Kaikōura translates to 'crayfish' in Māori and is known as the crayfish capital of New Zealand.
It's also known for cycling trails, stunning scenic flights and whale watching. Here are the top 10 things to do in Kaikōura.
Home to these 20 metre long gentle giants, Kaikōura is the place to be to see giant sperm whales so close to shore. Sperm whales can be found along the Kaikōura coast all year round. Other whale species visit throughout the year, giving you a chance to witness the humpback whale migration between the months of June and July. Orcas can also be seen from December to March. See the whales by boat(opens in new window) or from the air by fixed-wing aircraft(opens in new window) or a helicopter flight(opens in new window).
Kaikōura is privileged to be a world-famous marine mammal and wildlife destination. Watch or swim with the acrobatic dusky dolphins on a tour with Dolphin Encounter(opens in new window). Whether it's winter or summer, you have the chance to cruise along the stunning Kaikōura coastline and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of dolphins.
Get up close to New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and other marine life as you paddle around the Kaikōura peninsula with Kaikōura Kayaks(opens in new window) or Seal Kayak Kaikōura(opens in new window). The kayak tours are available all year round and are led by local guides who will ensure you get the most out of your time on the water.
Kaikōura Museum(opens in new window) offers a modern and relaxed environment with a contemporary and fun approach to telling the stories of Kaikōura’s natural, social and cultural journey. Learn more about the history of fishing and whaling and how it helped shape Kaikōura into the town it is today. Discover things that are uniquely Kaikōura such as footage of the Kaikōura Lights (their very own UFO story) and a fully restored cabin from the Taiaroa ship that sank in 1886.
The breathtaking scenery of Kaikōura is best explored on foot with a great variety of coastal walks. Get out and about and enjoy one of the many walks including the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway(opens in new window). This 11.7-kilometre loop-walk crosses the peninsula's clifftop, giving you uninterrupted views of the Seaward Kaikōura Range and the stunning coastline.
Traditionally known for its marine wildlife Kaikōura is also the perfect place to see a range of seabirds. Discover many species of albatross and pelagic birds on an Albatross Encounter(opens in new window) tour. See seabirds including albatross, petrels, shearwaters, gulls, shags and terns.
Kaikōura offers a variety of spectacular mountain bike trails(opens in new window) to explore the varied majestic landscapes from rugged coastlines to mountain ranges. There are tracks for all levels of experience ranging from casual family trails such as the Kowhai River Bike Trail to challenging climb adventures such as taking on Mount Fyffe. The tracks are accessible all year round, but make sure to check the weather conditions beforehand.
Astrotourism, travel devoted to stargazing and astronomy, is booming, thanks to DarkSky International(opens in new window), a non-profit organisation that aims to protect the night skies from light pollution. DarkSky has designated more than 200 areas around the globe to be International Dark Sky Sanctuaries, and Kaikōura is among the latest batch to be officially recognised. Self-guided tours(opens in new window) are available in public areas throughout the sanctuary.
Kaikōura is a mecca for seafood lovers, with lots of fresh delicacies to try. Indulge in one of the delicious local specialties(opens in new window) such as crayfish, groper or cod! Visit the famous Nin's Bin seafood caravan(opens in new window) for freshly caught crayfish or check out Kaikōura Seafood BBQ kiosk(opens in new window) for a warm chowder.
Enjoy spending quality time on a trek with the amazing, intelligent llamas at Kaikōura Llama Trekking(opens in new window). Choose between a taster llama trek, a one hour trek along the Kowhai River and through dense native woodland, or a half-day llama trek, a 3-hour trek as you explore Kaikōura Bay, beach and seal colony with an experienced tour guide.
EcoZip Kaikōura boasts more than 2.2 km of lines descending the foothills of the Kaikōura Ranges. New Zealand’s newest ziplining experience is the latest project from Gavin Oliver, the mastermind behind EcoZip Waiheke, a popular ziplining course on Waiheke Island. With EcoZip Kaikōura, Gavin has let his imagination run wild to create his dream course of five ziplines, beginning with a cross-country drive in a former army truck and followed by a short stroll through native forest to reach the summit.
