3 minute read
Kaikōura Must-Do's
Swim with Dolphins
Interacting with dolphins while they play in the sea is a delight. Watch from the boat or jump in for a swim, you'll meet these cheerful funsters in their natural habitat.
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Ōhau Point Lookout
Off the main road with plenty of parking, observe a huge seal colony from a safe and non-disruptive place. A walkway overlooks the rocks where lively pups frolic in the pools.
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.
Kaikoura Kayaks
A wonderful way to get close to local wildlife is to hire a kayak or, better still, join a guided kayak tour.
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
Kaikōura crayfish © Adobe Stock
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
Kaikōura coast © Adobe Stock
The Kaikōura Coast Track is a two-day private walk, run by local farming families. Located on Conway Flat, 40km south of Kaikōura.
The Mayfair Theatre
Reopened in November 2020 following a significant rebuild, The Mayfair is a reimagined two screen cinema, exhibition space and artists' hub, painted candy pink and dressed in Art Deco splendour. She's a thing of beauty.
Lavendyl
Learn how lavender is grown and processed. Peruse the gift shop, gardens and tearoom or stay overnight at Dylan's Country Cottages.
Kaikōura Lookout
For views of both bays and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Perfect at sunset.
Donegal House
This lively Irish pub and hotel also has a campground, beer garden and roaring fireplace.
Link Pathway
Coming soon: a path from Kaikōura central to Point Kean. Delivered over a two-year period starting 2021.
Kaikōura Museum
Top collection, housed in the ‘craypot’ building.
Fyffe House
Step inside a genuine former whale hunter house; it’s like the 1844 owners never left.
Bernie’s Diner & Harmon’s Car Museum
Much effort has been put into replicating an authentic 1950s diner, right down to the pleather booths and cream sodas. There's also a classic car museum at the back.
Mt Fyffe Trek
Head 5km out of town to Mt Fyffe. An eight-hour return trek up this relatively under-discovered mountain trail presents unparalleled views across the Kaikōura Ranges.
Quad Biking
Absorb the scenery a mile-a-minute at Glenstrae Farm and jump on a quad bike for a four-wheel, fully guided adventure.
Llama Trekking
Allow comical llamas take you on a coastal walk, stopping often for historical accounts from owner, Kevin. A light picnic is included – llama nostrils will likely sniff out the cake.
Dave’s Diving
Founded in 2021 by a couple of Daves who love to dive! If you’re as intrigued as Dave 1 and 2 about what lies beneath the water in Kaikōura, book a PADI certified dive tour. If you're new to scuba, there are intro diving lessons, too.
Middle Hill Mountain Bike Park
Enjoy a continuously improving network of Intermediate to Advanced downhill mountain bike tracks, created and maintained by your hosts, Morgz and G.
Hāpuku Kitchen
Taking inspiration from the Kaikōura landscape, Fiona and Chris invite guests into their wildly gorgeous home for a 'Forage to Plate' culinary experience. As well as farm-to-table dining, they offer private classes and a Supper Club. If you're a foodie, this is heaven-on-earth.
Emporium Brewing
More than just a brewery, there’s a revamped 18-hole mini-golf course, escape rooms and a resident cat that likes to knock the ball into the holes for you.
Poppy’s Ice Cream
Handmade on site, with 80 flavours on rotation and 10 available to buy. For the savoury lovers amongst us, there’s a full café too.
Mt Lyford
From Kaikōura you're 60km from this uncrowded ski field. Open mid-June to late September, it's particularly good for families with smaller powder hounds, and those new to skiing.
