South Bay

Kaikōura

Photo by Nicole Smelson
Photo by Nicole Smelson

Popular places to visit

Peninsula Walkway

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.

Peninsula Walkway

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.

Mount Fyffe

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.

Point Kean Seal Colony

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 View Ranch Adventure Park

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.

Fyffe House

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.

Kaikoura District Museum

Things to do

Whale watching in Winter

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

P6,164
per adult
72% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Private Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

P10,115
per adult
Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch
Kaikoura: Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour

Kaikoura: Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour

P13,565
per adult
Kaikoura: Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour
Jumping dolphins in Kaikoura dolphin swimming tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura

P14,080
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

P6,834
per adult
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip
Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura

Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura

P4,636
per adult
Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura
See all activities in Kaikōura

Top hotels in South Bay

Bay Cottages

Bay Cottages

3 out of 5
29a South Bay Parade, Kaikoura
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Kaikoura District Museum and Kaikoura ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (106 reviews)
"We had a lovely overnight stay. Gus was very friendly and helpful. Situated right across the road from the ocean. Would thoroughly recommend Bay Cottages. 🙂"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

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Bay Cottages
Sudima Kaikoura

Sudima Kaikoura

5 out of 5
Esplanade, 114, Kaikoura, Canterbury
The price is P5,179 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
P5,179
P5,956 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (395 reviews)
"Great location and a very comfortable room."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Sudima Kaikoura
Alpine-pacific Holiday Park

Alpine-pacific Holiday Park

3 out of 5
69 Beach Road, Kaikoura
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (408 reviews)
"Beautiful view. Great front desk service. Clean tidy and great facilities Will stay again"

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

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Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
Kaikoura Quality Suites

Kaikoura Quality Suites

3.5 out of 5
154 Beach Road, Kaikoura
Stay at this 3.5-star motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (314 reviews)
"Very enjoyable stay. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

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Kaikoura Quality Suites
Mondello Kaikoura

Mondello Kaikoura

3 out of 5
29 Beach Rd, Kaikoura, Canterbury
Stay at this 3-star motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (375 reviews)
"Excellent property, modern, clean, warm and helpful staff. Very powerful shower."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 2025

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Mondello Kaikoura
The White Morph - Heritage Collection

The White Morph - Heritage Collection

4.5 out of 5
92-94 The Esplanade, Kaikoura
The price is P4,992 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P4,992
P5,741 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star beach motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (615 reviews)
Loved the stay here
"Arrived late at night in the middle of a storm and was given really clear, easy to follow instructions on how to find and access the room after hours. Was welcomed to a warm room that was beautiful & spacious, bed was super comfy, and in the morning opened the curtains to a stunning view of the beach ..."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

The White Morph - Heritage Collection
See all 178 properties in South Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around South Bay

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Kaikoura Peninsula

While visiting Kaikoura Peninsula, you might make a stop by sights like Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Seal Colony.

Kaikoura Peninsula
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Kaikoura Flat

If you're spending some time in Kaikoura Flat, Mount Fyffe and Kaikoura Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Kaikoura Flat

South Bay