Top 7 Sights & Landmarks in Kaikoura, South Island

September 6, 2021 Mollie Coke

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. The Point Sheep Shearing Show

The Point Fyffe Quay, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand +64 3-319 5422 [email protected] http://www.pointsheepshearing.co.nz/
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

The Point Sheep Shearing Show

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.

2. Ohau Point Seal Colony

State Highway 1, Ohau Point, Kaikoura New Zealand
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,217 reviews

Ohau Point Seal Colony

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.

3. Kaikoura Coastal Track

356 Conway Flat Road Ngaroma, Kaikoura New Zealand +64 3-319 2715 http://kaikouratrack.co.nz
Excellent
80%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Kaikoura Coastal Track

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.

4. Kaikoura Lookout

274 Scarborough Street, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Excellent
54%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Kaikoura Lookout

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

5. Lavendyl Lavender Farm

Postmans Road, RD 1, Kaikoura New Zealand +64 3-319 5473 [email protected] http://www.lavenderfarm.co.nz/
Excellent
46%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 169 reviews

Lavendyl Lavender Farm

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! :)

6. Fyffe House

62 Avoca Street, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand +64 3-319 5835
Excellent
43%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 150 reviews

Fyffe House

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.

7. Cushchine Animal FarmYard Park

12 Kowhai Ford Road, Kaikoura 7371 New Zealand +64 3-319 5033 http://www.kaikourafarmpark.co.nz
Excellent
38%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
18%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 32 reviews

Cushchine Animal FarmYard Park

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