Kaikoura
Where is Kaikoura?
Located two hours north of Christchurch and famous for the plethora of marine life that resides in the waters here, Kaikoura is the most northern district in the Canterbury region of New Zealand.
Don’t Miss
- An easy walk along the Kaikoura Walkway
- A chance to see a majestic sperm whale in its natural habitat
- Seeing the seal pups at Ohau waterfalls
- An encounter with wild dolphins
Explore Kaikoura
Whales, Dolphins, Albatross, Penguins and fur seals make the area popular with wildlife enthusiasts and there are plenty of Whale Watching tours and Dolphin Encounters that will take you out on the water to see the spectacular sea life close up.
Learn more about the history of the town in Kaikoura Museum or visit one of the numerous galleries to peruse the pottery and jewellery of local artisans and find some souvenirs to take home.
The Kaikoura region is a dream for keen walkers, with plenty of excellent tracks and trails to explore. The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway takes you across the Peninsulas cliff top with some great views out over the coastlines and is one of our favourites.
Kaikoura actually means ‘Meal of Crayfish’ so you must make sure you pay a visit to one of the iconic roadside stalls to sample some of the area’s most famous seafood speciality. Straight out the sea, you’ll never taste seafood as fresh as this!
Insider Tips
Insider TipsLee, one of Whale Watch Kaikoura’s team, advises that the best time of the day to book is on the morning tours as the sea conditions are generally calmer, with any inclement weather tending to arrive in the afternoon. She also advises taking motion sickness tablets prior to the tour to help alleviate the risk of sea sickness.
Hand picked accommodation
Kaikoura Experiences
Planning a Holiday to New Zealand?
Speak to a New Zealand specialist and start planning your holiday
We specialise in planning tailor-made itineraries focused on your personal interests. Want to have a chat? Our team are always on standby ready to answer your questions. Talk to someone now by calling +44 (0) 1636 813 544.