Things to do in Kaikōura

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Kaikoura featuring an aircraft and tranquil scenes
Photo provided by Brent Manning
Photo provided by Brent Manning

Kaikoura Attractions

There are opportunities for fun everywhere you look in Kaikoura. From action-packed activities to fascinating tourist attractions, this captivating small city has something for everyone. Ready to begin working on your itinerary?

If you're ready to hit the streets of Kaikoura, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an expert show you some of the most popular sites. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {23 fun activities in Kaikoura fun activities in Kaikoura} are also worth looking into.

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Most popular activities in Kaikōura

Tours & day trips

See all 18 activities
Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $180 per adult
Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from ChristchurchOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 4 activities
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura

Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura

Activity duration is 11 hours and 10 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is $246 per adult
Swim with Dolphins in KaikouraOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 3 activities
Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $180 per adult
Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from ChristchurchOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 3 activities
Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura

Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $81 per adult
Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in KaikouraOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $120 per adult
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure TripOpens in new tab

What to do in Kaikōura

Free Things to Do in Kaikoura

A vacation in Kaikoura need not cost a fortune. You won't have to spend a penny if you check out:

Kaikoura Beach - Devour your favorite magazine or play some tunes while sitting in the sunshine.

Peninsula Walkway - Unwind and let the natural beauty quieten your mind.

Things to Do in Kaikoura with Kids

There's fun for the whole family wherever you wander in Kaikoura. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that are bound to make your break a blast:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Kaikōura? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kaikōura

Peninsula Walkway featuring general coastal views and rugged coastline

Peninsula Walkway

5/5(30 reviews)

Go wildlife spotting as you hike on a coastal route across cliff tops and down to the shoreline. See whales, seals, sea lions and much more.

Peninsula Walkway

Point Kean Seal Colony

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Find out about the history of Kaikōura when you spend time at Point Kean Seal Colony. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Point Kean Seal Colony

Mount Fyffe

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Fyffe and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Kaikōura. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Mount Fyffe

Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park

5/5(2 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park during your stay in Kaikōura. Wander the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park

Kaikoura District Museum

4.5/5(3 reviews)

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Kaikoura District Museum during your trip to Kaikōura. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Kaikoura District Museum

Fyffe House

5/5(1 review)

You can learn about the history of Kaikōura with a visit to Fyffe House. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Fyffe House

Kaikoura Museum

5/5(8 reviews)

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Kaikoura Museum during your travels in Kaikōura. Wander the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Kaikoura Museum

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kaikōura

Small but beautiful town. Tons to do. Sadly my seal encounter got cancelled due to weather, but my dolphin encounter was the best thing I've ever done in my entire life. And I heard the whale watching was also phenomenal. When I get back to NZ

South Bay

While there might not be top attractions in South Bay, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Point Kean Seal Colony and Peninsula Walkway.

South Bay
Default Image

Kaikoura Flat

If you're spending some time in Kaikoura Flat, Mount Fyffe and Kaikoura Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Kaikoura Flat
Peninsula Walkway showing tranquil scenes

Kaikoura Peninsula

While visiting Kaikoura Peninsula, you might make a stop by sights like Point Kean Seal Colony and Peninsula Walkway.

Kaikoura Peninsula
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Kaikōura

Photo by Mel Fekto

Inland Road

Frequently asked questions

Is Kaikōura worth visiting?
Whether you're here to experience the cultural hotspots and local charm or try regional foods and go on outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of things to do in Kaikōura.
How do I spend a day in Kaikōura?
Point Kean Seal Colony and Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park are two great places to start your adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Kaikōura while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kaikōura?
Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Kaikōura and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Kaikōura?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off many city highlights, like Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park, Kaikoura District Museum and Kaikoura Museum. The average stay in Kaikōura is two days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, Kaikoura Flat isn't far away.
Is Kaikōura a walkable city?
With leading attractions like Kaikoura District Museum close by, Kaikōura is very much a place to explore on foot. Like to visit some cool neighborhoods within walking distance of the city center? Kaikoura Peninsula is around 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Kaikōura with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Kaikōura with kids.

What to do in Kaikōura for adults?
Adults of all ages will have plenty of things to do in Kaikōura. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor activities or just enjoy visiting new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Kaikōura?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Kaikōura. If you're looking for inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Peninsula Walkway is a must for anyone planning to save on their sightseeing activities.