Popular places to visit
Peninsula Walkway
Go wildlife spotting as you hike on a coastal route across cliff tops and down to the shoreline. See whales, seals, sea lions and much more.
Mount Fyffe
Explore the great outdoors at Mount Fyffe and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Kaikōura. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.
Point Kean Seal Colony
Find out about the history of Kaikōura when you spend time at Point Kean Seal Colony. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.
Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park
Enjoy an outing to Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park during your stay in Kaikōura. Wander the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.
Fyffe House
You can learn about the history of Kaikōura with a visit to Fyffe House. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.
Kaikoura District Museum
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Kaikoura District Museum during your trip to Kaikōura. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.
Things to do
Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip
Top hotels in South Bay
Bay Cottages
Hosts lovely. Clean, fresh, bright room - those were the winners!
Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025
Sudima Kaikoura
Great hotel, clean, modern, parking available and comfy beds. Staff friendly. The restaurant gets very busy worth booking ahead. Seafood fettuccine was disappointing- no real flavour and not that tasty. Calamari was excellent. Kids choices sufficient and they provide complimentary drawing ...
Reviewed on Dec 29, 2025
Kaikoura Quality Suites
This unit had no cooking facilities apart from a microwave.It was clean & tidy.
Reviewed on Dec 26, 2025
Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
We had four adults sharing a cabin. Staff are so friendly. We loved the location the hot tubs and pool, the comfy beds and clean room. We would definitely stay again.
Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Great room, very comfy and well equipped. Excellent views from balcony. Great space and location to chill. Easy walk to cafes, shops, pubs etc or to meet for planned trips. Friendly and helpful hosts. Would def stay again.
Reviewed on Dec 27, 2025
Mondello Kaikoura
A clean, quiet room well presented. Only small problem was that the fridge froze most things even with the thermostat increased. Could do with a large bowl for mixing things and a draining rack to make stacking dishes easier. Otherwise perfect. Will definitely go back again.
Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026
Other neighbourhoods around South Bay
Kaikoura Peninsula
While visiting Kaikoura Peninsula, you might make a stop by sights like Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Seal Colony.
Kaikoura Flat
If you're spending some time in Kaikoura Flat, Mount Fyffe and Kaikoura Beach are top sights worth seeing.
