Chances are that if you’re planning to visit New Zealand’s South Island (and you absolutely should, because why else are you going?), you’re going to drive through Kaikōura on your way to Christchurch from Picton (where the interisland ferry stops). It’s a beautiful small town that’s a starting point for your most incredible adventures. It’s not as frequented, and it’s the perfect place for a long walk. Take a deep breath, and soak in the sun. Check out my top things to do in Kaikōura:
Walk Along The Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
When I mentioned going for a long walk earlier, this is the spot. You can walk as short or as long as you want, taking anywhere from five minutes up to three hours straight through (around 11 kilometers in length), and it’s an easy walk (but maybe not the most accessible). How much time you spend here is really up to you (and probably dependent on the rest of your itinerary). Because of its proximity to the ocean, the area is highly exposed to coastal winds, so remember to bring a lightweight, windproof, waterproof jacket. Unfortunately, there’s no dog access here, but there is easy access from the town center, and you’ll get stunning clifftop and ocean views, plus the chance to see marine wildlife up close.
Who knows? You may even…
See The Seals
Along the Peninsula Walkway, you’ll be able to see the seal colonies! The seals were active when we were there, but many of them were napping and sunbathing. If you’re a photographer, you’ll get some great shots. You can also sometimes see seals at Half Moon Bay. Don’t forget: most of the standard, common-sense rules apply here. Please don’t feed them, don’t disturb them or provoke them, and definitely don’t get too close.
Visit The Kaikōura Museum
For a deeper dive into Kaikōura’s rich culture and history, explore the Kaikōura Museum, located in the “Craypot” building on the town’s West End and open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. You can check out their vast collections and online archives, and they regularly host events and special exhibitions. It’s a good way to spend an afternoon, particularly if you encounter stormy weather.
Go Ziplining
It’s no secret that New Zealand is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) adventure capitals in the entire world. So if you’re an adrenaline junkie or just seeking some thrills, this is the best place to do it. When you’re not bungee jumping in Queenstown, there are plenty of opportunities to go ziplining! In Kaikōura, you can book your own adventure with EcoZip Adventures. It’s the South Island’s newest ziplining tour and takes about 3.5 hours, and you’ll get even better views of the surrounding ocean and mountains. Tickets for adults are $199 NZD, but family passes are $527 NZD (which are valid for two adults and two children aged 15 & under, OR one adult and three children). If you happen to be traveling in a large group of 10 people or more, there are discounted tickets available.
Visit Lavendyl Farm
A short 7-kilometer drive north from the town center is Lavendyl, Kaikōura Lavender Farm. It was empty when we arrived (we went in the afternoon, when it wasn’t in peak lavender-blooming season). It’s a beautiful farm that stretches across 2.5 hectares of land, and they even have a cute black-and-white dog that follows you around. Frolic through the lavender fields and surrounding gardens, see the animals, and visit the tea and gift shop. You can also pick up lavender-themed souvenirs, like soap, for loved ones back home. If you come around lunch or teatime, you book a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens, but this must be booked at least 24 hours in advance (I can’t speak to how vegetarian or vegan-friendly this is).
Take Photos at the Lookout Point
Just south of town is the Kaikōura Lookout, located on Scarborough Street on a hill atop the Kaikōura Peninsula. This lookout point is ideal for photos, and offers gorgeous panoramic views of the nearby area, including South Bay and the ocean. Go around sunset for even better views, but pick a clear, sunny day if possible. You can also do the Kaikōura Lookout walk, which takes about 45 minutes and is approximately 2.7 kilometers one-way. It’s a fairly easy walk and follows the coastline.
Go Kayaking
Because it’s a peninsula, Kaikōura is also an excellent place to go kayaking. You can book your adventure with Kayaking Kaikōura, which is the town’s original kayak operator (established 28 years ago in 1998). They offer a range of tour options, whether you’re traveling solo or with your family. They’re also the country’s first “Friend of the Sea”, and offer sustainable dolphin and whale-watching experiences. Oh yeah, you can see dusky dolphins and humpback whales in Kaikōura too, if you’re interested and you visit at the right time of year. This is also a great way to see the fur seals! You can also swim with dolphins in Kaikōura if you’d like, but from an animal safety perspective, I have no insight.
Did I miss one of your top things to do in Kaikōura? Let me know in the comments down below. And if you’re looking for vegan-friendly food options, check out this post.
Leave a reply