Kaikōura is a town on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It is located on State Highway 1, 180 km north of Christchurch. The town has an estimated permanent resident population of 2,350.
Discover the best tours and activities around Kaikoura, New Zealand and book your travel experience today with our booking partners
16 pictures of Kaikoura from Tim Marshall, Blake Lisk, Pablo Heimplatz and other travelers
Travel to Kaikoura if you like:
🏖️ Shore 🏖️ Beach 🤿 Underwater ️🏜️ BadlandsNew Zealand is a wild country where the fauna and flora are still very well preserved. And in this country composed of two islands, the small town of Kaikoura is not left out. Located in the north of the South Island, 180 km from the city of Christchurch, Kaikoura is one of those small towns which seem to be without interest, but which nevertheless harbors a treasure. Indeed, as a former whaling port, Kaikoura is the best place in the country to observe marine mammals. On this peninsula at the end of the world, sea lions, dolphins, whales and orcas can be observed in large numbers. Already on foot, following the Peninsula Walkway for about 3 hours, you will have the pleasant surprise to meet a colony of sea lions basking on the beach. You can also meet them about 20 minutes north of the city, when some of them come up the river to play in the Ohau Waterfall. But if you come to Kaikoura, it is above all for the whale watching. The Whale Watch company, the only one in the region, offers whale watching tours. Well known by the locals, the whales of Kaikoura live year round in these coastal waters and each one has a name. In this region, you can also meet dolphins with the Dolphin Encounter company, and maybe have the chance to swim with them. Finally, the Kaikoura region, located between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, also offers exceptional landscapes that would be a shame to ignore. The ascent of Mount Fyffe requires 7 hours of walking, but this popular hike to admire the whole peninsula and the peaks of Kaikoura is well worth the effort.
Discover the best hotels around Kaikoura, New Zealand and book your stay today with our booking partner booking.com
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
Discover more travel spots to explore around Kaikoura
🏖️ Shore spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🤿 Underwater spots ⛰️ Highland spots 🏄 Surfing spots ️🏜️ Badlands spots 🏞️ Watercourse spots 🏖️ Coast spots ⛰️ Mountain range spots 🌊 Ocean spots