What to do and see in Kaikoura, South Island: The Best Things to do for Honeymoon

January 20, 2022 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. Dolphin Encounter

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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

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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

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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. Kaikoura Kayaks

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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.

5. Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

40 Fyffe Quay West End, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand +64 3-319 5641 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/eacea5aaee1c4ece9b2b91c3df282d15.aspx
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5.0 based on 1,143 reviews

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

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.

6. Kaikoura Llama Trekking

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5.0 based on 244 reviews

Kaikoura Llama Trekking

Animal lovers enjoy spending time with our majestic Llama. They are fascinating animals to spend time with. Wonderfully intelligent, but with a shrewd cleverness. We offer two lengths of trek: 1 hour or half-day: HALF-DAY TREK (most popular) - Kaikoura Bay beach walk - spectacular snow-topped mountain views throughout, free entry to Fyffe House Museum, visit seal colony, free drink and cake, small groups, your own llama, dedicated tour guide. ONE-HOUR TASTER TREK (if short of time) - to the nearest river with abundant wildlife and preserved native woodland. Small groups, your own llama, and dedicated tour guide.

7. Whale Watch Kaikoura

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4.5 based on 2,689 reviews

Whale Watch Kaikoura

"THE ULTIMATE MARINE EXPERIENCE" Whale Watch® is New Zealand's only marine-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale all year round. A 95% success rate means a guaranteed 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. The Giant Sperm Whales share these waters with up to 14 other different species of whales and dolphins that migrate past at different times of the year. At times you may also see NZ Fur Seals, rare & endangered Hector’s Dolphins & a wide variety of marine birds including the wandering albatross. Designed for whale watching, the company operates a fleet of modern catamarans equipped with engines that minimise underwater noise &toilets that never pollute the sea. The main passenger cabin is enclosed and large outside decks offer great viewing and photo opportunities. Spacious air-conditioned interiors are fitted with comfortable seating while large plasma screens display award-winning marine wildlife animations.

8. Ohau Point Seal Colony

State Highway 1, Ohau Point, Kaikoura New Zealand
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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.

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