15 Kaikoura Activities from Wildlife to Star Gazing

Kaikōura is a truly unique corner of New Zealand defined by its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. While we know many people who chose the best Kaikoura activities for a day trip, we opted to spend a few nights.

Nestled on the east coast of the South Island, this small town offers a unique blend of natural beauty and intriguing marine life. From the rugged coastline surrounding Kaikoura to the towering peaks in the backdrop, every view seems like a picturesque postcard.

A fan of marine life, I am pleased that we have seen sperm whales, dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and even albatross.

In general, Jeff and I adore the place, as long as we overlook the commercial side, excessive tourist focus, and high prices.

Map of our favourite Kaikoura activities

The suggested stops in this article are featured on the map in red.

Kaikoura wildlife

The wildlife in Kaikoura isn’t just abundant; it’s enchanting.

The rich marine environment here, bolstered by the deep underwater Kaikoura Canyon and nutrient-rich currents, creates an ideal habitat for a diverse range of marine life, and we took every opportunity we could to see them in their natural environment.

We have heard that Kaikoura offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the world, and we believe it really is that good.

Whales in Kaikoura

Kaikoura is synonymous with whale watching, especially for the majestic sperm whales that reside here year-round. These giants of the deep are the largest of the toothed whales and are drawn to the area by the squid and deep-sea fish thriving in the nearby underwater canyons.

But it’s much more than that. If you have seen the movie Whale Rider, you know that whales hold historical significance to the Māori people, as it was a whale that led Paikea here.

Sometimes, sperm whales come right into the harbour, but people usually need to go out on a whale-watching boat tour to see them. There are also orcas (spring and summer) and humpback whales (winter, spring, and autumn).

How to go whale watching in Kaikoura

Seeing whales in Kaikoura tops many people’s things to do list. If that’s you, we recommend you don’t count on seeing them in the harbour but instead book a tour as they often sell out days in advance, especially in peak season.

While we can’t predict wild animals, the company we recommend has a guarantee offering an 80% refund if you don’t spot a whale. Reserve your whale-watching adventure in Kaikoura here.

Dolphins in Kaikoura

Hands down, the Dolphin Encounter is my favourite of the Kaikoura activities.

We have seen dolphins before, but never like this. Dusky dolphins are often considered one of the most acrobatic species of dolphins. It sounds cliche, but seeing hundreds of dusky dolphins leaping through the water took my breath away.

And if watching them isn’t enough for you, Dolphin Encounters offers the opportunity to get into the water and swim with them. Everything you need, including thick wetsuits with hoods, is provided.

There is a maximum of 16 swimmers per boat, and our boat had an additional eight watchers on board. It is up to the dolphins whether or not they engage with the swimmers, but the crew also offered tips to help attract them (like singing).

Interestingly, almost everyone felt they had made the right choice for themselves.

Swimmers said it was amazing to be that close but noted it was tiring, and they couldn’t enjoy the above-the-water acrobatics. Those of us watching were captivated.

If I only had time to do one thing in Kaikoura, this would be it. And if I was trying to do it a day trip from Christchurch, this is the tour I would choose.

Seals in Kaikoura

The rocky shores around Kaikoura are home to large colonies of New Zealand fur seals. These beautiful creatures hold a special place in my heart. Years ago, when I lived in the States, I volunteered at a marine mammal rescue centre that dealt mostly with orphaned and injured seals and sea lions.

There are two spots we like to go to see these fur seals, both free.

• Point Kean Seal Colony
  Accessible from the Peninsula Walkway, this is an easy spot for up-close encounters (keep at least 10 metres away from these animals). The area is teeming with New Zealand fur seals lounging on the rocks or frolicking in the water. We could easily spend hours here, just watching them.
• Ohau Point Seal Colony
  Further north of Kaikoura, the Ohau Point Seal Colony is another fantastic spot for wildlife enthusiasts. We stopped here on our way into town. Unfortunately for my photos, it was raining, but the seals didn’t mind. We even saw a few seal pups. We have been told that during winter months, there are plenty of pups playing at a nearby waterfall.

While you can see fur seals from the land, kayaking tours are also fun. For a super cool option, try out the highly-rated, hands-free kayaks, where you use your feet to pedal. This gives you access to your camera when you need it. (Waterproof camera recommended). Reserve your seal kayaking adventure in Kaikoura here.

Other Kaikoura wildlife

Kaikoura is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Seabirds include five species of albatross, petrels, and shearwaters. Watching these birds glide over the water, skillfully catching winds sweeping off the cliff faces, is impressive.

While we haven’t seen them, we have been told that other native birds include the cheeky kea, and in summer and autumn, there are also possibilities for blue penguin sightings.

Other Kaikoura activities

There is more than just the impressive Kaikoura wildlife.

Peninsula walkway

We love a good walk, and the stunning panoramic coastal views of the 3-hour Peninsula Walkway make it one of our favourites. It’s a perfect blend of physical activity, nature, and occasional wildlife viewing, and it’s one way to get to Point Kean Seal Colony. See the Department of Conservation guide here.

Kaikoura lookout

While they say the best views of Kaikoura and its surroundings are seen from the Kaikoura Water Tower Lookout, off Scarborough Street on Kaikoura Lookout Road, we were more impressed by the walkway. But if you want to see the city, not just the coast, this is the spot.

Go on a kayak adventure

Kayaking gives you a different perspective of Kaikoura’s stunning coastline, and while we mentioned seal kayaking above, there are plenty of other options for paddling through the clear waters. We didn’t opt to kayak as we felt the weather was too cold. Find the best kayak adventures for you here.

Stargaze in the Kaikōura International Dark Sky Sanctuary

The night sky is one of the best reasons to spend the night rather than making a day trip. Kaikoura is home to New Zealand’s newest dark sky reserve, officially designated by DarkSky International on 12 September 2024.

There are already tours you can take, but for us, we go to one of many designated viewing spots in the city. You can see them all for free here, along with many stargazing tips.

Kaikoura Museum

The Kaikoura Museum offers a deep dive into the region’s history and cultural heritage. The museum is compact but packed with information and exhibits that are both enlightening and engaging. There is an entry fee.

Lavendyl Lavender Farm

Just north of Kaikoura, Lavendyl Lavender Farm is a fragrant and picturesque spot that is still on our list for our next visit. They have a variety of lavender growing, reducing the seasonality, meaning there is always some to see and smell. There is an entry fee.

Fyffe House

Fyffe House is the oldest building in the area and a testament to Kaikoura’s whaling history. Much of the house has been preserved as it was in the 19th century. While the house itself was interesting, it was the whale bones supporting the house that intrigued me. There are a few areas where they are exposed so we can see them. There is an entry fee.

Tips for visiting Kaikoura

• Bring a jacket and plan to wear layers. I had to buy one in the middle of summer as it was only 12ºC overnight and freezing out on the water. Later that day, it was hot and sunny.
• Booking your tours in advance can save you from the disappointment of sold-out slots, especially during peak seasons.
• Allow time for stops on the way into town (or out) to visit Ohau Seal Colony, Nin’s Bin for crayfish, or the lavender farm.

Where to stay in Kaikoura

We like a bit of luxury when we travel, so we chose the 5-star White Morph Heritage Collection. It provided us with the cozy comfort of a boutique lodge, impressive ocean views, easy walking access to most places, and excellent service. For this trip, it was a perfect choice. Book your stay at The White Morph here.

Our second choice was the 5-star Hapuku Lodge Tree Houses. Still, we opted for walking distance to eateries and sites rather than these 5-star luxurious suites perched among the treetops offering spectacular views of the mountains and ocean. Book your stay at Hapuku Lodge Tree Houses here.

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What are your favourite things to do in Kaikoura?