Best Things to Do in Kaikōura

Kaikōura is one of those places where the mountains meet the sea and every moment feels alive with possibility. Whether you’re out on the ocean, strolling rugged coastlines or tasting the region’s famous kai moana, this small coastal town offers big adventures. In this guide to the Best Things to Do in Kaikōura, we’ve gathered five unforgettable experiences that show off the true magic of this destination.

1. Whale Watching – The Iconic Experience

Whale watching is the star attraction and easily one of the Best Things to Do in Kaikōura. Few places on earth let you witness such a powerful meeting of ocean life. Out on the water, the Pacific swells roll beneath the boat as giant sperm whales break the surface, their misty spouts rising into the sky. Sometimes, pods of playful dolphins race alongside, while seabirds circle overhead in a graceful dance. Every trip feels like you’ve stepped into a living wildlife documentary, except here, you’re right in the middle of it.

✨ Highlights:

• Spot sperm whales year-round plus humpbacks in migration season
• Learn from expert local guides with fascinating marine knowledge
• Chance to see orcas, blue whales and soaring albatross
• A unique mix of thrill and connection with the sea

👉 🐋 Book a Whale Watching Tour

2. Swim with Dolphins – A Close Encounter

Few experiences can match the excitement of diving into the open ocean alongside dusky dolphins. This is one of the Best Things to Do in Kaikōura if you want to feel a true connection with marine life. As soon as you slip into the cool Pacific waters, the dolphins appear out of the deep, sleek and fast, circling with effortless grace. Their natural curiosity draws them closer, weaving around swimmers, leaping high into the air and twirling through the waves. Every encounter feels spontaneous and magical, leaving your heart racing long after you’ve climbed back onto the boat.

✨ Highlights:

• Swim safely with wild dolphins in their natural habitat
• Watch them leap, twirl and circle swimmers with joy
• Stay dry with a dolphin-watching cruise if you prefer
• A truly unforgettable encounter with nature

👉 🐬 Swim with Dolphins in Kaikōura

3. Seal Colony Walks – Wild and Free

Not every wildlife adventure in Kaikōura needs a boat. The rugged coastline itself is alive with New Zealand fur seals, often lounging just a short stroll from town. Watching them bask on sun-warmed rocks, shuffle awkwardly along the shore, or slip gracefully into the surf is one of the most accessible and rewarding experiences here. Seal colony walks are among the Best Things to Do in Kaikōura that won’t cost you a cent, yet they deliver a real sense of being part of this wild coastal world.

✨ Highlights:

• Visit Point Kean or the Peninsula Walkway for close encounters
• Watch seals basking on rocks or splashing in tidal pools
• A great family-friendly activity with easy walking
• A chance to slow down and enjoy the wild coastline

👉 🦭 Explore Seal Colony Walks

4. Hiking and Scenic Walks – Peninsula Walkway & Mount Fyffe

Kaikōura isn’t just about the ocean – the surrounding landscapes offer some of the most spectacular walking options in Aotearoa. Hiking here is high on the list of the Best Things to Do in Kaikōura, with trails that lead you across rugged clifftops, past fur seal colonies and into the heart of the mountains. The Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway is a favourite, combining dramatic sea views with a rich sense of history and wildlife encounters along the way. For those chasing a bigger challenge, Mount Fyffe rewards every step with panoramic views stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the snow-dusted Kaikōura Ranges.

✨ Highlights:

• Peninsula Walkway offers clifftop views and seal spotting
• A gentle track, perfect for all fitness levels
• Mount Fyffe hike rewards with panoramic mountain-to-sea views
• Clear days deliver some of the best vistas in New Zealand

👉 🥾 Walk the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

5. Fresh Seafood Feasts – Crayfish and Pāua

Kaikōura’s name literally means “meal of crayfish,” and no visit is complete without sampling the town’s signature dish. Enjoying local kai moana is one of the tastiest and most authentic ways to tick off the Best Things to Do in Kaikōura. In our full Kaikōura blog we talk a lot about Nin’s Bin, the famous blue caravan on the side of the road that has been serving fresh crayfish for decades. It’s a classic stop that captures the true flavour of the region. Beyond crayfish, you’ll also find pāua fritters, blue cod and whitebait in season – the kind of food best enjoyed with the ocean as your backdrop.

✨ Highlights:

• Feast on fresh crayfish from roadside caravans or restaurants
• Try local favourites like pāua fritters, blue cod and whitebait
• Options range from casual food stalls to fine dining
• Seafood with a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean

👉 🐟 Taste Kaikōura’s Famous Seafood

Final Thoughts

While marine encounters, walks, and seafood define much of the Kaikōura experience, the town itself has plenty more to offer. Wander through the local galleries and artisan shops, where you’ll find handcrafted jewellery, artwork, and gifts inspired by the sea. The Kaikōura Museum is another gem, with interactive displays that bring to life the region’s rich Māori history, whaling past, and stories of resilience following the 2016 earthquake. When the day winds down, grab a drink at a cosy café, or simply sit on the foreshore and watch the sunset light up the Seaward Kaikōura Range. These quieter moments remind you that Kaikōura is not just about adventure, but also about slowing down and soaking in its unique spirit.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.