Location: Kaikoura
Top Things to do in Kaikoura
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Kaikoura, South Island
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. The Point Sheep Shearing Show
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Enjoy the atmosphere of an original shearing shed. The show consists of hand feeding our drysdale Ram ??? Ram-Man??? (who is very photogenic) watching a sheep being shorn, the wool being sorted and pressed. This is followed by a general discussion giving information about sheep shearing, sheep breeds and wool types. Hold a shearing hand piece, old blades shears and Ram horns. During spring you can touch, hold and feed a lamb. Time 30 minutes.
Reviewed By alanalajh - Singapore, Singapore
If you have 15-30 minutes to spare in Kaikoura, take a 5 minute drive out to the Kaikoura point (seal colony), and visit the Point Sheep Shearing Show. The show is very informative as Pete explains the history of shearing at his farm, information about the shearing and fleece cleaning process, with 2-3 sheep dogs there to help out. It's a great family event, highly recommended.
4. 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.
5. Maori Leap Cave
6. 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.
7. Kaikoura Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
A new state-of-the-art museum experience showcasing Kaikoura’s diverse natural, cultural and social history. We also have research facilities for historians and those interested in family histories of the district.
Reviewed By Nomes00 - Christchurch, New Zealand
Well worth a visit to see the earthquake exhibition as well as lots of other fascinating Kaikoura treasures. Very reasonably priced at $12/ adult. The lady at the front desk went out of her way to make sure my 3 year old had a great time with an i-spy activity.
8. Kaikoura Coastal Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By PopeysPics - Christchurch, New Zealand
A real gem! The coast is lovely but the best part is the day 2 hike through the hills which affords wonderful views in all directions. Also enjoyed the beach house which has a wood stove in which you can have cozy fires in the evening. Warm, friendly hosts make you feel welcome and provide homemade post-hike snacks and lemonade.
9. Lavendyl Lavender Farm
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 169 reviews
Reviewed By Road57564206255 - Christchurch, New Zealand
I have always struggled to find edible lavender goods, so I was presently surprised to see the impressive range available. The lavender ice creams were all delicious, although the strawberry one was my favourite. There was also lavender short bread and lavender tea. The lady tending the counter was very helpful, she gave me lavender baking tips and told me which lavender products were edible. Sadly i never had time to look at the garden, will be back! :)
10. Fyffe House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By roaming_kiwi58 - Christchurch, New Zealand
A fascinating place to visit if you have any interest in history. We had a warm welcome from the lady at the entrance, who gave us a short introduction and a leaflet with a little info and a map. Then we wandered the property on our own. I found it fascinating that the foundations of this building are constructed of whale bones. You can see them in the front verandah. Well worth a visit to Fyffe House if you are in Kaikoura. By the way, I noted that on the Heritage NZ website it says opening hours are 10 to 4 Thursday to Monday. This is not correct. These are only the May to September hours. From October to April Fyffe House is open every day from 10 to 5pm. The information centre in Kaikoura very quickly supplied the correct opening times via email when I queried. I have had no response from Heritage NZ regarding the opening hours.
