Activities

whale watching

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Kaikoura is renowned for its amazing marine life, and you’ll discover why on this whale watching tour. From your catamaran boat you’ll get up close to whales, seals, and dolphins in the deep waters off shore, as well as albatross.  Learn about the animals and their habitat from live commentary on board.

View More
seal swiming tour

Seal Swimming Tour

Swim with wild New Zealand Fur Seals in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula. This is an experience that you do not want to miss! All equipment is provided and no experience is necessary. Recently listed as one of the world's 'Top 10 Best Marine Encounters'. Don't miss out!

View More
kaikoura museum

Kaikoura Museum

A new state-of-the-art museum experience showcasing Kaikoura’s diverse natural, cultural and social history. We also have research facilities for historians and those interested in family histories of the district.

View More
lavender farm

Kaikoura Lavender Farm

Lavendyl Lavender Farm and Dylan's Country Cottages are situated in scenic Kaikoura in the South Island of New Zealand. Onsite we have a gift shop full of lavender products including lavender essential oil, massage cream, bath products, lavender honey, skin and hair care products, crafts, preserves, art and much more! On your next visit to Kaikoura enjoy our gardens, tea room and our products and/or stay in our cottage.

View More
fyffe house

Fyffe House

Fyffe House is Kaikoura’s oldest surviving building and the last remnant of a pioneer whaling station established in 1842. 

Its story starts with Māori, the first inhabitants of Kaikoura, drawn by ocean bounty including kaimoana (seafood) and seabirds. In the early 1840s, Scotsman Robert Fyfe arrived with four whaleboats to chase tohorā, the mighty southern right whale. Their oil would light the homes of Europe, far away.

View More
maori leap cave

Maori Leap Cave

This sea cave discovered at a limestone quarry in 1958 is located near the Caves Restaurant (despite the name there’s only one cave) just south of Kaikoura. The entrance is locked, but guided tours run hourly during the day.

Inside the cave are stalactites, stalagmites, straws, flowstone and cave coral, collectively known as speleothems, from Greek: “spelaion” (cave) + “thema” (deposit). Also interesting are the dark bands of flint (also known as chert) that have formed in the limestone beds.

View More