The Kaikōura i-SITE is currently closed, please contact the operator directly to speak about bookings or availability. Details on all operators can be found here. 

Surfs Up

Whale watching? Check! Dolphin Swimming? Check! Crayfish meal? Check! You know what’s brought you to Kaikōura, you’ve ticked your bucket list on this little township but now, it’s our turn. Let us show you what you’ve missed and what little gems shouldn’t escape your attention while you’re here. Look behind the curtain to learn the secrets you should know about this rugged coastal town just north of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Kaikōura Museum

Kaikōura Museum

Activities

Kaikōura Museum

For a town this small, it should not be home to a Museum this good! Located in the lower level of the local Council Building, in the centre of town this fantastic rendering of the local history and formation of the Kaikōura psyche is a must-do for any visitor to the town. You’ll learn everything there is to know about the locality, including the long-running (and award winning) exhibition on the Kaikōura Earthquake of 2016 “New Normal”. Couple this experience with a visit to Fyffe House, the last remaining whaling station in the area (and only building supported by whale bone foundations), just a short walk from the seal colony at Point Kean.

 

Atawera Art

Showcasing the talents of a fantastically artistic couple; Greg & Mary Ashwell; this little studio overlooks the stunning Mt Fyffe and Kaikōura Seaward Ranges. Take your choice of joining Greg on your cultural journey into the exploration of Tā moko or modern tattoo styles whilst enjoying the fine examples of their Carvings (both wood & bone), Paintings and Sculpture which surround the walls which also includes a litany of re-purposed and re-imagined household items for that “Kiwi-as” touch.

Lavendyl Lavender Farm Kaikōura

Lavendyl Kaikoura Lavender Farm is situated just 7 km north of scenic Kaikoura on the South Island of New Zealand. The 2.5 hectares are home to lavender fields, ornamental gardens, farm animals, a tea room, and a shop. Onsite there is also Dylans Country Cottages, two rustic, self-contained cottages.

 

Glenstrae Farm: Quad Bike and UTV Tours

Thrilling experience along the rugged Kaikōura coastline from the comfort of your own 4-wheeler quad bike or, for a more relaxing ride, a privately driven Viking UTV. Taking you across private farmland and native bush on an exclusive tour, you’ll finish with a private seal colony viewing to give you that “close encounter” experience. No experience needed, just bring a sense of adventure, and embrace your guides uniquely kiwi humour!

 

 

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Emporium Brewery

Emporium Brewery

Eating & Drinking

Kaikōura Sushi

Homemade, handmade, and treated with care, this place epitomises the diversity of backgrounds in the town. World-famous in Kaikōura (sorry Paeroa), this institution is perfect for a snack on-the-go with seafood, meat, and vegetarian options to suit everyone’s taste.

 

Emporium Brewery

Being a winner in the “New World Top 30 Beer and Cider awards” once is honour enough for an independently owned brewery but two years running is an outstanding achievement! The not-so-secret-in-Kaikōura combination of Brewery/Escape Rooms/Mini golf course is certain to give you at least one thing to do while in the town. 

 

Slam Club Kaikōura

Using fresh local ingredients, including meats & game sourced locally, the team at Slam Club Kaikōura, are located on West End. Memorably named creations; the “Quacky Chan” and “El Gringo” not only offer you a hearty and filling lunch but, stick them on a homemade waffle (add an egg for extra oomph) and treat yourself to a unique breakfast you’ll likely not get anywhere else! Don’t forget to save room for the (closely guarded) family-recipe apple strudel that makes tea/coffee and cake a perfectly splendid option here as well.

 

For all caffeine-cravers, Kaikōura’s got you covered. Kaikōura isn’t just home to amazing wildlife; this little spot has attracted some very fine baristas along the way who are more than happy to share their craft with you. Witness them in their natural environment at such places as:

  • Bee Box: another family-owned business (noticing a theme in town yet?) on the site of the demolished Adelphi Hotel, housed in one of the many re-purposed containers from Christchurch’s “Container Mall”. A charming history on the family honey business adorns the walls and is worth a read while you wait for your long-black.
  • Beach House: Home to another great set of baristas and very popular with the locals. Housing a rabbit warren of rooms in which to enjoy their homemade wares, you’ll find them situated just off SH1, these guys will cater to everyone and never leave you feeling hungry!
  • Chiwis Café: It’s not just Havelock that lays claim to town famous mussel pies! Chiwis couple their coffees with their own widely loved treat to share with anyone stopping through on the way to Blenheim/Christchurch. Their chicken wrap is an awesome alternative for all your non-sea-based foodies too!
  • Sime’s Kitchen: Freshly opened at the tail-end of 2020 and bringing you another splendid choice for fine foods and lovely coffees. Established in the old “Hislops” café on Beach Road, check out their 4 styles of bacon and eggs (includes delicious ham hock!!) to satisfy your hunger urges for the drive North/South or to start off an awesomely lazy day on the coast
  • Flo & Co: A beautiful yet comfortable space where you can enjoy great food, meet with friends and family and be made to feel at home.

 

 

 

Lodge Exterior 3

Accommodation

With a wide range of options when it comes to accommodation, you won’t be disappointed in Kaikōura. There’s always room for unique however, whether that’s a Wacky Stay in a converted wagon or hiding away on a lavender farm, every taste is covered. 

Winding along the Alpine Pacific Triangle and the Inland Route to Kaikōura are some of the best kept secrets that can be found, all within the peace and tranquillity of the Kaikōura Ranges.

 

Matai Peaks

High-end accommodation in a rustic, restored shepherds' cottage, complete with private heli-landing pad. Hidden away on one of New Zealands largest Angus stud farms “Te Mania”. Immerse yourself in rural activities such as clay pigeon shooting and horse trekking

 

Glencree Estate

Luxurious accommodation nestled amid the Kaikōura Ranges, coupled with fantastic views of the Kaikōura coastline over Oaro, giving a breath-taking mountain-to-sea experience. 

 

Wacky Stays

Choosing from six unique properties: Colonial Wagon, Train Carriage, Yurt, Tipi (Teepee), House Truck, cute Farmers Cottage. All properties offer: Private bathroom, self-catering cooking & outdoor barbecue facilities, towels and bed linen, toiletries, tea & coffee making facilities, basic continental breakfast (left in your fridge, on arrival day), electricity and hot water. 80+ farm animals on-site = a FREE Farm Park! Llama, pigs, sheep, alpaca, fallow deer, chickens, turkey, collie dogs, ducks, rabbits.

 

PurePods

 

“Immerse Yourself in Nature” is their tagline and its impossible not to when enjoying a stay here. Secreted away in some of the most secluded spots between Kaikōura and Christchurch, stargazing & native bush from the comfort of your see-through self-contained piece of paradise is a treat you will thank yourself for later.

 

 

 

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