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CANTERBURY · EAST COAST

Things to do in Kaikōura

Put a marine trip at the centre of your day and keep a flexible shore plan. Kaikōura’s coast is worth exploring even when a departure changes.

Activities ↓Plan your visit ↓Map ↓
Kaikōura township and peninsula from the air

Things to see and do

Whale watching

Whale Watch Kaikōura boat tour

Kaikōura · Whale Watch Kaikōura

Take the boat for time at sea and wildlife viewing at water level. Check the sea-state advice at check-in if anyone gets motion sick.

Check priceSee the current tour fare on the operator’s booking pageAllow 3 hours 15 minutes including check-in and transfers

Plan your visit
Meet at
The Whaleway Station, Kaikōura township
Age or group rules
Minimum age 3 under suitable conditions. The operator may raise this at check-in.
Access
Wheelchair carriage is conditional on the sea state. Contact the operator before booking.
Weather
Sea and weather conditions can change age or mobility limits and lead to cancellation.
Cancellation
Operator publishes an 80% refund if a completed trip sees no whale. Check the separate cancellation and rebooking rules.

Checked · Official source · Reference 1 · Reference 2

Check with operator Details

Whale watching

Wings Over Whales 30-minute flight

Kaikōura · Wings Over Whales

Choose the fixed-wing flight for a shorter outing and a view of the whale’s shape from above. Leave time to get to the airport.

NZ$250From $250 for the advertised flight30 minutes in the air · allow 1 hour total

Plan your visit
Meet at
Kaikōura Airport, 617 State Highway 1, Peketā
Age or group rules
The product lists all ages. Confirm aircraft boarding and seating needs.
Access
Accessible terminal. Discuss aircraft boarding and transfers with the operator.
Weather
Wind and visibility can affect departures.
Cancellation
Operator says weather cancellations can be rescheduled or refunded when rebooking is impractical. Completed flights have no no-sighting refund.

Checked · Official source · Reference 1

Check with operator Details

Walks & nature

Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

Kaikōura

Walk a short headland section or allow time for the whole route. Use the DOC track map to pick a start and turnaround point.

FreeFree day walkingAt least 3 hours for the full walkway

Plan your visit
Meet at
Point Kean car park or another signed track entrance
Weather
Exposed headland. Check official alerts and wildlife guidance.

Checked · Official source

Visit official site

Museums & galleries

Kaikōura Museum

Kaikōura

A town-centre backup for a postponed marine trip, with exhibits on the coast, its communities and the 2016 earthquake.

Check priceCheck current admission on the museum website

Plan your visit
Meet at
96 West End, Kaikōura
Access
Ground-floor wheelchair access, accessible parking and a loan wheelchair.

Checked · Official source

Visit official site

Plan your visit

One hour or half a day

With an hour, visit the town museum or take a short waterfront wander. Allow at least three hours for the whole Peninsula Walkway and check the track status before leaving.

Car-free choices

Combine the museum and town centre on foot. The whale boat’s check-in is at the Whaleway Station and the tour includes the marina transfer. Flights depart from the airport south of town, so arrange the airport leg separately.

Plan for a change in weather

Check with your operator before setting out. If the coast is too exposed, use the museum as a flexible indoor stop. For a family outing, check operator age conditions on the day and choose a short shore walk in suitable conditions.

Map and meeting points

Use the numbered pins to compare approximate locations. Follow the operator’s instructions for check-in.

Approximate positions
  1. The Whaleway Station, Kaikōura township
    Whale Watch Kaikōura boat tour
    Open location
  2. Kaikōura Airport, 617 State Highway 1, Peketā
    Wings Over Whales 30-minute flight
    Open location
  3. Point Kean car park or another signed track entrance
    Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
    Open location
  4. 96 West End, Kaikōura
    Kaikōura Museum
    Open location

Street map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Keep exploring

Kaikōura whale watching Picton