Here are some of the area’s activities, many of which depend on season of course. Kaikoura is a Mecca for wildlife enthusiasts! Browse this list for ideas…
At SurfWatch
- Bring your laptop - Wireless internet available
- Trampoline for kids
- Barbeque
- Lounge outside in deck chairs
- Relax!
Within 10 minutes of SurfWatch
- Mangamaunu Point, about 5 minutes walk away, is perhaps the South Island’s most famous surfing break. A great and secluded beach walk too.
- Ohau Seal Colony is located about 10 minutes drive north.
- Ohau Waterfall Walk, 10 minutes north, then a 5 minute walk. In the Winter, you may see baby seals playing in the waterfall.
- Seaward Pottery is a 2 minute drive.
- One minute walk to the beach. Beachcombing is fun as “Paua” shells (New Zealand abalone) can be found. Paua is unique for it’s rich blue and green colors.
Around Kaikoura
The Kaikoura area has a range of great activites, most of which are listed below.
Animal Farm
- See llamas, donkeys, miniature horses, spotted sheep, wallabies
Art, Art Lessons, Art Galleries
- Painting/Drawing lessons available
- Make your own stone & clay sculpture
- A variety of Galleries
Bars
- Irish and sports bars, occasional live bands, plenty to sample.
Beachcombing
- Find whole paua shells or beautiful natural polished chips
Bird Watching
- Sea Birds including albatross, shearwaters, etc.
- Land birds including native pigeons, tui’s, perhaps a kea (New Zealand parrot)
Cave Walks
- Limestone caves, guided and educational, see rare straw stalactites and cave pearls
Crafts
- Several local arts & crafts shops and galleries
Crayfish for dinner
- At any restaurant or buy your own from a highway vendor 10 minutes north of SurfWatch
Dolphin and Seal Swimming
- An experience you will never forget
Diving
- Dive lessons
- Scuba gear hire (rental)
- Boat or land-based trips
- Dive with seals!
- Divers rave about diving in Kaikoura
Eco-tours
- So many to choose from!
Farm Bike Tours
- Ride a 4 Wheeler!
Farm Stays
- Find out what farm life is really all about
Fish & Chips Restaurants
- The best in New Zealand
Fishing
- Surf casting from the beach
- Charters - Catch & cook your own fish
Flying
- Learn to fly in Kaikoura
- Wings Over Whales tours
- Charter flights
Four Wheel Drive Tours & Adventures
- See parts of New Zealand few people ever see
Fossil Hunting
- Exciting finds! Anyone can participate
Fudge
- Sensational from the “Woolshed Gallery”
Garden Tours
- Visit Kaikoura’s nicest gardens
Gift Shops
- One of which is a reasonably priced Sheepskin and Knitware specialist
- Plenty of souvenirs, paua, greenstone jewelry, arts & crafts
Golf
- Kaikoura has a great golf course
- Mini Golf too
Greenstone (Jade)
- Experienced and outstanding carvers
Helicopter Charters
- Sightseeing, skiing, snowboarding, hunting, hiking (tramping)
Historic
- Fyffe House
- Kaikoura Museum
Hiking (Tramping)
- Tracks (trails) range from easy 10 minute walks to advanced Helicopter drops
Horse Treks/Riding Lessons
- In the hills or on the beach
Hot Pools
- A Favourite with the locals too, especially in Winter - 2 hours away at Hamner Springs
Hunting
- Bag a trophy stag in the Kaikoura bush
Jet Boat Rides
- A Great Thrill - 2 hours away near Hamner
Kayaking
- Guided Sea Kayak trips
- Equipment hire (rental)
Llama Treks
- Get to know these nutty animals
Learn to Surf
- Board Silly Surf School
- Right out in front of SurfWatch
Lavendar Farm
- Really cute with great products - Lavendyl Farm
Limestone Cave Tour
- See stalactites and stalagmites
Maori Art
* A great local Maori Art Gallery
Maori Tours
- Guided tours, learn about Maori culture and history
Massage Therapy
- Get a massage in Kaikorua
Mini Golf
- Yes, or course, mini-golf too
Multi-Media Presentation
- 20 minute big screen depiction of the Marine environment and wildlife of Kaikoura (Kaikoura Visitors Centre)
Museums
- Kaikoura two great little museums
- A record of Kaikoura’s Maori & European settlement and the whaling days
Paua Jewelry
- Locally made in Kaikoura
Pottery
- Visit Seaward Pottery, 2 minutes from SurfWatch, others in Kaikoura
Railroad Tours
- Ride the train to SeaFest!
Restaurants
- Organic Food - Hislop’s Cafe
- Seafood is a Kaikoura specialty; Come at SeaFest time!
River Swimming
- A few great summer swimming holes in the area.
Rock and Tide Pools
- See fish, crabs, octopus, and shellfish
Sightseeing
- End of the Peninsula
- Seal colony
- Several Coastal Lookout points
Snorkeling
- Kaikoura is famous for it’s underwater world.
Star-gazing
- A guided tour away from city lights and a fabulous evening!
Surfing
- Several breaks beginner to advanced
- Local Surf Shop
- Local shaper, surfboard manufacturer, ding repair - outstanding designs - Surge Surfboards
Swim With
- Dolphins
- Seals
Skiing/Snowboarding
- 1 hour from Kaikoura. Equipment hire (rental) and instruction available (June to September)
- Ski chalets, ski lodge, restaurant
Tramping (Hiking)
- Tracks (trails) range from easy 10 minute walks to advanced Helicopter drops
Whale Watching Tours
- By boat, plane, or helicopter
Winery
- Kaikoura’s own wines. Very scenic and with an underground cellar.