South Bay Travel Guide

Kaikōura

Person standing at lake with Kaikoura Seaward Range, Kaikoura South Island New Zealand
South Bay

Popular places to visit

Peninsula Walkway

Peninsula Walkway

Go wildlife spotting as you hike on a coastal route across cliff tops and down to the shoreline. See whales, seals, sea lions and much more.

Peninsula Walkway

Point Kean Seal Colony

Find out about the history of Kaikōura with a stop at Point Kean Seal Colony. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Point Kean Seal Colony

Kaikoura Museum

You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Kaikoura Museum during your travels in Kaikōura. Wander the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Kaikoura Museum

Mount Fyffe

Explore the great outdoors at Mount Fyffe and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Kaikōura. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Mount Fyffe

Kaikoura District Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Kaikoura District Museum during your trip to Kaikōura. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Kaikoura District Museum

Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park

Enjoy an outing to Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park during your stay in Kaikōura. Wander the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park

Things to do

Whale watching in Winter

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

฿3,368
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

฿5,160
per adult
Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)
Picture 7 for Activity Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour

Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour

฿2,608
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour
Whale tail splashing in water in the Kaikour whale watching tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour

฿6,996
per adult
Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

฿3,922
per adult
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip
EcoZop Kaikoura dual ziplines

Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura

฿3,734
per adult
Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura
See all activities in Kaikōura

Top hotels in South Bay

Bay Cottages

Bay Cottages

3 out of 5
29a South Bay Parade Kaikoura
Stay at this beach cottage in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and free bicycles on-site. Popular attractions Kaikoura District Museum and Kaikoura Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (110 reviews)
Super great little place with courteous hosts !

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

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Bay Cottages
Sudima Kaikoura

Sudima Kaikoura

5 out of 5
Esplanade, 114 Kaikoura Canterbury
The price is ฿3,181 per night from 4 May to 5 May
฿3,181
฿3,658 total
4 May - 5 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (542 reviews)
Very nice

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026

Sudima Kaikoura
Alpine-pacific Holiday Park

Alpine-pacific Holiday Park

3 out of 5
69 Beach Road Kaikoura
The price is ฿1,544 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
฿1,544
฿1,775 total
21 Apr - 22 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday park in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Kaikoura Museum and Kaikoura District Museum are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (479 reviews)
The whirlpool was fine, as were the showers and toilets; the kitchen was poorly equipped.

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026

Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
Kaikoura Quality Suites

Kaikoura Quality Suites

3.5 out of 5
154 Beach Road Kaikoura
The price is ฿2,256 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
฿2,256
฿2,595 total
21 Apr - 22 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (454 reviews)
Good parking, great location, clean, friendly staff

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026

Kaikoura Quality Suites
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments

Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments

3 out of 5
126 Esplanade Kaikoura Canterbury
The price is ฿3,138 per night from 4 May to 5 May
฿3,138
฿3,609 total
4 May - 5 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and bike hire on-site. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (608 reviews)
Modern property on the beach. Easy to walikninto town

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2026

Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Alpine View Motel

Alpine View Motel

3 out of 5
146 Beach Road Kaikoura
The price is ฿2,256 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
฿2,256
฿2,595 total
8 Apr - 9 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (558 reviews)
Clean and tidy also right on the beach

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Alpine View Motel
See all 184 properties in South Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around South Bay

Beautiful unique adorable new zealand fur seal resting on the rocks spotted in Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, Canterbury. Amazing marine mammals spotted in New Zealand

Kaikoura Peninsula

If you're spending some time in Kaikoura Peninsula, Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Seal Colony are top sights worth seeing.

Kaikoura Peninsula
Walking around Kaikoura Peninsula, New Zealand on a beautiful Spring day.

Kaikoura Flat

While visiting Kaikoura Flat, you might make a stop by sights like Kaikoura Beach and Mount Fyffe.

Kaikoura Flat

South Bay Travel Guide