Activities in Kaikoura
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Dolphin Encounter
Here’s your chance to rub shoulders with pods of dusky dolphins on three-hour tours; wet suits, masks and snorkels are provided. Limited numbers, so book in advance.
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Whale Watch Kaikoura
With knowledgeable guides and fascinating ‘world of whales’ onboard animation, Kaikoura’s biggest operator heads out (with admirable frequency) in boats equipped with hydrophones (underwater microphones) to pick up whale soundings. It’ll refund 80% of your fare if no whales are sighted (success rate: 98%). Sailings may be cancelled if the weather turns to custard, so if this trip is a must for you, allow a few days flexibility.
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Board Silly Surf Adventures
Mangamaunu Beach, 15km north of Kaikoura, has wicked surf (a 500m point break when it’s working). Board Silly Surf Adventures here, can teach you to surf, or if you already can, it’ll hire you a wetsuit and board ($40).
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Kaikoura Winery
If you haven’t yet exceeded your annual wine intake around Blenheim, sip a few local drops at Kaikoura Winery, 2km south of town off SH1. The building and views more than make up for the unremarkable wines (our pick is the bubbly).
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Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park
Farmy Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park offers horse treks including a sunset trek. Bone-shaking mountain kart luge, farm-animal feeding and woodshed archery are also available.
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Albatross Encounter
Bird-nerds fly at the opportunity for a close encounter with pelagic species: albatross, shearwaters, shags, mollymawks and petrels. Albatross Encounter is run by the same folks as Dolphin Encounter.
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Skydive Kaikoura
Based at Kaikoura Airport, Skydive Kaikoura, otherwise known as Sarah and Henk, will bring you down to earth in its own personal style. Handicam ($129) and photo packages ($39) are available.
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Dive Kaikoura
The whole coastline, with its rocky formations and abundant marine life, offers fabulous snorkelling and diving. Dive Kaikoura runs small-group trips and diver training.
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Kaikoura Helicopters
Reliable whale-spotting flights (standard tour 30 minutes $195 for three or more people), plus jaunts around the peninsula, Mt Fyffe, and peaks beyond.
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Fish Kaikoura
Short-and-sweet fishing (sea perch and blue cod) and crayfishing trips, launching from Kaikoura Beach. Ask about longer trips. No fish: no charge!
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Kaikoura Kayaks
Guided sea-kayak tours to view fur seals and explore the peninsula’s coastline. Kayaking lessons, freedom hire and kayak fishing also available.
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Kaikoura Fishing Charters
Dangle a line from the good ship Takapu, then take your filleted, bagged catch home to eat. Trips depart from South Bay Wharf.
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Wings Over Whales
Light-plane flights departing from Kaikoura Airport 7km south of town. Spotting success rate: 95%.
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Maori Tours Kaikoura
Unique and fascinating half-day, small-group tours laced with Maori hospitality and local lore. Visit ancient sites, hear legends and understand indigenous use of trees and plants. Advance bookings required.
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Kaikoura Wilderness Walks
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Kaikoura Mountain Safaris
Journey into the backcountry in a 4WD or Unimog – three different tours (two to three daily) taking in alpine vistas, remote farms and the Clarence River valley.
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Kaikoura Coast Track
A three-day, 40km, self-guided walk through private farmland and along the photogenic Amuri Coast, 50km south of Kaikoura. The price includes three nights’ farm-cottage accommodation and pack transport; BYO sleeping bag and food (some supplies and meals available). A two-day mountain-bike option costs $85.
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Clarence River Rafting
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Mangamaunu Beach
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Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a must-do if humanly possible. Starting from the town, this three- to four-hour loop heads out to Point Kean, along the cliffs to South Bay, then back to town over the isthmus. En route you’ll see fur seals, and red-billed seagull and shearwater (aka mutton bird) colonies. Lookouts and interesting interpretive panels abound. Collect a map at the i-SITE or follow your nose.
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