Location: Kaikoura
Top Things to do in Kaikoura
Top 7 Sights & Landmarks 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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! :)
6. 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.
