresh local catch. Numerous galleries showcase the knitting, pottery and jewelry of area artisans.
Restaurants in Kaikoura
1. Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,143 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By GreeceHelena - Whanganui, New Zealand
I set out this morning to walk the loop, Kaikoura to the Peninsula Walkway. Quite a steep climb up to the Point Kean Lookout, then the track levels off as you continue along the cliff tops with panoramic views of ocean, rocky coastline and twisted limestone. What I didn't see were seals and not a great deal of sea birds. Thankfully, yesterday I watched masses of seals and their pups playing at Ohau Point. I carried on past Whalers Bay to South Bay, returning via Tom's Track... a most enjoyable 13km walk.
2. Kaikoura i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
We are the official Kaikoura i-SITE Visitor Information Centre and your local experts in our region which is the number one choice for visitors. This Qualmark endorsed centre is part of New Zealand's official Visitor Information Network (i-SITE) and the only official government approved information and booking centre in Kaikoura. We are also the only visitor centre not owned or affiliated with any tourism operator thus remain unbiased about the best products to suit our visitors. We are your ‘one stop shop’ for travel advice and bookings for Kaikoura tours, activities and accommodation. As an official i-SITE, we also specialise in travel arrangements for all New Zealand destinations. Better still, our service to you is FREE
Reviewed By Rosemary73 - Ashburton, New Zealand
We called into the centre to see what additional information might be available for the area on biking tracks. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We always visit these centres as usually they have the current un to date information. A fairly good selection in the gift shop as well.
3. Ohau Point Seal Colony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,217 reviews
Reviewed By kiwigreenman
Fantastic view of literally hundreds of seals and pups playing in water pools, sunbathing on rocks so close to viewing area -great parking, all free.
4. Peninsula Seal Colony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
Reviewed By Jeff1903 - King's Lynn, United Kingdom
Although the guide books suggest that you can see seals close to the car park, we had to walk across the wave cut platform and around the next bay to find a large colony. Here there were a number of seals lazing on the rocks unconcerned by the visitors taking pictures. Some seabirds were also attracting attention. It is around 20-30 minutes from the car park across uneven rocks and then a pebble path. Not too difficult, but you need to watch where you put your feet. Is it worth it? On a fine day with good views and the promise of seals, most definitely yes.
5. Kaikoura Cheese
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By KeithFromNZ - Urenui, New Zealand
Can recommend this nondescript little shop alongside the post shop in the main street - kaikoura cheese factory. Ash dusted goat Tenara, and, in our case, a 9-month aged smooth and tasty Te Morehu. Well worth looking for. Don’t expect to pay supermarket prices but a taste experience to remember. Excellent when Accompanied by crackers and a crisp, cold Yealand’s Sauvignon (fortunately there is a supermarket on the northern outskirts of town with wine, a vast range of crackers and water biscuits).
6. Kaikoura Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By maureenf611
We walked up to the Lookout from the Esplanade which was a bit of a climb up Tom's Track to Scarborough Tce then climbed up to the Lookout and back down Dempseys Track - great 360deg views from the top and a leisurely 1 hour round trip
7. Southern Paua Shop & Factory
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 13 reviews
