Unique & Iconic Things to Do in Kaikoura You Can’t Miss

There are many fun and unique things to do in Kaikoura. It’s one of our favourite places in New Zealand’s South Island. From whale watching to eating crayfish by the sea, these are not just local highlights; they are some of the most iconic New Zealand experiences you’ll find anywhere.

Expect your visit to include stunning sea views, delicious seafood, outdoor adventures, and birdlife, seal, dolphin, and whale watching… sometimes all on the same day!

To top it off, Kaikoura is just a 2.5-hour drive from Christchurch and one of the most scenic road trips in the Canterbury region and the South Island. The route takes you past rolling farmland, through the Waipara wine area, and along a stunning coastline where mountains meet the sea.

We visit the pretty little coastal town at least once a year, and it is a place you really shouldn’t miss. Here are 7 unique and iconic things to do in Kaikoura, New Zealand.

*New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide is reader-supported. This post may contain sponsored content and affiliate links (meaning we may get a small commission if you purchase through our links.) You won’t pay any more if you use these links, and it helps support the site. We Thank You.

Dolphin & Whale Watching in Kaikoura

Kaikoura is best known for its marine life and the unique chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.

Seeing whales and dolphins up close is one of Kaikoura’s most iconic experiences. Tours run year-round, with several options to choose from.

In addition to whale watching, marine adventures in the region include other wildlife cruises, such as dolphin tours, albatross spotting trips, kayaking among seals, and scuba diving where you may end up swimming with dolphins, seals and sharks.

For those who want to do something extraordinary (if you have the budget for it), hop on a whale-watching flight. These scenic adventures take place in small planes that fly above the whales, offering breathtaking birds-eye views of their magnificence and epic views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean.

New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide Tip: We adored our whale-watching trip and were excited to see a whale, but note that sightings are not guaranteed, and the whales may be quite a distance away.

If the weather is rough, you might get seasick, as the boat heads far beyond the sheltered harbour to reach the whales.

Surprisingly, we enjoyed our dolphin experience more than our whale watching experience! It was a shorter cruise within the calm harbour and we saw over 50 dolphins leaping playfully through the water.

A whale & dolphin watching experience is a must-do! Check out our top picks from Get Your Guide online booking platform.

Epic Views and Seals at Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

There are some cool walking tracks in Kaikoura, but our favourite is the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.

One of the most iconic landmarks in the region, the clifftop walk offers stunning views of the coast and the surrounding mountains. You will see tidal platforms, towering cliffs, and bird colonies.

It is an easy 3.5km walk (from Point Kean car park to South Bay car park) that takes approximately 1 hour one way and is suitable for all fitness levels.

From South Bay, there are options for additional walks and alternative routes back to the town, or you can return the same way.

For variety, at Whalers Bay, you can take steps down to the shoreline and return via the track along this route. However, be aware that you may be clambering along rocks on this route, and DOC does not recommend it for safety reasons. In this case, you can take the detour down and then back up the hill.

Besides the spectacular ocean views, you can see seals on the lower part of the walkway along with seabird nesting colonies. If you’re wondering where to see seals in Kaikoura, this is the best spot to get up close to them.

However, please be respectful of the seals and keep a minimum distance of 20 metres if possible. Learn more about safe and responsible seal viewing here.

Ohau Point Seal Colony Kaikoura

Another popular spot for seal watching in Kaikoura is the iconic Ohau Point Seal Colony, home to a large colony of New Zealand fur seals.

Visitors can view the seals along with their pups from a viewing platform.

The loop walk is on a well-maintained path and is one of the best things to do in Kaikoura with kids. It’s easier to see seals here than on the Peninsula Walkway, where you’ll need to walk further along the rocky shoreline and clamber over rocks to reach the best viewing spots.

The best times to see the fur seal pups are from April to August.

Read Next: If you are seeking the best short trips from Christchurch, we have compiled a list of the top weekend getaways in the South Island.

Eat Seafood & Other Delicious Kiwi Delights

Kaikoura is famous for its seafood, and there are plenty of excellent seafood restaurants to choose from.

Some of the best places to eat in Kaikoura include The Whaler, which offers delicious seafood dishes and stunning ocean views; The Craypot, known for its focus on seafood and crayfish; and Green Dolphin, which provides a variety of seafood and vegetarian options.

However, we personally think the best food in Kaikoura is at the seafood carts along the beach serving crayfish and other kiwi delicacies, such as shellfish.

Kaikoura Seafood BBQ is along the coast as you head towards Point Kean, on Fyffe Quay. Offering a unique dining experience, the kiosk is right on the roadside overlooking the beach. They BBQ everything from crayfish to scallops, mussels, fish, and whitebait fritters. The dining experience is one of the coolest things to do in Kaikoura.

Another favourite is Nins Bin, located about 20 minutes north of the town along State Highway 1. This iconic roadside caravan has been serving up freshly caught crayfish for decades.

Besides seafood, other unique food options include Middlehurst Station Farm Store, a cafe/store famous for its lamb and mint pies, quality sausages, and butcher-fresh cuts; Poppy’s Parlour (open seasonally), where you can get handmade ice cream and desserts; and The Pier Hotel Restaurant, offering beautifully plated food with the most stunning sea views.  

Take a Hike

For those who prefer walking over indulging (or a bit of both, like we do!), several hiking trails in the area offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Our favourite is the Peninsula Walkway, which we’ve listed earlier in this post, but besides that, we also love some of the short forest walks in the area.

A top pick is Puhi Puhi Reserve Walk, an easy 20-minute loop through lush, ancient coastal forest, and one of the many free things to do in Kaikoura. It’s a fantastic spot for a picnic, and just 22 minutes north of the town.

For the more serious hikers, there’s the challenging 2-day walk on the Kaikoura Coast Track or the 1-day Mount Fyffe Track. Both walks offer stunning coastal and mountain scenery. The Coast Track winds along rugged cliffs and beaches while the Mount Fyffe Track is a mountain climb through forest and tussock offering panoramic views over Kaikoura and the Pacific Ocean from the summit.

Walk Along the Esplanade at Kaikoura Beach

You don’t need to go far to enjoy spectacular views. A walk along the Kaikoura waterfront offers opportunities to observe birds and marine life while admiring the iconic sea and mountain views.

Starting from the i-SITE Visitor Information Centre in the town centre, walk 30 minutes south along the Esplanade, passing Kaikoura Beach and Gooches Beach and ending at The Pier Hotel.

Additionally, you can walk a further 5 minutes along Avoca St to visit the oldest building in Kaikoura, Fyffe House.

If you prefer to relax rather than walk, you can spend a few hours catching some sun and chilling out on the rocky shingle beach.

Read Next: If you love beaches as much as we do, make sure to check out our list of The Top South Island Beaches.

Watch the Sunset

We love our walks and marine adventures, but we equally love watching the sunset, especially when surrounded by majestic mountains and the sea.

We’ve seen some of the most spectacular sunsets in New Zealand while in the area.

Best spots to watch a Kaikoura sunset:

The Pier Hotel – What better way to enjoy a sunset than with a drink or a meal!

Point Kean Viewpoint – From the Point Kean car park, take a 5-minute walk up the hill to the viewpoint for stunning ocean panoramas.

Kaikoura Lookout – You can walk to this do-not-miss viewpoint, or you can drive there in 4 minutes from the town centre. The stunning panoramas include the mountains, ocean, and township. There is a table and seats for a picnic too!

Best Places to Stay

If you really want to experience all these top things to do in Kaikoura, why not stay awhile? There are some excellent places to stay in Kaikoura, some of which are right on the waterfront. We visit the town once or twice a year, and always stay at our favourite spots.

Getting to Kaikoura

Kaikoura is located approximately 2.5 hours north of Christchurch, making it an easy day trip or a weekend getaway.

The town is accessible by car, bus, and train.

If you’re driving, the scenic coastal route is highly recommended, offering numerous photo opportunities along the way.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Christchurch or other major towns around the South Island.

Additionally, there is a train from Picton or Christchurch, which offers stunning views of the coastal scenery. The Coastal Pacific Train trip is one of the best things to do in Kaikoura. The train travels along the coast and through the mountains, offering incredibly stunning views.

How Many Days Do You Need in Kaikoura?

Look, if you want to rush around and see as much as possible on the South Island, you could go on a dolphin trip, see the Ohau Point seals, do some of the Peninsula Walk, eat a seafood meal, and see the sunset all in one day (if you get up early and have your own transport).

However, if you want more time to experience some of the hikes in Kaikoura, indulge in delicious seafood, spend a few hours in a coffee shop, and soak up the relaxed small coastal town vibe, then consider staying two to three nights in waterfront accommodation. You will love it!

Besides that, there are some excellent surf breaks and cycle trails, so you may want to spend even longer.

Is Kaikoura Worth Visiting?

Kaikoura is a charming coastal town that offers excellent accommodation options with gorgeous sea views. There are great places to eat, including seafood you likely won’t get anywhere else.

To top it off, activities in Kaikoura are some of New Zealand’s most iconic and unique experiences, from watching playful dolphins and seals up close to walking rugged coastal paths that few places can match.

Sharing is caring!