Your guide to Kaikoura, New Zealand’s whale-watching town

Whether you approach Kaikoura from the north, passing the snow-capped Kaikoura ranges, or from the south, through winding mountain roads, the landscape hints at what the surrounding underwater seascape might look like. This popular whale-watching town in the Canterbury region of Te Waipounamu (New Zealand’s South Island) spreads out over a patch of flat land beside the ocean. Just off the shore, the sheer drop of the Kaikoura Canyon — which reaches depths of over 1,200 metres in places — is partly responsible for the town’s status as a whale-watching hotspot. 

The deep waters provide a rich habitat for numerous marine animals. Sperm and humpback whales, as well as dusky and Hector’s dolphins, are among the magnificent creatures seen here regularly. But it’s the more humble crayfish which gives the town its name: kai means food in the local te reo Māori language, and koura means crayfish. Of course, seafood dining and wildlife spotting are just some of the exciting activities you can enjoy in this coastal town, less than a three-hour drive north of Christchurch.  

What to see and do in Kaikoura: unmissable activities

Whale watching 

No visit to Kaikoura would be complete without a whale- or dolphin-watching excursion. Whale Watch Kaikoura  runs near-daily cruises offshore, with a good chance of spotting sperm whales, humpback whales, and southern right whales, depending on the season. Partial refunds are provided if you don’t see a whale, but many cruises are cancelled if whale-tracking flights don’t detect much activity or if sea conditions are too rough. An alternative is to take a whale-watching flight with Wings Over Whales . While more costly than a cruise, it guarantees a smooth ride – with no chance of sea sickness.  

Kayaking 

If you’d like to get active while wildlife spotting, take to the water using your own paddle power. Official kayaking tours are a safe way to explore the Kaikoura Peninsula, home to an established and often very busy seal colony. You might also catch glimpses of little blue penguins and various dolphin species. For the experienced, kayaks can also be rented for independent exploration.

Hiking 

Kaikoura’s stunning coastline is the stuff of hiking dreams. The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway  is a must-do, and can be as long or as short as you like, with trail options ranging from 200 metres to almost 12 kilometres. The whole walk takes about three hours and follows the cliffs of the peninsula, revealing sweeping views of the ocean, mountains, and seal-dotted beaches below.

What to see and do in Kaikoura

Llama trekking 

Families and animal-lovers are bound to get a kick out of hiking with a llama in tow. Llama Trekking  offers one-hour and half-day guided hikes to various places around Kaikoura, pairing each hiker with their own personal llama companion. No, the animals aren’t native Cantabrians – but they’ve become beloved residents. 

Post-trek, drop into the Lavendyl Kaikoura Lavender Farm  to stroll through the gardens and breathe in the therapeutic scent of lavender, or sit down to tea with a lavender-infused snack. On hot days, lavender ice creams and sorbets are especially refreshing.

Pro hiking 

The Kaikoura Coast Track  is a great option for keen hikers. This is more than your average New Zealand amble. The two-day walk crosses private land, so bookings are required. In contrast to the almost-too-popular Great Walks administered by the Department of Conservation, numbers on the track are capped at 10 hikers per day, so it’s never crowded. Plus, your luggage is transported to upscale backpacker-style accommodation and meals are available.

What to eat – and where

Kai koura, meaning “eat crayfish”, is both an invitation and an instruction: there are many places to sample the sweet, salty crayfish in and around Kaikoura, and doing so is as much a cultural experience as a culinary one. A grilled half or full shell doesn’t come cheap, but it’s the freshest crayfish you’ll ever eat. Karaka Lobster  and Nins Bin  are local institutions, both beside State Highway 1 north of town, but there are also numerous seafood stalls scattered throughout Kaikoura. Mussels, seasonal whitebait fritters, and local fish — usually served with a scoop of chips and a lemon wedge — round out most menus. 

Where to stay in Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a popular place so there’s no shortage of standard accommodation, but for something a bit more special, try one of the following:

Te Mahuru Retreat  is a gorgeous upscale B&B with mountain views, hot tubs, and excellent stargazing on a clear night. The retreat works with the Kaikoura Dark Sky Trust to optimise the stargazing conditions from the property.

Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses , located on a deer-breeding farm north of Kaikoura, offers luxury accommodation and packages that include three-course dinners and full breakfasts. The retreat’s five elevated treehouses are simultaneously playful and sophisticated.   

Wacky Stays  will especially appeal to families, offering quirky accommodation options like a teepee, a Mongolian yurt, a house truck, a colonial wagon, a train carriage and more. 

Getting around

Unless you’re on a guided tour with transport, you’ll need your own vehicle to explore Kaikoura properly. There are no local buses within the small town, although you can rent bicycles  or take taxis. The Coastal Pacific  scenic train offers a stress-free way of reaching Kaikoura, running between Christchurch and Picton, with stops in Kaikoura and Blenheim. As you approach the town, watch the flat Canterbury plains or the Marlborough vineyards give way to the dramatic rise of the Kaikoura ranges.