rovostays·

Things to do in Kaikoura

23 experiences — hand-picked & rephrased

Top 23 things to do in Kaikoura

  1. Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight, Kaikoura01

    1. Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight

    5.0· 8 reviews1 hoursFrom₹39,104/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from head to tail, offering you a unique and uninterrupted vantage point of these magnificent marine mammals. Enjoy the true Kaikoura 'where the mountains meet the sea' experience by further exploring the Seaward Kaikoura ranges and a Alpine landing with magnificent views.

  2. Kaikōura Scenic Heli-Gin Experience, Kaikoura02

    2. Kaikōura Scenic Heli-Gin Experience

    5.0· 6 reviews1.5 hoursFrom₹2,56,804/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Indulge in a truly exclusive Kaikōura helicopter tour that combines breathtaking aerial views with a premium gin tasting experience. Relax and enjoy a scenic flight around the Kaikōura Peninsula and the stunning Seaward Kaikōura mountain ranges, taking in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline from above. Your pilot will guide you through the Kaikoura landscape before landing at our exclusive hilltop location. There, you'll meet Justine Schroder, owner of Mt Fyffe Distillery, who will pour you a tasting of her award-winning small batch London dry gin. Hear the story behind the creation of her distinctive blends, crafted using botanicals sourced from their family farm and the local Kaikōura environment. This Kaikōura gin tasting tour includes a complimentary 375ml bottle of Woolshed Gin or Shearwater Gin, perfect for continuing the experience at home. Please note: PRICE IS PER TRIP – Up to 5 passengers, not per adult.

  3. 1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura, Kaikoura03

    3. 1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura

    5.0· 2 reviews1 hoursFrom₹25,389/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    This tour is perfect for a romantic getaway, family adventure or group of friends. We are sure that you will enjoy this unique experience and remember it forever. Fly with Kaikoura Helicopters and enjoy a delicious picnic at altitude amongst the stunning Kaikoura Seaward Ranges with 360-degree views of this unique and rugged coastline. The pilot will choose the best location on the day, where weather conditions are best and the views are finest. After a scenic flight around the lower levels of the seaward Kaikoura ranges, land at a secluded landing site. Our picnic offers spectacular views of the Kaikoura township and Peninsula. On a fine day, you can look North along the coastline to spot Wellington and South to Banks Peninsula.

  4. Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet, Kaikoura04

    4. Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet

    5.0· 1 reviews2 hoursFrom₹54,279/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet – The Ultimate Helicopter & Jet Boat Shore Excursion Depart from our beachfront helipads for a scenic helicopter tour of the stunning Kaikoura Coast, soaring over dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters—perfect for birds-eye views and photography. Then, experience the thrill of Energy Jet with a 30-minute return jet boat ride up the spectacular Hurunui River Gorge, navigating twists and turns surrounded by towering cliffs and native flora. After your jet boat adventure, board your helicopter for a scenic return flight north along the Hurunui River mouth and Kaikoura coastline. This helicopter and jet boat combination offers an unforgettable perspective of Kaikoura’s landscapes, wildlife, and natural beauty—ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cruise ship shore excursions. Highlights: scenic helicopter flight, jet boat adventure, coastal return flight, prime photo opportunities, unforgettable Kaikoura experience.

  5. Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour, Kaikoura05

    5. Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

    5.0· 1 reviews1.5 hoursFrom₹46,633/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Departing from our centrally located beachfront pads, skirting the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, before climbing over 8000 feet into the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges where you get to experience the vast, rugged mountain ranges and seaward views. All from the comfort of your luxury helicopter. Take the opportunity to stand on the highest mountain outside of the Southern Alps and soak in the magnificent views of the East Coast of the South Island and Pacific Ocean.

  6. 40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura, Kaikoura06

    6. 40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

    5.0· 1 reviews40 minFrom₹23,054/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Experience the true beauty of Kaikoura and mountain top experience without the 4 hour hike. On a clear day the view stretches from the North Island to Banks Peninsula. During Winter there is often an abundance of snow to play in, take pictures and build a snowman!

  7. Llama Trek (Half-day) - Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony, Kaikoura07

    7. Llama Trek (Half-day) - Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony

    5.0· 167 reviews3.5 hoursFrom₹14,533/ person
    Free cancellationLikely to sell out

    Spend quality time with one of the world's most exotic animals. You trek with your own llama, who walks on a lead, at your side, while carrying your belongings in saddle bags. Llama are highly intelligent, clever animals = requiring that you get to know them (and work with them) to successfully complete your trek. The subtle 'bond' you form with your llama companion is highly rewarding. You experienced guide will help you get to know your woolly companion. Your guide will also share a range of local Kaikoura history and information, including the extraordinary effects of the 2016 earthquake (the largest ever recorded in New Zealand) You do not ride your llama.

  8. Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura, Kaikoura08

    8. Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura

    5.0· 279 reviews3.5 hoursFrom₹11,615/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmationLikely to sell out

    A half day of adventure in nature awaits you in Kaikōura, with five zipline flights, totalling 2.2km, above lush rolling farmland, native forest, an interpretive walk through a private 3,000-acre station, and a ride on custom-built 4X4 Unimog. Departing from central Kaikōura township, your journey will begin with a scenic drive, with a breathtaking backdrop of the Seaward Range and views over South Bay, this is an eco adventure not to be missed!

  9. Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura, Kaikoura09

    9. Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

    5.0· 442 reviews3 hoursFrom₹7,193/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    This tour offers 2 different kayaking options for you to choose from: Seal Kayak tour and the Sunset Kayak Tour. It is the first kayak tour in New Zealand to offer hands free kayaking. Now with the largest human muscle group in play, kayaking becomes easier and more efficient than ever. Come get up close and personal with the New Zealand fur seal as they play around and under your hands free pedal kayak. Taking photos/selfies have never been easier now you can capture all your moments without stopping!

  10. Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour, Kaikoura10

    10. Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour

    5.0· 81 reviews1.5 hoursFrom₹7,821/ person
    Free cancellationLikely to sell out

    Enjoy a 1hr Taster Llama Trek - along the Kowhai River banks and riverbed. Surrounded throughout by protected native woodland, and abundant wildlife.

  11. Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura, Kaikoura11

    11. Seal Swimming Tour from Kaikoura

    5.0· 279 reviews2.5 hoursFrom₹9,280/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmationLikely to sell out

    Swim with wild New Zealand Fur Seals in the pristine waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula. This is an experience that you do not want to miss! All equipment is provided including wetsuits. 0nce listed as one of the world's 'Top 10 Best Marine Encounters'. Don't miss out!

  12. Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura, Kaikoura12

    12. Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

    4.9· 46 reviews3 hoursFrom₹23,346/ person
    Free cancellation

    Kaikōura’s Original Kayak Operator – Est. 1998 Celebrating 27 years on the water! New Zealand’s only sea kayak operator with a marine mammal permit to view NZ Fur Seals, Dolphins, and Whales. Kaikōura’s exclusive kayak operator licensed for Dolphin, Seal, and Whale viewing. NZ’s first “Friend of the Sea” sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale encounters. Paddle in traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits, spray skirts (for a dry ride), and rudders for easy steering. Led by qualified sea kayak guides with local expertise. 100% guaranteed Fur Seal sightings on every tour! Family-friendly adventures, operating year-round. The Wildlife Kayaking Tour – the Real Deal! Come experience Kaikōura’s incredible marine life up close in a sustainable, unforgettable way.

Browse by what you want

Filter the list

Looking for landmarks instead? See the top places to visit in Kaikoura.

People also ask

People also ask about Kaikoura

The activities ranked above are sorted by traveller rating and review count — start with the top 3 if you're short on time. Kaikoura is strongest on heritage walks, food tours and outdoor day trips; the listicle covers all three categories. Most experiences are 3–6 hours and can be combined with a morning visit to a landmark.

Explore more

Things to do in nearby destinations

More destinations in New Zealand with curated lists from the Rovostays editorial team. Each opens the full guide for that city.