Location: Kaikoura
Top Things to do in Kaikoura
The 6 Best Things to Do in Kaikoura, New Zealand
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 based on 841 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By babypoppop - Melbourne, Australia
The walk is worthwhile. Although it’s a 3h return trip, you can take your time along the way because you’ll be distracted by nature, the views and the seals. The paths on the rocks and the steepness on the hills can be a bit challenging for some. If you need to cut your walk short, there are a few paths to loop back towards your starting point.
2. Ohau Point Seal Colony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 960 reviews
Reviewed By locosfc - sydney
Went here for the day with family plenty of parking and wildlife. Please leave the animals alone and allow them the space they deserve
3. Peninsula Seal Colony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
Reviewed By Foxy-Froggy - Epsom, United Kingdom
Interesting & unusual rock formation as you wander out towards the sea, but that’s about it.
Seals were visible on the rocky outcrops further out to sea, but distance made viewing unexciting. We did get close to a dead seal, but looking was not particularly advised ...
Unfortunately with the low cloud cover and poor visibility, the distant Mountains were obscured, which might have lifted our spirits and made this excursion more interesting.
If in the locality, maybe worth doing, but if visit necessitates a detour, give it a miss ...
4. Kaikoura i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
The Kaikoura i-SITE Visitor Information Centre knows all the best things to do, places to stay and ways to get there plus we'll take care of the bookings.
Reviewed By Leighites - Leigh-on Sea, United Kingdom
Lovely (Scottish) lady gave us an overview of whale watching tours and then booked us on our choice - the boat trip. We bought the sea sickness tablets as advised and had a very flat calm sea luckily. Saw fab sperm whale for about 10 mins before we saw his fluke. Marvellous trip. Do come here for advice first.
5. Fyffe House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By HMR2014 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I loved this place - fascinating history, and much of it is relatively recent!
The information attached to the well-presented displays is really interesting and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I was fascinated by some of the uses for whalebone and also the reason for the building being pink!!
6. Lavendyl Lavender Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By Scott P
Visited on a Saturday morning - was able to take a nice walk through the lavender Gardens, but the shop was closed and could not find anyone there and no answer on the phone either.
