DESTINATION

Kaikoura

New Zealand · Canterbury Region

Kaikoura is a town on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand, located on State Highway 1, 180 kilometres (110 mi) north of Christchurch. The town has an estimated permanent resident population of 2,350 as of June 2025. Kaikoura is the seat of the territorial authority of the Kaikoura District, which is part of the Canterbury region. In 2023, Kaikoura was named as one of the "most beautiful small towns in the world".

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Things to do in Kaikoura

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat · 3 h 30 min · from $101.94 · 4.5/5 (3,061 reviews)
Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch · 11 h · from $221.51 · 4.4/5 (197 reviews)
Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura · 3 h · from $82.36 · 5.0/5 (451 reviews)
Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight · 30 min · from $124.95 · 4.8/5 (114 reviews)
Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch · 12 h · from $283.42 · 4.5/5 (29 reviews)
Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura · 3 h 30 min · from $113.03 · 5.0/5 (320 reviews)

All experiences in Kaikoura

Weather by month in Kaikoura

Month	High	Low	Rain
Jan	28.8°C	8.7°C	49 mm
Feb	28.8°C	9.1°C	47 mm
Mar	25.1°C	7.8°C	55 mm
Apr	22.1°C	6.1°C	69 mm
May	19.1°C	4.2°C	63 mm
Jun	16°C	3.8°C	81 mm
Jul	15.4°C	2.4°C	73 mm
Aug	17.1°C	1.3°C	65 mm
Sep	19.4°C	3°C	56 mm
Oct	20.2°C	4.2°C	69 mm
Nov	23.9°C	5.4°C	55 mm
Dec	27.1°C	5.8°C	57 mm