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

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

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

Things to do

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

P7,458
per adult
Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)
Whale tail splashing in water in the Kaikour whale watching tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour

P12,314
per adult
Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour
Jumping dolphins in Kaikoura dolphin swimming tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura

P13,711
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura
Picture 7 for Activity Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour

Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour

P4,626
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour
Whale watching in Winter

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

P5,973
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Kaikoura Helicopters Extended Whale Watch flight

Kaikoura Helicopters Extended Whale Watch flight

P16,806
per adult
Kaikoura Helicopters Extended Whale Watch flight
See all activities in Kaikōura

Top hotels in South Bay

Bay Cottages

Bay Cottages

3 out of 5
29a South Bay Parade, Kaikoura
The price is P4,960 per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
P4,960
P5,705 total
Nov 18 - Nov 19
includes taxes & fees
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! (108 reviews)
Hosts lovely. Clean, fresh, bright room - those were the winners!

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025

Bay Cottages
Sudima Kaikoura

Sudima Kaikoura

5 out of 5
Esplanade, 114 Kaikoura Canterbury
The price is P8,843 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
P8,843
P10,169 total
Dec 2 - Dec 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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! (436 reviews)
Staff and room

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2025

Sudima Kaikoura
Kaikoura Quality Suites

Kaikoura Quality Suites

3.5 out of 5
154 Beach Road Kaikoura
The price is P4,696 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
P4,696
P5,401 total
Dec 2 - Dec 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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! (356 reviews)
All was perfect : clean and wide room, staff, bbq area, ...

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025

Kaikoura Quality Suites
Alpine-pacific Holiday Park

Alpine-pacific Holiday Park

3 out of 5
69 Beach Road Kaikoura
The price is P3,589 per night from Nov 26 to Nov 27
P3,589
P4,127 total
Nov 26 - Nov 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (425 reviews)
Spacious and clean. Would be excellent with kitchen (stove) facilities.

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2025

Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments

Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments

3 out of 5
126 Esplanade Kaikoura Canterbury
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,799 per night from Dec 15 to Dec 16
P6,799
P7,819 total
Dec 15 - Dec 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (568 reviews)
Beautiful apartment. Had everything we wanted. Lovely and modern and clean. Right across the road from the beach and within walking distance to the town.

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2025

Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Mondello Kaikoura

Mondello Kaikoura

3 out of 5
29 Beach Rd Kaikoura Canterbury
The price is P6,246 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
P6,246
P7,183 total
Nov 24 - Nov 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 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! (395 reviews)
Nice and roomy

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2025

Mondello Kaikoura
See all 174 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

Default Image

Kaikoura Peninsula

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

Kaikoura Peninsula
Default Image

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