Best of Kaikoura

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Kaikōura

The Kaikōura Coast is renowned for its abundant marine life. Due to the teeming food supply in its icy seas, whales, seals and dolphins are frequently spotted year-round in the area (the name Kaikōura, given to this area by Māori, literally translates to “to eat crayfish,” from “food” [kai] and “crayfish” [koura]). Scope out the basking fur seal colony, or head out to sea for a whale-watching boat ride in search of sperm whales, as well as orcas, pilot whales, blue whales, and southern right whales — or search the seas from above with a whale-watching flight. Return to land and Kaikōura town for a meal of fresh crayfish, the town’s signature dish.

In addition to the whale-watching, previous kimkim travelers have also set out by boat on an albatross encounter to see up to 14 visiting species of albatross and various other sea birds. Experience the bountiful fishing grounds on a fishing charter, where you may catch crayfish, sea perch, blue cod, and more. More interactive tours will give you the chance to swim alongside dolphins or seals if you get lucky.

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Visit farms and vineyards and take whale watching flights from Kaikōura

Luxury Food, Wine & Landscapes of New Zealand's South Island - 7 Days

Savor the best of New Zealand's world-class wines and farm-to-fork cuisine on this luxurious weeklong tour of the South Island. Begin in history-soaked Christchurch, then road trip north through coastal towns and wine regions. Take in the scenery with heli-picnics, whale watching flights, and boat trips in Kaikoura and Nelson, then taste fine wines in the renowned Marlborough region. Foodie highlights include visiting a kiwi farm and a cooking class with an acclaimed chef at Hapuku Kitchen.

Take scenic trains, cruises, and water taxis to explore the South Island's pristine coastline

New Zealand's South Island Coastal Honeymoon - 7 Days

Lovers of seafood, wine, marine life, and ocean views will be drawn to this weeklong honeymoon in New Zealand's South Island. After a night in Christchurch, take a scenic train to the Marlborough Sounds. You'll stop in beautiful Kaikoura to go whale watching by airplane, then continue north to Picton, where a seafood cruise awaits. Marvel as the wild beauty of the Queen Charlotte Sound from your secluded lodge. End the trip in Nelson, a small coastal city and gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

Take the ferry to Picton on the South Island for the full-day Queen Charlotte Track

Honeymoon Hiking Adventure in New Zealand - 14 Days

What better way to start a marriage than by conquering diverse terrains, from volcanic wonders to ancient rainforests and coastal views? This memorable honeymoon has been designed for the intrepid couple. If you connect over a love of the great outdoors, this New Zealand road trip with daytime endorphins and cozy evenings under starry skies is for you. You'll explore the North and South islands with a rental car, squeezing in three multiday hikes, full-day crater treks, wildlife spotting, and even some spa time.

New Zealand: From South Island to North Island - 7 Days

Enjoy one week in New Zealand, from the South Island to the North Island. Begin in Christchurch on a fun sightseeing tour. Then, pick up your rental car and make a stop for a soak in Hanmer Springs, followed by a whale watching tour in Kaikoura. Next, drive from Picton, with a wine tasting stop along the way, and hop the Interislander Ferry to Wellington to tour the museum and native species. Head to Taupo for an incredible jet boating excursion to Huka Falls, tour the geothermal region of Rotorua by floatplane, visit a lush movie set in Matamata, and take a grand finale cruise around Auckland Harbour.

View from Lake Pukaki toward Aoraki / Mount Cook

Nature-Packed New Zealand Family Road Trip: Wellington & the South Island - 14 Days

This two-week New Zealand adventure is perfect for families who love wildlife and the outdoors. Starting at Wellington's groundbreaking nature sanctuary, head south through Kaikoura, Christchurch, Tekapo, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Wanaka, and Queenstown. Along the way, you'll climb glaciers, swim with dolphins, stargaze, whale watch, and have a whole lot of fun!

Stay at one-of-a-kind luxury retreats as you explore the South Island (photo courtesy of Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses)

Luxury Food, Wine & Landscapes of New Zealand's South Island - 14 Days

Explore the best of New Zealand's South Island—with a touch of luxury—on this two-week itinerary filled with adventure, relaxation, nature, and wine. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, you'll take the scenic Coastal Pacific Train north to reach the famous Marlborough wine region and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park. Then, fly to Queenstown to cruise the glassy waters of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and explore the glaciers of Aoraki / Mount Cook by helicopter and kayak.

South Island Highlights & New Zealand Wines - 12 Days

Travel through New Zealand's beautiful South Island, getting to know its cultural hotspots, famous landscapes and public gardens, and sprawling vineyards along the way. Over 12 days, you'll enjoy the cafes and fine art of Nelson, spend two days sipping wine in Marlborough, hike near beautiful Lake Wanaka and the famous Milford Sound, and more.

Spot sheep in the snow-covered farmland of New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand Winter Discovery - 14 Days

If you plan to visit New Zealand in June, July, or August, this two-week winter trip includes the best of the North and South islands, with seasonal adventures like skiing and whale watching adding a layer of richness. Your self-drive journey begins in Queenstown with a snow day and a Milford Sound / Piopiotahi tour. Journey north to Picton via Aoraki / Mount Cook, Christchurch, and Kaikoura, then cross between the islands by ferry to see the best of temperate Wellington, Rotorua, and Auckland.

Fly over and explore the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

Best of the South Island Road Trip: Glaciers, Mountains, Coasts & Fjords - 21 Days

Explore the entire length of New Zealand's South Island on this exciting 21-day road trip. Start in the tranquil coves of Abel Tasman National Park before following the coastline to Kaikoura for some whale watching. Continue through Christchurch and Dunedin as you make your way to the deep, cold waters of Fiordland National Park and the frozen peaks of the Southern Alps.

The road to Mount Cook National Park on New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand Scenic Self-Drive Tour: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Canterbury & Otago - 11 Days

One of the best ways to experience New Zealand's diverse geography and wildlife is to get on the road and see it for yourself. This 11-day itinerary forges a path from the rolling hills, limestone caves, and Hobbit holes of the North Island to the whale-friendly coasts, fjords, and gorges of the South Island. Along the way you'll visit with native birds, fly over a glacier in a helicopter, and unwind at a geothermal spa.

Drive around New Zealand's North and South Islands, stopping at luxury homesteads, eco-retreats, and lodges along the way (photo courtesy of Mahu Whenau)

North to South New Zealand Luxury Road Trip: Auckland to Queenstown - 14 Days

Perfect for discerning travelers who like to blaze their own trail, this two-week road trip races across New Zealand's North and South Islands at a brisk pace. Break up epic coastal and mountain drives with outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and stops at luxury lodges and secluded eco-retreats. Highlights include cruising around the Bay of Islands, picnicking on the slopes of Mount Ffyfe, sipping your way around the wineries of Marlborough, and soaring over the Southern Alps by helicopter.

Highlights of New Zealand's South Island: Kaikoura, Mt. Cook, Queenstown & More - 12 Days

The 12-day itinerary includes some of the South Island's greatest experiences. It begins in Nelson, at the top of the South Island, and ends in Queenstown, near the bottom. Between these two towns you'll get the chance to try some of New Zealand's finest wine in its largest wine-producing region, Marlborough; spot whales in Kaikoura; see glaciers and glacial lakes at Mt. Cook; cruise on iconic Milford Sound; try adventure sports in the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, Queenstown; and much more.

Drive to Cape Kidnappers for impressive views of the coast and a gannet colony

Ultimate New Zealand East Coast Road Trip: Queensland to Auckland - 13 Days

Embark on a 13-day whirlwind tour of New Zealand's North and South Islands as you follow the east coast. Begin in Queenstown, a southern city known for extreme adventure sports, then make your way up as you visit wine regions like Wanaka and Kaikoura and see glaciers in Aoraki / Mount Cook. Take a ferry to North Island, stopping in Wellington, the capital, before visiting volcanic landscapes and Maori villages in Rotorua. The tour finishes with a tour of Waitomo Caves and Auckland, the country's largest city.

The drive toward Hawkes Bay takes you to a landscape of world-class wineries and independent farms

Sustainable New Zealand Road Trip: An Eco-Friendly Journey from Auckland to Queenstown - 13 Days

New Zealand is a fabulous country for a road trip, with scenery that makes the journey truly the destination. This 13-day itinerary is geared up for electric vehicles to make your trip more sustainable. As you wind your way south from Auckland to Queenstown, you'll enjoy meals from ingredients harvested on-site, wine purchased from the source, and increasingly eco-friendly and carbon-neutral activities on a trip that seeks to both showcase and preserve New Zealand's powerful natural heritage.

New Zealand North & South Island Road Trip Highlights: Auckland to Queenstown - 15 Days

Travel New Zealand from top to tail on this 15-day self-drive adventure. Start in the North Island, where you'll explore Maori culture and geothermal landscapes and tour the Hobbiton film set from "The Lord of the Rings." Next, take the Interislander ferry to the South Island for whale watching and glacier tours, followed by a trip to the country's adventure capital, Queenstown. The journey ends with a cruise of the famous, UNESCO-listed Milford Sound.

Scenic View of Mount Cook in New Zealand

Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive Adventure - 16 Days

This 16-day New Zealand self-drive itinerary brings out the best of the North and South islands combining nature and adventure with relaxation. Start in Auckland, tick off Rotorua and Wellington, then cross to the South Island. Drink wine in Marlborough, see Kaikoura Coast wildlife, and pass by Christchurch on your way to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Hike the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier, chase thrills in Queenstown, and join a luxury overnight cruise on Milford Sound / Piopiotahi.

In Kaikōura, the mountains meet the ocean

Wild New Zealand: Auckland, Tongariro, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mount Cook & Queenstown - 16 Days

Enjoy some of New Zealand's most beautiful and exhilarating wilderness experiences on this 16-day tour of both the North and South Islands. Starting in Auckland, you'll head down to the Tongariro National Park for off-the-beaten-path hiking and biking adventures. Pass through Wellington on your way to the South Island, where majestic mountains await. Spot whales in Kaikoura, hike in the Southern Alps, stargaze in some of the darkest skies in the world, and much more.

Enjoy free time to make detours to places like the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki

New Zealand South Island Road Trip: Christchurch to Dunedin - 20 Days

This fast-paced 20-day road trip takes you through the best of New Zealand's South Island for travelers who want to see it all. Tram through Christchurch, relax at a spa in Hanmer Springs, explore the Marlborough wine region, and kayak in Abel Tasman National Park. Then enjoy some trekking at Franz Josef / Waiau Glacier, go skydiving in Wānaka, and try out bungee jumping in Queenstown. You'll also visit Stewart Island, Dunedin, and the Otago Peninsula, before returning to Queenstown.

Spot whales off New Zealand's East Coast in Kaikoura

Auckland to Christchurch Road Trip: Food, Wine & Nature Trail - 20 Days

Get a taste of New Zealand's rich food, wine, and natural wonders on this 20-day adventure. Travel from Auckland to Christchurch, stopping to enjoy food tours and cooking classes, feast on barbecue at a Queenstown farm, and visit Kumeu's world-famous vineyards. Natural highlights include captivating glowworm caves, Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, and the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. You'll also take an overnight cruise across the serene waters of Doubtful Sound.

Enjoy a mix of guided excursions and free time to choose your own hiking adventures

Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip & Tekapo Trek - 20 Days

From glaciers and natural pools to kayaking and whale watching, this epic 20-day road trip through New Zealand has something for everyone. Discover the country's best from north to south, beginning in Auckland and finishing on the island of Te Anau. Highlights along the journey include wineries, wildlife tours, a three-day mountain trek, glowworm caves, lake and fjord cruises, stargazing excursions, and so much more!

Discover the wild coastline of the Otago Peninsula on this 21-day road trip

New Zealand: Ultimate South Island Self-Drive - 21 Days

This 21-day road trip carves a figure-eight through New Zealand's South Island. From Christchurch, travel through the Mackenzie Country to Aoraki / Mount Cook, then on to Otago and Dunedin. Explore remote Doubtful Sound before heading north to Queenstown and the West Coast Glaciers, then cross the Southern Alps to enjoy a night in Arthur's Pass National Park. After exploring the Marlborough wine region and the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park, end your trip with a scenic train journey back to Christchurch.

New Zealand's mix of country and city will inspire you to explore

Epic New Zealand Road Trip: Auckland to Queenstown - 21 Days

On this 21-day adventure by air, land, and sea, you don't have to pick between New Zealand's North and South Islands—see the best of both. Experience the glowworm caves of Waitomo and the country's largest glacier on Lake Tasman. Let your taste buds guide you to a Maori village feast and the wines of Martinborough. Cross the scenic Cook Straight by boat, and see behind the scenes of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" in the Weta Workshop in Wellington.

Other popular travel destinations in New Zealand
Auckland · Queenstown (NZ) · Rotorua · Christchurch · Wellington · Aoraki / Mount Cook Village · Franz Josef Glacier · Wānaka · Lake Tekapo · Picton · South Island · North Island

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