Top 10 Activities In Kaikoura
Sightseeing takes on a whole new meaning in Kaikoura, where you can be guaranteed an exciting range of seals, dolphins, whales, shellfish, fish and rare birds right at your fingertips. Experience all of Kaikoura’s incredible marine life close-up while in, on, or above the water, or keep your feet on solid ground and easily find seal colonies basking on the rocks and an abundance of birdlife going about their daily lives. Read on to find out all the great ways to enjoy Kaikoura and its wonderful wildlife.
1. Whale Watching
Number 1 on pretty much everybody’s list when visiting Kaikoura is to get out on the water to see the whales. The deep canyon beneath the surface just off the Kaikoura coastline is what brings these majestic creatures so close to the shore, and it’s the readily available food sources generated from its currents that keep them coming back – and we are so very grateful! Your local guide’s Whale Watch Kaikoura guarantee a 95% success rate, so it is highly likely you will see a whale. But, if by chance you don’t – they offer to refund 80% of the tour price!
What To Expect
Wondering what you’ll get to see in your 2 hours out on the water? It is comforting to know approximately 80% of the world’s whale, and dolphin species migrate past the Kaikoura coastline, which means every day is different! At any given time, there is the possibility of seeing a variety of marine mammals including:
- Giant Sperm Whales
- Blue Whales
- Humpback Whales
- Pilot Whales
- Southern Right Whales
- Orca (Killer whales)
- Common Dolphins
- Bottlenose Dolphins
- Dusky Dolphins
- Hector’s Dolphins
- Elephant Seals
- Leopard Seals
- A wide selection of local birdlife
Best Time For Whale Watching
All times of the year are good for Sperm Whale sightings, as they are present year-round, as are the seals, some dolphin species and a variety of birds. For all other migratory whale species, their presence will depend on the time of year. For most, this is during the cooler months, especially in June, July and August, but sightings are possible from May through to November. The best viewing conditions (calm waters and favourable weather) are in the early morning.
Tour Departure Times
The early morning 7 am sailing is the best time of day if you’re ok with an early start, otherwise, there are usually two other sailings during the day at around 10 am and 12.45 pm. Children under three years are not permitted on whale watching tours.
2. Seal Swimming
While it is easy to enjoy the antics of these fuzzy little marine mammals from various vantage points on land – swimming with the seals takes your seal encounter to a whole new level! Enjoying the curious nature of these agile creatures as they come and go as they please while snorkelling and swimming in the beautiful waters off Kaikoura is a truly unique wildlife experience – one you will remember forever!
What To Expect
Accompanied by guides, you will be able to enter the water for around an hour to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. You will be provided with wet suits and snorkelling equipment. Swimmers can expect to get some degree of interaction at around a 3 metre distance at different times during the hour in the water. Spectators are welcome at discounted prices, so if you aren’t keen to get in the water, you can still tag along.
Best Time For Seal Swimming
This breath-taking nature activity is available from October/November through to April/May, depending on the conditions. Unfortunately, the seal swimming tours are not available during the winter months due to inconsistency in the interactions with seals largely due to cooler waters. It also pays to note that tours are weather dependent and can be cancelled at short notice.
Tour Departure Times
From December through to March tour times operate to suit the tides but as a rough guide;
- 9.00 am
- 11.00 am
- 12.30 pm
- 2.00 pm
For the months of October, November, April and May tour scheduling varies depending on demand, please contact Seal Swim Kaikoura for confirmation of tour times.
3. Crayfish Crayfish Crayfish!
Are you craving some crayfish? Then you’ve come to the right place – Kaikoura is known for the freshest of fresh crayfish and seafood. Straight from the ocean to your plate is the speciality of many of Kaikoura’s local eateries.
What To Expect
Kaikoura is blessed with a good range of places to eat including everything from food trucks and pub style dining to cafes and restaurants. Whether it’s takeaways on the beach, fish and chips in the car, a casual meal, or fine dining, you will find a good range of choices. Here are our top picks for the best places to get your hands on some crayfish in Kaikoura.
- The Pier Hotel Restaurant. Pub style food and ambience situated in weel known historic venue located on Avoca Street.
- Nins Bin. Food truck style dining on the side of the road at Half Moon Bay.
- Karaka Lobster. Food truck style dining on the side of the road at Okiwi Bay.
- Coopers Catch. Food truck style dining located on West End Street, Central Kaikoura.
- Green Dolphin. Restaurant and bar with beautiful views on Avoca Street.
- Zephyr Restaurant. Small yet stylish contemporary restaurant with a good wine list, located on the West End Street, central Kaikoura.
- Koura Bay Lodge’s Restaurant. Fine dining experience located at the Koura Bay Gold Resort on Koura Bay Drive.
Best Time To Eat Crayfish
Anytime! Crayfish are available year-round in Kaikoura, however they are not usually available fresh during the moulting period from March to mid-May (they are not able to be caught for commercial purposes during this time, so they may be substituted for frozen stock or not readily available). Local weather conditions may also affect availability day to day, especially if it is too rough for the boat to go out and check the cray pots.
Opening Hours
All of these great little eateries will have different hours of operation, always check their websites for the most up to date opening hours or give them a call ahead of time. It does pay to note that Kaikoura is a relatively small town, so don’t expect all of these places to be open all of the time. Generally speaking, you will find most food trucks and cafes are open during the day and restaurants during the evening.
4. Swimming With The Dolphins
Swimming with these graceful creatures has often been described as awe-inspiring, out of this world, and life changing! For most people, it is definitely one of those things that count as a once in a lifetime experience. Finding yourself in the dolphin’s natural habitat, watching them frolic, feed and interact with each other is definitely going to be one of your most memorable activities in Kaikoura!
What To Expect
On a dolphin encounter in Kaikoura, you can expect to spot Dusky Dolphins year-round, along with the small possibility of seeing Hector’s Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins and Short-Beaked Common Dolphins, depending on the time of year. There is also a very slight chance of spotting some of the largest known dolphin species – the Orca! You will also be likely to see other marine species such as fur seals, a variety of fish and birdlife.
- Dusky Dolphins
- Common Dolphins
- Bottlenose Dolphins
- Hector’s Dolphins
- Orca
Best Time To Swim With Dolphins
You can see dolphins at any time of the day, however, the best time to swim with them is in the early hours of the morning. This is because it is when they are most active as it is when they feed. Expect to spend about 2.5 hours on the boat and approximately 40 minutes in the water. When swimming with dolphins, it is important to remember they are wild animals, and their behaviour can never be predicted or guaranteed – this means every encounter is different.
Tour Departure Times
Dolphin Encounter Tours offers the following tour times, always check their website for up to date tour departures. Tours are weather dependent.
- 8.30 am during October and November
- 8.30 am and 12.30 pm from mid-November through the summer until April
- 10 am during the winter months May to September
5. Kayaking In Kaikoura
Kayaking in Kaikoura is a fantastic way to experience a wildlife encounter from a different perspective. Kayaks are quieter, more manoeuvrable and able to go places boats can’t. Plus, you have the opportunity to explore at your own pace. Kayaking tours are also the most environmentally friendly tour option in Kaikoura, as there is no impact on the natural environment, no fuel needed and the least disturbance to wildlife.
What To Expect
There are a couple of options for kayaking tours in Kaikoura, including private and combined group tours. Experienced guides accompany all tours, however, there is an option to hire a kayak and set out on your own if you are an experienced kayaker. No previous kayaking experience is needed for the guided tours. Birdlife and marine mammals are a big part of the kayaking experience, you can expect to see a good variety which may include:
- Dusky Dolphins
- Hectors Dolphins
- Fur seals
- Little Blue Penguins
- Gannets
- Albatross
- Petrels
Best Time To Kayak In Kaikoura
Kayak tours operate year-round in Kaikoura, with each season offering slightly different viewing opportunities. Summer and winter paddling are both popular pursuits, however, if you are worried about the cold stick to the summer months. Early morning is the best tour time as this is when kayakers experience the most interaction with marine life and before the prevailing winds set in.
Tour Departure Times
Tours run for 3 – 3.5 hours from sign up to completion. This includes a 45 minute safety briefing, around 2 hours on the water and a short debrief upon returning to base. Tour times do vary, but as a guide here are some of the regular departure times.
- April to September 8.30 am, 12.30 pm and 3:30pm (only during April and May)
- October to March 8.30 am, 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm (Sunset Evening Classic Tour)
6. Surfing The Breaks
One of the South Islands’ best surf spots, Kaikoura has a little something for everyone! The Ocean Fun Reefs just north of the Kaikoura offers fun for beginners, while Mangamaunu, with its fast hollow waves, provides more of a challenge, and Kahutara is a good one for the experts out there. There are several surf schools offering lessons and gear hire in town, so hunt around and you will find you’re all sorted for a day out on the waves!
What To Expect
There are a number of different surf spots along the Kaikoura coast, each with its own unique challenges. Check out the top 7 surfing spots and their details below.
- Mangamaunu. North of Kaikoura Township. Intermediate to expert surfers. Long, right hand point break over boulders.
- Kahutara. South of the Kaikoura Township near the Kahutara Bridge. Confident/advanced surfers only. Heavy, powerful right hand break.
- Meatworks. North of the Township. Intermediate to expert surfers. Consistent break, punchy A-frames, boulder bottom.
- Graveyards. North of Kaikoura Township. Good for learners through to advanced surfers. Easier softer waves with more room to spread out. Good at low tide.
- Gooches Beach. Located down the Esplanade in the Kaikoura Township. Kid-friendly and suitable for learner surfers. Sheltered break over sand, crumbly left and right closeout.
- Okiwi Bay. North of Kaikoura Township, 10 minutes past Mangamaunu. Beginner to intermediate level. Sand and boulder with both right and left handers on offer.
- Oaro Beach. South of Kaikōura. Good for surfers of all levels. Various left and right banks.
Best Time To Go Surfing
Surfing at Kaikoura isn’t without its risks, the coastline is rock heavy, so it can be difficult getting in and out over the rocks, and you’re mostly surfing over boulders which provides its own perils. Most surf beaches in Kaikoura are better surfed on the low to mid-tide. If in doubt, check it out!
Surf Schools And Board Hire
There are two main surf schools in Kaikoura and one surf hire shop:
7. Whale Watch Scenic Flights
Want to experience Kaikoura from a different perspective? Take to the skies with a scenic flight and get unique views of the whales, dolphins and more from above. Scenic flights are able to provide full-length aerial views of the whales and entire pods of dolphins which you simply don’t get when out on the water. And the scenic views of Kaikoura’s mountain ranges and surrounding landscape are a bonus!
What To Expect
When choosing your scenic flight in Kaikoura, there are two options: fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter flights. Both offer a slightly different experience, each with its own pros and cons, whichever option you choose, you are guaranteed epic views! As a rough guide, fixed-wing flights are going to cost you around $200 for 30 minutes of whale watching, and helicopter flights come in at around $300 for the same amount of time. Here are the 4 main whale watching scenic flight operators in Kaikoura.
Best Time For Scenic Flights
Scenic flights in Kaikoura operate year-round and at various times of the day. The best time of day to fly is in the morning as flight conditions are likely to be calmer before the prevailing winds get up, plus the whales and dolphins are most active in the early mornings. However, it is much easier to spot the whales and other wildlife because you are in the air, so really any time of day is good!
Flight Departure Times
Scenic flights and whale watching flights are available throughout the day, please check with your flight providers for specific times. It does pay to be aware that all flights are weather dependent and may not be able to proceed if flight conditions are not favourable.
8. Hiking Or Biking In The Hills
While no one can deny the awe-inspiring beauty of the sea and its inhabitants, Kaikoura is not all about its coastal wildlife. If you turn your head away from the ocean for just a moment, you will notice the majestic mountain ranges that form Kaikoura’s western border. Mount Fyffe in particular, offers avid hikers and mountain bikers some pretty awesome outdoor adventure opportunities.
What To Expect
If Mount Fyffe is your destination, then hiking or biking are your choices. There are a number of tracks available at varying distances and levels of ability, so a bit of research before you go is recommended. Always bear in mind you are entering mountainous terrain, so always make sure you are well equipped with food and warm clothing before you head out.
- Hinau Track, 45 Minutes. This scenic loop track is rated as an easy walk and begins at the Mt Fyffe carpark. The trail is suitable for all ages and passes through native forest and vegetation and includes a small river crossing.
- Mt Fyffe Track, 8 Hours. The full Mt Fyffe track takes around 8 hours return and climbs from the carpark up along the ridge 1602 metres to the top of My Fyffe. For those who manage to complete the climb, spectacular panoramic views of the Kaikoura Peninsula and its surrounds await.
- Fyffe-Palmer Track, 1 Hour 45 Minutes. A slightly more manageable trail that starts out across farmland before heading into the regenerating forest of Fyffe-Palmer Scenic Reserve.
- Mt Fyffe Kowhai-Hapuku Circuit Track, 2-3 Days. The ultimate hiking journey for the more experienced out there, this challenging 2–3 day trip follows the Hapuka River at the tip of Grange Road, through some epic Kaikoura backcountry and across to the Kowhai River before heading back to the Mt Fyffe car park (or vice versa). While rewarding this track is not for the faint-hearted, you will need to be well equipped with the appropriate hiking gear.
Best Time To Hike Mt Fyffe
This is mountainous terrain, so while you may relish the chance to encounter snow, most would likely prefer the warmer months between October and April. Good quality hiking gear is required at all times of the year. Always carry warm clothing with waterproof options and plenty of food.
Departure Times
You can depart on the walks at Mt Fyffe at any time of the day however, if setting out on the 3-day Kowhai-Hapuku Circuit or the Mt Fyffe Track, you will need to set off in the early hours of the morning in order to make it to your destination before darkness sets in.
9. Albatross Sightseeing Cruises
A great one to combine with your dolphin or whale watching experience, an Albatross and rare bird watching cruise is informative and fascinating! See the mighty Albatross up close along with a large variety of seabirds while tour staff happily share their extensive knowledge of the seabirds you encounter. You’ll be surprised at how big these birds really are!
What To Expect
With a maximum of 12 people, these small personalised tours offer the best viewing opportunities to discover a large variety of pelagic birds. Expect to spend around 2 hours out on the water, and bring some warm clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. Some of the birds you might encounter are:
- Albatross
- Shearwaters
- Petrels
- Penguins
- Gannets
- Skuas
- Terns and more!
Best Time For Albatross Watching
Every tour is unique however, morning tours are best as the sea conditions are generally calmer, plus the commercial fisherman are usually out in full swing, which attracts the seabirds. The best times for the greatest diversity of birdlife are during the year are at the change of seasons. So this means late spring, early summer October/November, and during the autumn months of March, April and May. These are the cross-over periods coinciding with the migratory patterns of many of the birds.
Tour Departure Times
Albatross Encounters offer tours from October through to April daily at 9 am and 1 pm. Winter tours are also available at times, contact Albatross Encounters for more information.
10. Stepping Back Into The Past …
Sometimes the best way to understand the present is to take a look at the past. There are two great options for taking a nostalgic glimpse into how Kaikoura was established, the historic Fyffe House and the Kaikoura Museum. Both offer a peek into the harsh lives of Kaikoura’s earliest settlers and their way of life, including artefacts and informative dioramas and audio.
What To Expect
Both of these destinations are great on their own but combine the two, and you’ve got a good rainy day activity in Kaikoura. Stop by the historic Pier Hotel for lunch or dinner for the perfect way to round off your day immersed in the history of Kaikoura.
- Fyffe House
Fyffe House dates back to the 1840s and was the home of Robert Fyfe, a Scotsman working on the whaling boats. Kaikoura’s oldest surviving building, this charming colonial-style structure is all that remains of the Waiopuka Whaling Station established in Kaikoura from 1842 to 1844. Complete with character furniture, quaint attic rooms, artefacts, dioramas, and audio tales, Fyffe House also stands out in its original pink colouring – you can’t miss this one! - Kaikoura Museum
Packed with intriguing artefacts originating from the fishing and whaling industries and its natural history, including the recent Kaikoura Earthquake, the Kaikoura Museum offers great insight into the lives of those who have gone before, including both Maori and European settlers. Explore photographs, relics including a 3-metre long sperm whale jawbone, documents, maps, journals, history books, fishing and whaling artefacts and more!
Best Time To Visit
Explore both of these venues at your own pace during the following operating hours:
- Fyffe House – May through September, Thursday to Monday 10 am – 4 pm
- Kaikoura Museum – Daily 10 am to 4 pm
Entry Prices
Both destinations are offered to the public at very reasonable prices, making them a suitable day out for the whole family.
Fyffe House
- Adults $10.00
- Students $5.00
- Under 18 years are free
Kaikoura Museum
- Adults $12
- Students $10
- Children $6
- Family $30 (2 adults, 2 children)
Need somewhere to stay while in Kaikoura? Rest and relax at the Te Mahura B&B on Schoolhouse Road. This comfortable, well-equipped bed and breakfast style accommodation comes complete with private hot tub and glorious mountain views. Reserve your room today!
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