Kaikoura

Things to do in Kaikoura

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Top 10 attractions in Kaikoura

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Whale Watch Kaikoura
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in New Zealand

Whale Watch Kaikoura

9.4
4.6/5
205 reviews
Get up close and personal with the world's largest toothed predator - the giant sperm whale - for a thrilling experience. If you're lucky, you'll have the chance to see rare dusky dolphins, Hector's dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and other animals during the voyage. Visitors will take a professional Cruise deep into the Pacific Ocean to get up close and personal with large marine mammals such as humpback whales and killer whales, and experience the grandeur and mystery of marine life. The Cruise is equipped with professional Guide to provide visitors with detailed introductions to the habits and ecological environment of marine life, and enhance their awareness of marine protection. In addition, the Cruise also provides a comfortable viewing platform and rest area to ensure that every visitor can enjoy an unforgettable sea trip.Kaikoura · 547m from downtown
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Kaikoura

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

6.4
4.8/5
52 reviews
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a loop trail that extends along the peninsula's coastline. Completing the full route takes about three hours, though you can also choose to walk just a section depending on your time and energy levels. This route is distinguished by its "mountains and sea in one frame" scenery, with reefs and waves on one side and mountains on the other. In winter, the peaks are snow-capped, and you can often capture the snow-capped mountains and the sea in a single view. Numerous information boards are set up along the route, detailing the peninsula's geological formation, Māori history, and early whaling past. The trail is divided into multiple sections, allowing visitors to choose different routes based on their time and energy levels.The trail circles the entire peninsula, offering opportunities to enjoy magnificent sea views and abundant wildlife. Along the way, visitors can spot seals, seabirds, and the occasional dolphin, experiencing a close encounter with nature.Kaikoura · 3.8km from downtown
Encounter Kaikoura (Dolphin Encounter)

Encounter Kaikoura (Dolphin Encounter)

3.5
4.3/5
8 reviews
Encounter Kaikoura is located in Kaikoura on New Zealand's South Island, a marine-focused attraction specializing in wildlife viewing, renowned for its interactive dolphin encounters that offer visitors a chance to get up close with these intelligent and playful marine creatures. The waters of Kaikoura serve as a habitat for diverse marine life, with rich biodiversity making it an ideal destination for ocean enthusiasts. Visitors can choose between boat tours or swimming experiences to frolic with pods of dolphins. Knowledgeable guides share insights about dolphin behavior and marine ecosystems throughout the journey, making the experience both educational and memorable. Beyond dolphins, visitors may also spot other marine creatures like seabirds and seals, further enhancing the wildlife viewing experience.Kaikoura · 938m from downtown
Lavendyl - Kaikoura Lavender Farm

Lavendyl - Kaikoura Lavender Farm

3.5
5.0/5
17 reviews
Strolling along the paths in the garden, bursts of floral fragrance come to the nose, mixed with the smell of more than 50 kinds of lavender plants. Accommodation is also available on the farm, and the country house consists of two unique mountain wooden farmhouse style holiday cottages. Of course, there is also a lavender product store on the manor. Many products are made from lavender harvested in the garden, including lavender-flavored ice cream, candles, soap, etc. If you like it here, you might as well live here.Kaikoura · 6km from downtown
Fyffe House

Fyffe House

2.4
4.5/5
12 reviews
Kaikoura · 2.7km from downtown
Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)

7.3
4.8/5
58 reviews
The Avon River is a river that runs through the whole city of Christchurch, and along the Avon River, immerse yourself in a peaceful rafting trip. The boatman supports the punt with a long pole designed for small rivers and shallow waters that will take you across the water. The boatman, usually dressed in traditional Edwardian clothing, will explain the history of Christchurch and the sights you will pass by. On the way of rafting, you can also enjoy the weeping willows on both sides of the river, as well as the wild animals that randomly appear in the botanical garden.New Zealand · Christchurch
Christchurch Gondola
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Christchurch

Christchurch Gondola

7.1
4.6/5
84 reviews
The Christchurch Aerial Tramway is erected on Mount Cavendish, about 10 kilometers southeast of the city. The cableway spans 862 meters and is very stable and comfortable. From the foothills where the flocks play, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the top of the mountain, which is about 500 meters above sea level. Approaching the crater, take the cable car to the top of the mountain, only 1 km away from the edge of the crater. Port Hills is an extinct volcano with a collapsed crater that erupted six million years ago and guards the sparkling harbour of Lyttelton. Standing on the observation deck, looking west, the Southern Alps seem to be in sight through the pure air; in the east, the endless sea is connected to the sky.New Zealand · Christchurch
Wellington Cable Car
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Wellington

Wellington Cable Car

7
4.4/5
60 reviews
Come to Wellington and enjoy stunning views of the city and harbour from the cable car. The monorail cable car route is 610 meters long. The cable car departs from the city every 10 minutes. It traverses the highway at a slow and leisurely rhythm that has not changed for a century. The terminal is the Wellington Botanical Garden. A hundred years ago, this cable car was responsible for the transportation connection between the city and the residential area on the mountain. It is still loved by Wellingtonians and has become an eternal urban memory here. Take the cable car to the top of the mountain, lean on the observation deck and look down, and you will have a panoramic view of Wellington. There is a cable car museum next to the lookout, telling the legendary life of this monorail.New Zealand · Wellington
Shamarra Alpacas
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Wainui

Shamarra Alpacas

6.9
4.6/5
108 reviews
Shamara Alpaca Ranch is located in Akaroa, Banks Peninsula, about 80 kilometers from Christchurch. Take an alpaca ranch tour, you can have the opportunity to pet the alpacas, direct the alpacas into the sheep pen, and get up close and personal with the lovely alpacas. Also, the view from the ranch overlooking the beautiful Akaroa harbour is gorgeous. Drinks and home-baked biscuits are served in the ranch's barn, and the Alpaca Shop also sells a dazzling array of New Zealand-made alpaca handwovens.New Zealand · Wainui
Akaroa Dolphins
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Akaroa

Akaroa Dolphins

6.3
4.6/5
12 reviews
Akaroa Dolphins is a highly popular local tour activity. Note: For the convenience of guests jumping into the water to swim with dolphins, the swim-with-dolphins product uses a small boat, while the dolphin-watching-only product uses a larger boat. These are not the same vessel, please be advised.New Zealand · Akaroa

Experiences you can't miss in Kaikoura

Featured Outdoor experiences in Kaikoura

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Kaikoura seal colony kayaking 3 hr [Kaikoura kayaking experience to observe seals]
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FromVND 2,300,000
Kaikoura seal colony kayaking 3 hr [Kaikoura kayaking tour]
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FromVND 2,800,000
Kaikoura: Guided Family Kayaking Adventure
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Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromVND 2,267,923VND 2,387,288
Kaikoura: Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour
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5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromVND 2,267,923VND 2,387,288
Kaikoura: Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour
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Duration: 45 mins
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromVND 5,429,079VND 5,714,820

Featured Day tours in Kaikoura

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Kaikōura: Kayak Sunset Tour with Seal Sightings
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4.9/5
· 21 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
21 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromVND 1,993,040VND 2,097,937
Kaikoura: Whale Watching Cruise
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4.8/5
· 659 reviews
Duration: 3.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
95.3% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromVND 2,392,745VND 2,518,679

Free things to do in Kaikoura

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What travellers say about Kaikoura

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cup***ei6 October 2026
5.0
We chose the whale-watching boat at 1:15 PM and were very lucky today, seeing three humpback whales, as well as dolphins, seals, and more. Highly recommended.

Whale Watch Kaikoura

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Ringfile12 July 2026
5.0
The peninsula trails are beautiful. They're only a ten-minute drive from where you've finished whale watching. One trail runs up the mountain, offering panoramic views of the bay; the other is along the beach, leading to Seal Point where you can get up close to groups of baby seals. If you have time, you should definitely explore both; they offer completely different scenery.

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

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铨上风满楼7 December 2024
4.0
Located in Kaikoura, it is a good place to watch dolphins. It is suitable for coming here to enjoy the taste of the sea... The dolphins will swim with the yacht. It is a good place to take pictures and suitable for friends of all ages.

Encounter Kaikoura (Dolphin Encounter)

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sarahll14 August 2022
5.0
The farm is very beautiful, with lavender in full bloom, and the shop run by the old grandfather has a variety of lavender products.

Lavendyl - Kaikoura Lavender Farm

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lytqinming28 November 2020
5.0
[View] Nice [Entertainment] Interesting [Value] Decent

Fyffe House

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Thinh03047 October 2026
5.0
My friends and I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Punting On The Avon at the Antigua Boat Sheds, and it was an absolutely excellent outing from start to finish. We were looking for a relaxing group activity, and this completely exceeded our expectations. The scenery and natural environment along the river are stunningly beautiful, making it a perfectly tranquil escape that contributed to a fantastic atmosphere.  Our overall enjoyment was top-tier; gliding along the water while taking in the picturesque sights was both peaceful and incredibly fun to share with friends. Everything was incredibly well-organized, and we all felt that the exceptional service provided outstanding value for money. If you are traveling with a group of friends and looking for a highly rated, memorable experience on the water, we cannot recommend this enough!

Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)

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Flora_Gu12 August 2025
5.0
Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island, nestled between mountains and the sea, offers panoramic views of the city and coastline from the cable car. We followed the directions a friend had sent us and arrived near the summit. A short climb up brought us to the cable car station. There's an observation deck and a cafe on the second floor. This way, we only had to buy a one-way ticket down the mountain, which was significantly cheaper. A Chinese staff member at the ticket office told us about a "Time Tunnel" car showcasing the history of Canterbury, New Zealand. If you take the No. 8 bus to the base of the mountain, you can take the cable car up and then back down—perhaps a classic way to enjoy the experience.

Christchurch Gondola

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Sobel Phang29 October 2024
5.0
The Wellington Cable Car is a charming and efficient way to experience the city from a unique vantage point. The ride takes you from Lambton Quay to the Kelburn lookout, offering panoramic views of Wellington and its stunning harbor.The journey is smooth and relatively quick, making it a convenient option for both tourists and locals. At the top, you can explore the beautiful botanical gardens, visit the Cable Car Museum, and enjoy several walking trails.

Wellington Cable Car

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_M1***4916 February 2026
5.0
When we arrived, it was raining. We were asked if we wanted the activity moved indoors due to the weather, and we were offered a refund or a reschedule. We didn't reschedule. Although the activity was indoors, the alpacas were just as cute, our mood was just as good, and the activity was just as wonderful. Thank you for the cookies; they were delicious.

Shamarra Alpacas

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thewazztraveller12 August 2025
5.0
Highly recommended to visitors who are arriving in Christchurch looking for a unique adventure! Though a 1.5hrs drive away - the journey out at sea is worth your time. Was fortunate enough to spot 4 dolphins and the Captain also brought us near enough to the rocky edges to catch a glimpse of the seals up close! Oh and also special shout out our friendly Dolphin Dog Albie on board for being the sweetest fur baby :)

Akaroa Dolphins

Popular cities near Kaikoura

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Kaikoura?

Don't miss these attractions in Kaikoura: Whale Watch Kaikoura, Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, and Encounter Kaikoura (Dolphin Encounter). If you like Food & drink, try Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour. If you enjoy Spa & wellness, try Hanmer Springs: Thermal Pools Single or Return Entry Ticket.

You can give Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour and Full Day Winemakers Tour in Marlborough a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-day whale watching tour in Kaikoura, New Zealand [round-trip from Christchurch + small group of 16 + whale watching included], Kaikoura Kayaking Adventure Experience in New Zealand's South Island [Optional Sunset | Multiple Packages Available], and Kaikoura Kayaking Adventure on New Zealand's South Island [Optional Family Whale Watching/Sunset | Multiple Packages]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 17 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Kaikoura is around VND 1,993,040 – VND 6,346,154. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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