Housed in a modern building designed to resemble a crayfishing pot, this whizz-bang museum illuminates the region's geology and natural and social histories with well-curated exhibitions. Highlights include the fossilised remains of a plesiosaur and a mosasaur, a holographic prisoner in a padded cell, and poignant displays on the 2016 earthquake.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Emporium Brewing

0.59 MILES

Fill up a takeaway rigger or buy bottles of Emporium's tasty brews at this simple taproom. There are also escape rooms (two players $70; book ahead) and…

2. Fyffe House

1.59 MILES

Kaikōura’s oldest surviving building and the last remaining part of the Waiopuka whaling station, Fyffe House's whale-bone foundations were laid in 1844…

3. Point Sheep Shearing Show

1.84 MILES

The 30-minute Point Sheep Shearing Show at the Point B&B is fun and educational. You can feed a ram, and lambs between September and February.

4. Lookout

1.89 MILES

Scenic lookout over South Bay on the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway.

5. Lookout

2.19 MILES

Scenic lookout over the seal colony at the southern end of the Kaikōura Peninsula.

6. Point Kean Seal Colony

2.24 MILES

New Zealand fur seals can usually be spotted lazing around on the rocks at the end of the peninsula. Give them a wide berth (10m), and never get between…

7. Lookout

2.26 MILES

At the northern entrance to the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, overlooking the Point Kean Seal Colony.