Things to Do in Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs
Kaikoura, New Zealand – With a population of approximately 3,900 Kaikoura lies on a rocky peninsula near lush farmlands beneath the mountains. Captain Cook first discovered the peninsula believing it to be an island! Kaikoura is part of the popular Alpine Pacific Triangle – a touring route which links it with Hanmer Springs and the Waipara Valley Wine District.
Experience Kaikoura
- Whales, dolphins, fur seals
- Archeological remains and Maori Pa sites
- Snow-capped mountains – rugged rocky coastline
- Crayfish…crayfish…and more crayfish (Kai, the Maori word for food, Koura – crayfish)
You´ll
these great things to see & do…
- Swim with dusky dolphins and watch the wandering albatross
- Experience Kaikoura whale watch day tour from Christchurch
- Experience the wilderness walk of a lifetime
- Stop off at Ninn’s Bin and buy a “cray”
- Check out the stunning Maori Leap Cave
- Kaikoura coasf dining af Encounter Kaikoura
- Take the Alpine Triangle Touring Route
Useful Kaikoura, New Zealand Resources
Today, the emphasis in Kaikoura is on the conservation of marine life, allowing visitors from all over the world to appreciate ocean life. Several different species of whale can be seen at different times of year. The clean sharp fin of the Orca is often sighted and schools of pilot whales are occasional visitors. The fun loving Dusky Dolphin is everywhere, Fur seals, once almost hunted to extinction are now plentiful here.
Things to Do in Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs Peaceful alpine spa village with thermal hot pools. Waipara Valley Wine-producing region in a sheltered microclimate. Kaikoura Famous for its abundant marine wildlife and encounters. Culverden Rural village with a bakery serving superb pies. Amberley Bustling town with several cafés and boutique shopping.
All South Island Regions
Christchurch – Canterbury Dunedin & Otago Fiordland Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs Marlborough Nelson Tasman Southland Stewart Island Mount Cook & Mackenzie Queenstown New Zealand Wanaka West CoastFind Your Perfect Activity
Whale Watch Fixed Wing Flight: 30-Minute Aerial Adventure
Kaikoura, Hanmer & North Canterbury Scenic Flights
30 minutes
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Take to the skies and witness the majestic beauty of whales in their natural habitat with the Whale Watch Fixed Wing Flight. This 30-minute adventure offers a unique bird’s-eye view of these incredible marine giants while showcasing the stunning coastal landscapes of New Zealand. Tour Overview Location: Kaikoura, New Zealand Duration: 30 minutes Activity Level:
Guided Half Day Sea Kayaking
Sea Kayaking, Kaikoura Boat Cruises & Water Activities
Flexible
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Explore New Zealand’s stunning coastline and tranquil waterways with the Guided Half-Day Sea Kayaking Tour. This adventure offers a perfect blend of relaxation, scenic beauty, and light activity as you paddle through pristine marine environments guided by experienced professionals. Tour Overview Location: Various locations, including Abel Tasman National Park, Bay of Islands, or Milford Sound
Dolphin Encounter Swim
Kaikoura, Hanmer & North Canterbury Active & Adventure
4 hours
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Dive into the clear waters of New Zealand and experience the magic of swimming with wild dolphins on the Dolphin Encounter Swim. This once-in-a-lifetime tour combines close-up wildlife interactions with the thrill of exploring the open ocean, making it an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and marine enthusiasts. Tour Overview Location: Coastal regions of New
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
depart from central Kaikoura Volcanic & Geothermal Hot Pools & Health Spas Family & Kids
5 hours
Price:Included in your tour package
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa – Alpine Relaxation & Family Fun Nestled in the heart of Hanmer Springs village, this award-winning thermal complex In the center of town, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is a large thermal complex in an alpine environment that boasts extensive native gardens. The complex offers a variety
Kaikoura Sightseeing Tour
Kaikoura Wildlife & Beaches
3 hours
Price:Included in your tour package
Ohau Point Begin your tour around Kaikoura’s dramatic seaside with a stop at Ohau Point, where you’ll witness numerous seals playing by the rocky coastline. Paparoa Point Next, visit Paparoa Point, which tells the enchanting story of Paikea, the whale rider. Here, you’ll learn about the historic whaler’s cottage, constructed from native timber atop a
Whale Watch Tour Kaikoura
minibus departs from central Christchurch or central Kaikoura Boat Cruises & Water Activities Nature
3 hours
Price:Included in your tour package
Kaikōura in New Zealand is known as the whale-watching capital of the world. 80% of the world’s whale and dolphin species migrate past the Kaikoura coastline. Hence, there are always opportunities to spot other species of marine mammals. Minibus departs from central Christchurch or central Kaikoura. Kaikoura Whale Watching from Christchurch The modern catamarans used
Albatross & Seabird Watching Tour Kaikoura
depart from central Kaikoura Boat Cruises & Water Activities
2.5 hours
Price:Included in your tour package
Kaikoura is a well-known birding destination famous for its diverse seabirds and pelagic birdlife. You can take a boat tour designed for this purpose, which accommodates only 12 people per trip to ensure the best chance of seeing birds up close. It takes just 15 minutes to reach the birdlife, during which you can enjoy
Dolphin Watching Tour Kaikoura
depart from central Kaikoura Boat Cruises & Water Activities Nature Wildlife & Beaches
2.5 hours
Price:Included in your tour package
🐬 Dolphin Encounter – Kaikoura Swim With or Watch New Zealand’s Most Acrobatic Dolphins Marine Magic in Kaikoura Kaikoura is one of New Zealand’s premier wildlife destinations, renowned for its rich marine life and seabird populations. It’s the best place in the country to observe whales, dolphins, seals, and majestic albatross—all set against a stunning
Kaikoura Day Tour including Whale Watch
collected from your Christchurch accommodation Wildlife & Beaches
Day Tour
Price:Included In Your Tour Package
Coastal Wonders: Your Guide to a Kaikoura Day Tour If you want to experience the incredible beauty of the New Zealand coastline, a Kaikoura Day Tour offers a perfect escape. This region is one of the few places in the world where towering mountains meet the deep sea. During this journey, you will travel from

