The 10 Best Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers in Kaikoura, South Island

December 20, 2021 Sheron Bogner

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. Dolphin Encounter

Excellent
91%
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5.0 based on 1,427 reviews

Dolphin Encounter

One of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins in the wild! We operate on the dolphins' terms. Swim with the dolphins in their natural environment or watch their acrobatic displays form the comfort of the boat.

2. Wings Over Whales

Excellent
87%
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8%
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2%
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5.0 based on 603 reviews

Wings Over Whales

Experience Kaikoura's mighty Sperm Whale, playful Dusky Dolphin and majestic scenery from above! Wings Over Whales Kaikoura conduct whale watching flights, scenic mountain tours and private charter. Endorsed by Qualmark New Zealand, our professional and experienced team will ensure you have a safe and comfortable flight. Passengers have their own window seat and our high-winged aircraft will allow you to enjoy unobstructed views of Kaikoura's marine wildlife and spectacular scenery. Wings Over Whales operate two aircraft; a 4-seater Cessna 172 as well as an 8-seater Gippsland Airvan. Wings Over Whales are situated at Kaikoura Airport, an 8km drive south from the town centre. Located in an inviting log cabin terminal, customers can enjoy great facilities with on-site gift shop, cafe and rest room facilities. In typical 30 minute flight you will see the majestic Sperm Whale preparing for his next dive and up to 500 Dusky Dolphins playfully swimming. Occasional sightings include Orca, Humpback,Pilot and the rare Blue Whale.

3. Seal Swim Kaikoura

Excellent
94%
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5%
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5.0 based on 535 reviews

Seal Swim Kaikoura

Swimming with New Zealand fur seals in the shallow bays of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula really is an experience that you don't want to miss. Tours take 2.5 hours and depart several times daily during summer. No experience is necessary and all equipment is supplied. Many travelers site their seal swimming experience as a highlight of there New Zealand holiday. For more information contact us...

4. Fish Kaikoura

Excellent
95%
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5.0 based on 56 reviews

Fish Kaikoura

Fish Kaikoura runs through out the year and caters for smaller groups between 2 & 6 people, providing a more personal touch.We launch from South Bay Marina (Moa Road)so we can have you fishing Blue Cod & other species of fish within minutes of leaving the shore. We will show you how to catch a delicious Crayfish before heading to our bountiful fishing grounds. If you don't catch any fish we will refund you in full!

5. Seamist Fishing Charters

Excellent
98%
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

Seamist Fishing Charters

Seamist Fishing. Catch your own fish at Kaikoura! Seamist Fishing Charters operate Full & Half day fishing charters from Kaikoura located on the East Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. All the gear you need is supplied and any fish you catch will be filleted and bagged for you ready to take home. Trips from 4 - 7 hours, starting from $140 per person.

6. Kaikoura Kayaks

Excellent
91%
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5.0 based on 1,112 reviews

Kaikoura Kayaks

Celebrating over 20 Years of Service! KAIKOURA'S ORIGINAL KAYAK OPERATOR - Est -1998. 100% Seal viewing - meet the locals of the marine kind in a real Sea Kayak with us today. Curious NZ Fur Seals, Blue Penguins and Dusky Dolphins are only a few paddle strokes away and our local Kiwi Guides would love to introduce you to them around the Kaikoura Peninsula. Stay warm and dry in our enclosed stable sea kayaks with all equipment provided including GORE-TEX dry pants in winter, wet shoes for your feet and dry bags for camera's. Our wildlife "Seal Kayaking" tours offer a safe, enjoyable, interactive experience, with little effort and a whole lot of good fun. No experience needed, suitable for all ages and abilities. Families welcome. If you want to tick off a real Kayaking experience from your bucket list with the help of our qualified Guides amongst a multitude of marine life in New Zealand, come paddling with us! (: The only Kaikoura kayak operator permitted to view dolhpins.

7. Kaikoura Fishing Tours

Excellent
91%
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5.0 based on 121 reviews

Kaikoura Fishing Tours

Kaikoura Fishing Tours! Crayfishing and Fishing ,Come And Experience The Fun Of Fishing While Taking In The Breath Taking Views Of The Kaikoura Seaward Mountains. And If You Are Lucky You Can Catch A Glimpse Of The Mighty Humpback Whale Or The Playful Dusky Dolphins,book Today You Will Not Be Disappointed. Crayfishing and Fishing take home what you catch or take to the restaurant and they will prepare for you ,all catch is filleted if requested The vessel is the biggest fastest charter vessel in kaikoura and most stable . all gear and training is supplied ,catch your own dinner ,

8. Air Kaikoura Aero Club

Excellent
91%
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5.0 based on 342 reviews

Air Kaikoura Aero Club

Amazing Whale Flights / Spectacular Scenic Flights / Charter Flights / Pilot a Plane & Flight Training Experiences Air Kaikoura is Kaikoura's longest running aerial operator. We have been operating scenic flights and flight training for 30 years. Our spectacular whale flights give you the chance to see the mighty sperm whale, plus dusky dolphins, whilst taking in some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer. We have an excellent success rate and we’re really honest about your chances each day. Have you ever wanted to fly? We also offer pilot training beginning with a 25 minute trial flight, where you get hands on experience in our 2 seater aircraft, ZK-TUG, alongside a qualified flight instructor. You can even complete a full Private or Commercial Pilot Licence with us. With three commercial aircraft, private charter day trips to Nelson, Golden Bay, Mt Cook, Wellington are all possible too. We're a non profit community organisation - thank you for your support!

9. Seal Kayak Kaikoura

Excellent
96%
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5.0 based on 328 reviews

Seal Kayak Kaikoura

Seal Kayak Kaikoura is the first kayak tour of its sort in New Zealand, which allows you to either pedal or paddle. Its easy! 100% success rate of viewing NZ Fur Seals. There is also a lot of other marine life to view - the Blue penguin, Albatross and plenty more. Enjoy the fun and friendly fur seals playing around and under your hands-free Pedal Kayak. Take photos/selfies with ease. Families welcome, small group

10. South Pacific Helicopters

Excellent
95%
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5.0 based on 137 reviews

South Pacific Helicopters

South Pacific Helicopters is New Zealand's premier whale watching excursion and the only locally owned and operated helicopter company in Kaikoura. Offering unparalleled whale watching experiences. Soar above it all, explore nature with us, and have an unforgettable one-of-a-kind unique adventure in New Zealand. South Pacific Whale Watch offer a quality experience orbiting the resident sperm whales and the playful dusky dolphins and curious New Zealand fur seals. Not only can we show you the whales, but within minutes we can also have you landing high in the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges that tower straight out of the Pacific Ocean, for amazing views of the local area. South Pacific Helicopters, also provides services such as charter and scenic flights, mountain biking, rafting, hunting, photography, engagement, skiing and snowboarding in season, wedding, special occasions, plus commercial work specialising in precision lifting. And - 100% No Sea Sickness!

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