Always wanted to see a whale or swim with dolphins? Then Kaikoura is where you want to be! Affectionately known as New Zealand’s marine wildlife capital, Kaikoura is situated roughly halfway between Christchurch and Picton, making it an easy addition to your South Island road trip.
Check out the magnificent wildlife from the air by scenic flight, on the water by boat or kayak, or from in the water by swimming with these amazing sea creatures - the choice is yours! Read on to find out everything you need to know about Kaikoura, how to get there, where to stay and what to eat!
4 Quick Facts About Kaikoura
Kaikoura is the perfect holiday destination for anyone with an interest in marine wildlife and a passion for water-based pursuits. This little gem of the South Island is well-known for its deep offshore canyon, which creates well-populated waters very close to the shore. These waters are home to whales, dolphins, fur seals, and many aquatic birds, including the mighty albatross.
1. What Does Kaikoura Mean?
The word ‘Kaikōura’ stems from the Maori language combining the Maori words “kai” - meaning food, and “kōura” - meaning crayfish. Therefore the term ‘Kaikoura’ is roughly translated as “to eat crayfish” - which isn’t surprising at all since it is home to the best crayfish in New Zealand!
2. What Is The Best Time To Visit Kaikoura
Whale watching and dolphin swimming are at the top of many peoples’ lists when visiting Kaikoura, so it is wise to time your visit with these activities in mind. On that note, the resident Sperm Whales are found in Kaikoura waters year-round, while the migratory patterns of other types of whales determine what time of year they may be present, so do call ahead to check if this is important. That said, most wildlife activities in Kaikoura are available year-round so it is possible just to try your luck on the day!
3. What Types Of Whales Can You See In Kaikoura?
The abundance of food generated from currents formed by the offshore Kaikoura Canyon means plenty of sea creatures, especially whales, are visible in Kaikoura’s waters. Expect to see Giant Sperm whales present all year round, and at certain times of the year, you can also see Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Pilot Whales, and Southern Right Whales.
4. What Is The Kaikoura Canyon?
The deep waters of Kaikoura are due to the natural underwater land formation known as the Kaikoura Canyon. This very deep canyon is just 800 metres off the Kaikoura coast and is part of what’s known as the “Kermadec Trench system”. The Kaikoura Canyon reaches depths of around 3 kilometres in places, it is these impressive depths and mixture of warm and cold currents that provide the perfect ingredients for an abundance of food for many different species of marine life and has created this unique ecosystem very close to the shoreline.
Getting To Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a relatively small town located on the South Island’s East Coast, on the main highway roughly halfway between Picton and Christchurch. From Picton, it is an easy 2 hour drive, and from Christchurch, approximately 2.5 hours. The closest international airport is Christchurch, and the closest domestic airport with regularly scheduled flights is located at Blenheim (1.5hrs drive away). However, you can fly in to Kaikoura via private chartered flights if you wish.
For most travellers hiring a rental car or campervan is the best way to get around Kaikoura and beyond. A self-drive car/campervan gives you the flexibility to travel as you please, detouring to all the fun stuff that general bus routes and tour companies pass by due to time constraints.
If driving yourself is not an option, there are regular daily public bus services between Picton and Christchurch. Book your seat with InterCity bus services, one way tickets cost between $25 and $45. Another option is to jump on and off the Coastal Pacific scenic train service. Check out the Kaikoura train fares here.
Driving Distances By Car
Picton to Kaikoura 2 hours (156 km)
Christchurch to Kaikoura 2.5 hours (180 km)
Blenheim to Kaikoura 1.5 hours (130 km)
Nelson to Kaikoura 3.5 hours (250 km)
Accommodation In Kaikoura
When visiting anywhere new, one of the biggest decisions to make is where to stay. You want somewhere comfortable, clean and well suited to your needs. Sometimes finding the right place can be a bit of a stab in the dark - so we have put together this handy guide to the top five places to stay in Kaikoura with something for all budgets.
Best Luxury Accommodation - Manakau Lodge
For a more high-end accommodation experience, you will want to book in at the Manakau Lodge on Parsons Road. Nestled in the foothills of the Kaikoura mountain ranges yet just 15 minutes from the central township, the peaceful surroundings and rural outlook really set this place above the rest. Manakau Lodge provides mountain view or ocean view rooms complete with everything you could possibly need during your stay, including fine linens, fluffy pillows and air conditioning!
Best Budget Option - Dolphin Lodge Hostel
This centrally located hostel-style accommodation provides shared facilities and rooms with dormitory bunk-type bedding arrangements as well as private rooms. It’s cheap and clean and great for young or solo travellers on a budget.
Mid-Range Motel - Bella Vista Motel
Just 5 minutes walk from the central township, the Bella Vista provides everything you would expect from a typical NZ motel set up, including free WiFi, onsite parking and tea and coffee making facilities, toaster and a basic kitchen. The Bella Vista is part of a nationwide chain of motels with consistently good service and standards.
Best Boutique Hotel - Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
Situated 10 minute’s walk from the main township, the Kaikoura Boutique Hotel is housed in a historic building originating from the 1880s. Its old-world charm accentuated by period furniture and fittings provides a comfortable yet intimate setting for a special occasion and restful stay.
Best Camping Site - Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park
Perfect for families and large groups or those travelling in campervans, the Top 10 Holiday Park in Kaikoura offers a mix of motel-style accommodations and campsites for tents, caravans and campervans. There are BBQ facilities, a swimming pool and the convenience of nearby shops and restaurants.
Where To Eat In Kaikoura
While Kaikoura is known for its crayfish and fresh seafood, there is a great mix of restaurants and cafes serving all kinds of food for all tastes and budgets. Check out our top 5 places to eat in Kaikoura below.
The Pier Hotel. Ambience, atmosphere, great views, and good old kiwi-style food is what you get at the Pier Hotel on Avoca Street. This grand old Hotel dates back to 1885 and still retains some of its old-fashioned charm. Expect to find a brief menu complete with the basics such as soup, salad, steak, pork and all the usual seafood favourites.
Kaikoura Seafood BBQ Kiosk. A popular food-truck-style eatery located at the waterfront down towards the tip of the Kaikoura Peninsula on Fyffe Quay. The Seafood BBQ Kiosk offers a selection of seafood, including crayfish, garlic scallops, paua fritters, whitebait fritters, grilled fish, mussels, salmon and more! Be prepared to snack on the side of the road with this one or take your feast down to the beach. Open 10 am to 3 pm most days - check their Facebook page for up-to-date info.
Zephyr Restaurant. Feel like somewhere a little bit special? Then head on over to Zephyr Restaurant (make sure you book in advance) and choose from perfectly cooked rib eye steak, confit duck, pan-roasted venison, and other delicious delights. Zephyr covers all the bases with excellent service, beautiful locally sourced food and great wine.
Bernie’s Diner. An excellent American-style dining option for families and groups. Bernie’s offers the traditional lunchtime favourites such as burgers, fries, and shakes but it’s their big breakfasts that set them apart! Fuel up for the day at Bernie’s and you’ll be all set to enjoy a full day of Kaikoura’s wonderful wildlife encounters! Bernie’s is open from 7.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Black Rabbit Pizza. For the best pizza in town, head on over to Black Rabbit Pizza on Beach Road. These guys will put together the best gourmet handmade pizza in town with dine-in, takeaway and delivery options. Don’t worry if you don’t feel like pizza – they do pasta dishes and burgers too! You will find the Black Rabbit is open from 11 am until late 7 days a week.
4 Best Things To Do In Kaikoura
Looking for the absolute must-do activities when visiting Kaikoura? Then you’ve come to the right place! Kaikoura’s best 4 highlights are:
Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of the top reasons why people visit Kaikoura. It is an activity that is available year-round and one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities not to be missed. Giant Sperm whales are present most of the time, and there is the possibility of seeing Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales at various times of the year.
There are two main ways to see the whales, including by boat and by air. You will find a number of whale-watching cruises available in Kaikoura along with scenic flight options, including fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter flights.
Swimming With Dolphins And Seals
The second most popular activity in Kaikoura is the opportunity to get in the water with some of the resident dolphins and seals. These inquisitive creatures provide instant entertainment when in the water with you, frolicking about and enjoying the experience almost as much as you do!
Expect to see Dusky Dolphins any time of the year and the possibility of Hector’s dolphins and Common dolphins during the summer months. You may also see some of the region’s stunning seabirds, such as the mighty albatross, petrels, penguins, shags and more along the way.
Walking The Kaikoura Peninsula
For those not keen to enter the water taking a walk around the Kaikoura Peninsula offers the opportunity to see seal colonies and birdlife while keeping your feet on dry land. Stunning views and an abundance of wildlife are a certainty, along with a few historical sights of interest and some crisp sea air!
Allow about three hours for the full loop walk at a total of around 12 kilometres. Start off at the Kaikoura town centre and continue on to the Point Kean car park and around or just walk to the point and turn around and head back the way you came – the choice is yours.
Investigating The Earthquakes
Many people who visit Kaikoura are interested in learning about the recent Kaikoura earthquakes and the resulting ground movements. The best way to fully grasp the effects of the 2016 quakes is to head on over to the Kaikoura Museum. Here you will find a range of displays and information in the long-term “New Normal” exhibition, including photographs of the coastal land rise, cracks that opened up in nearby farmland, personal accounts from community members and much more!
The Kaikoura Museum is located on the ground floor of the quirky “craypot” council building on Kaikoura’s West End Street, opposite the iSite Visitor Information Centre. Opening hours are 10 am to 4 pm daily, there is a $12 entry fee for adults and $6 for children.
Need more ideas for things to do in Kaikoura? Take a look at our post on the top 10 activities in Kaikoura for more things to do when visiting Kaikoura.