Activities
Kaikoura Lookout
@alannahmarchais
Perfect way to start your stay in Kaikoura. Go up to this lookout and take in the natural breathtaking beauty this place has to offer from a higher point.
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Kaikoura Beach
@alannahmarchais
Wether you feel like a walk, a swim, fishing or sitting down to relax by the waves, you should not skip a break at Kaikoura’s beach.
The views of the snow capped mountains can keep you in awe for hours.
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Point Kean Viewpoint
@alannahmarchais
The best spot to admire the rock formations and the change in the coastline from the 2016 earthquake. This walk starts with a bit of a climb, but remains very accessible. You could go up for 40 minutes or take the longer route and spend a few hours overlooking the cliffs, the ocean, and the famous local seal colony!
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Kaikoura Seal Colony
@alannahmarchais
Same walk as the Point Kean’s track, but if you carry on, you’ll slowly make your way down the cliffs, getting close to the hundreds of seals on the rocks. Don’t worry, no need to climb back up, this track is a loop loop and will take you straight back to the carpark.
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Whale Watch Kaikoura
@alannahmarchais
THE absolute must do in Kaikourā ! Sperm whales all year long, humpback whales (june- august), Blue whales, pilot whales, southern right whales, dolphins, orcas, seals, marine birds… The list is endless ! Kaikoura is one of the best spot in the southern hemisphere for marine life sightings. Despite the price of a boat tour (>150$ p/person), it certainly is the activity you do not want to miss out on! 🐋🐬🦭 (Morning only, except for one afternoon tour during summer)
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Seal Kayak Kaikoura
@alannahmarchais
Can’t get enough of Kaikoura’s landscapes and wildlife? Then a sunset kayak tour is the perfect way to finish the day ! Watch the sun set over the snowy mountains from the ocean, surrounded by seals and penguins ! 🦭🐧 The tours are for groups and take place on the Kaikoura peninsula, meaning you will be supervised, provided with quality kayaks and profesional knowledge on calm water ! 🚣🏼♀️ (>120$ p/person)
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Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd
@alannahmarchais
An amazing and thrilling way to get another perspective of Kaikoura ! From the ocean to the mountains and the incredible amount of wildlife (you can watch the whales and dolphins from the sky!) a helicopter trip in Kaikoura can not disappoint. Though, it is a very pricey activity, so a lot of us might stick with the land and the ocean during our visit (which is more then plenty in NZ!) (from 330$ p/p for 30 minutes or 235$ for 20 minutes).
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2 Days (3 nights) itinirary
Day 1
~ Breakfast at Sime’s Kitchen
~ Whale watching tour for the morning
~ Seafood lunch by the water from the seafood bbq kiosk
~ Afternoon walk to Point Kean viewpoint, carried down the cliffs for a stroll in the company on the local seals
~ Sunset kayak tour
~ Dinner at The Whaler bar restaurant.
Whale Watching tour
Point Kean’s walk
A seal sunbathing not far from the beach.
Day 2
~ Breakfast at Bernie’s diner or one of the many local cafes. Plenty of quality options
~ Swim with the dolphins tour
~ Lunch at Bernies, or grab another seafood take away to enjoy at your favorite spot in town
~ Enjoy the beach with a digestive walk
~ Take some perspective and make your way to the lookout to enjoy a view from above
~ Carry on walking to Fishers place, an amazing spot to enjoy the sunset lights !
~ If you feel like celebrating the end of an awesome trip, treat yourself to a great dinner at Zephyr restaurant.
Sunset view from Fishers place
View from the pier
Sunset at fishers place
Accomodation in Kaikoura
Budget Friendly options:
Coffee with a view at Kakatu Hotel. Very friendly host, communal kitchen, recreation room with lounges, books, board games, and a ping pong table. Room was very comfortable.
More luxurious options:
Restaurants
Quite the diner experience at Bernie’s! Great setting, typical diner menu, reasonable prices, it is the place to go for a milkshake and a burger 🍔 (Breakfast / lunch)
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Personally loved the place and its authentic vibe. The food is excellent, very friendly service, great range of beers to go along with a pub meal at the end of the day. (Dinner)
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Feeling like having some quality seafood? Look no further! This is the perfect spot for some fresh products. Take-aways only, perfect to enjoy while overlooking the stunning mountain and ocean views of Kaikoura. (Lunch)
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Sime’s Kitchen is a great way to start the day ! If their menu might seem on the smaller side, it is because of the fresh quality ingredients and a flawless cooking ! Also, the options they offer are quite diverse and unusual, which is really refreshing and a welcome change from the usual pub feeds that come with travelling. (Breakfast/Lunch)
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A little more expensive than some other options, this restaurant has a flawless reputation for its tasty food. The menu is a sum of NZ’s finest: seafood, Green lip mussels, venison, lamb… And even a few vegetarian options! If you feel like treating yourself to a nice meal, you will not be disappointed at Zephyr restaurant ! (Dinner)
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Cost Break down
Accomodation: Kakatu retreat (booked ahead of time): 140$/night
Food : mix and match cheaper / more expensive restaurants : about 110$/day
Activities : whale watching (150$) sunset kayak tour (120$) helicopter 20’ tour (235$) = 505$
Total budget for a trip without any restrictions:
1005$
Of course, some of these activities can be skipped, some cheaper accommodation can be found, and meals can be cooked by yourself!
Minimum budget (in my opinion) to enjoy Kaikoura:
550$ p/person
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