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

P10,303
per adult
Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch
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
Whale tail splashing in water in the Kaikour whale watching tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour

P12,535
per adult
Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour
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
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
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

Get rates
Bay Cottages
Sudima Kaikoura

Sudima Kaikoura

5 out of 5
Esplanade, 114, Kaikoura, Canterbury
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,345 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
P5,345
P6,147 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
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! (394 reviews)
"Beautiful place to stay."

Reviewed on Jul 22, 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

Get rates
Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
The White Morph - Heritage Collection

The White Morph - Heritage Collection

4.5 out of 5
92-94 The Esplanade, Kaikoura
The price is P4,972 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
P4,972
P5,717 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
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! (614 reviews)
"Great location ... excellent value for money"

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

The White Morph - Heritage Collection
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

Get rates
Kaikoura Quality Suites
Kaikoura Beach Motel

Kaikoura Beach Motel

2.5 out of 5
124 Esplanade, Kaikoura, Canterbury
The price is P4,317 per night from Jul 24 to Jul 25
P4,317
P4,964 total
Jul 24 - Jul 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (372 reviews)
"Close enough to the town centre to walk but far enough to be peaceful. Clean, well thought of, organized."

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Kaikoura Beach Motel
See all 177 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