3 minute read
Kaikōura Must Do's
Swim with Dolphins
Watch from the boat or jump in for a swim to meet these funsters in their natural habitat.
Advertisement
Ōhau Point Lookout
North of Kaikōura on SH 1, with plenty of parking, observe a seal colony from a safe and non-disruptive place.
Kids fishing in Kaikōura © Fiona Farquhar
See Seals
Snorkel in the shallow waters of Kaikōura Peninsula with kekeno or walk to Point Kean Seal Colony to observe them napping on the rocks.
Whale Watching
Giant sperm whales can be seen all year round as well as dolphins, seals, albatross and, depending on the season, other whale species – from the sea or air.
Kayaking
Hire a sit-on-top or sea kayak from Kaikōura Kayaks, then fly solo or join a guided tour and get close to the local wildlife.
Albatross Cruises
Kaikōura puts on an epic bird show. With three-metre wingspans, albatross steal the show while other pelagic birds also swoop in to impress.
Crayfish
Nin’s Bin is the iconic roadside shack serving fresh crayfish; Kaikōura Seafood Barbecue boasts generous servings at wallet-friendly prices and Karaka Lobster is full of seaside positivity, 35km north of Kaikōura.
Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
Tracks around the peninsula range from five minutes to three hours, passing seals, detailed information panels and contemporary Māori sculptures.
Coastal Trek
The Kaikōura Coast Track is a two-day private walk, run by local farming families. Located on Conway Flat, 40km south of Kaikōura.
Kaikōura Coast © DWB
The Mayfair Theatre
She’s pink and you can’t, and shouldn’t, miss her. This fully renovated art deco cinema, exhibition space and artists’ hub is worth a visit.
Surf & SUP
Learn from the pros with a surf and SUP lesson from Kiwi Surf Experience. There are also top-rated, solid peaks out at Mangamaunu and the Meatworks, both north of Kaikōura for experienced surfers.
Donegal House
This lively Irish pub and hotel also has a campground, beer garden and roaring fireplace.
Kaikōura Museum
You’ll find this fun, relaxed, modern museum in the ‘craypot’ building.
© Kaikōura Museum
Fyffe House
Step inside a genuine former whale hunter house; it’s like the 1844 owners never left.
Kaikōura Trail
Starting at the i-SITE, explore some of the places you don’t see from the highway. Cycle 40kms along the coastline, through bush, along country roads and by the Kowhai River.
MORE MUST DO'S
> Bernie’s Diner & Harmon’s Car Museum A 1950s-style diner and classic car museum.
> Mt Fyffe Trek An eighthour return trek, 5km out of town.
> King Tide Eatery Tuck into an array of fish dishes.
> Strawberry Tree Dining, beer garden and live music.
> Dave’s Diving Tours and lessons with a couple of Daves who love to dive!
> Middle Hill Mountain Bike Park A network of intermediate to advanced downhill tracks.
> Hāpuku Kitchen A forage to plate culinary experience.
> Emporium Brewing with mini-golf course and escape rooms.
> Poppy’s Ice Cream Eighty flavours handmade on site.
> Mt Lyford Kaikōura is just 60km from this uncrowded ski field.
Bernie’s Diner, Kaikōura © Kaikōura Tourism
