South Bay Travel Guide

Kaikoura
Photo by Nicole Smelson
Photo by Nicole Smelson

Popular places to visit

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Peninsula Walkway

4.5/5(10 reviews)

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
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Mount Fyffe

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

Mount Fyffe
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Point Kean Seal Colony

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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

Point Kean Seal Colony
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Fyffe House

You can learn about the history of Kaikoura with a trip to Fyffe House. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Fyffe House
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Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park

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

Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park
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Kaikoura District Museum

4/5(3 reviews)

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

Kaikoura District Museum

Things to do

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

฿8,473
Per adult
1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura
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Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura

฿8,582
Per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikoura
Image for Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

฿15,643
Per adult
Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour
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Private Helicopter Trial Flight in Kaikōura

฿10,211
Per adult
Private Helicopter Trial Flight in Kaikōura
Image for 40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura

฿7,930
Per adult
40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura
Image for Kaikoura: 40-Minute Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

Kaikoura: 40-Minute Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

฿5,975
Per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Kaikoura: 40-Minute Whale Watching Flight with Commentary
See all activities in Kaikoura

Top hotels in South Bay

Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
3 out of 5
69 Beach Road, Kaikoura
The price is ฿1,722 per night from 22 May to 23 May
฿1,722
per night
22 May - 23 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (346 reviews)
"Very nice and lovely location"

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
Bay Cottages
Bay Cottages
3 out of 5
29a South Bay Parade, Kaikoura
Stay at this 3-star beach cottage in Kaikoura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and free bicycles on-site. Popular attractions Kaikoura District Museum and Kaikoura ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (96 reviews)
"Enjoyable and convenient stay near dolphin, orca and seal watching."

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2024

Get rates
Bay Cottages
Sudima Kaikoura
Sudima Kaikoura
4.5 out of 5
Esplanade, 114, Kaikoura, Canterbury
The price is ฿3,376 per night from 3 Jun to 4 Jun
฿3,376
per night
3 Jun - 4 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kaikoura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (150 reviews)
"The welcome was very warm and the suite had stunning views of the water and mountains. Positive feedback could have had nother waste bin and mirror in the bedroom"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Sudima Kaikoura
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
3 out of 5
126 Esplanade, Kaikoura, Canterbury
The price is ฿3,052 per night from 28 May to 29 May
฿3,052
per night
28 May - 29 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and premium TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (380 reviews)
"Excellent location and wonderful staff - would highly recommend."

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
The Fairways Luxury Accommodation Kaikoura
The Fairways Luxury Accommodation Kaikoura
3.5 out of 5
1 Kersage Drive - Ocean Ridge, Kaikoura
The price is ฿3,187 per night from 25 May to 26 May
฿3,187
per night
25 May - 26 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (333 reviews)
"such a beautiful place. 10/10 recommend to anyone wanting to stay in kaikōura."

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

The Fairways Luxury Accommodation Kaikoura
Alpine View Motel
Alpine View Motel
3 out of 5
146 Beach Road, Kaikoura
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,849 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
฿2,849
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews.
8.4/10 Very Good! (464 reviews)
"Fantastic location, just a literal skip over the train tracks and you’re on the beach! Everything was pristine in the room, very comfortable. Quick drive into town with tons of shopping and food options. The seal colony nearby was a highlight of our trip. Highly recommend the Alpine View for a lovely ..."

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2024

Alpine View Motel
See all 146 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

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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
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Kaikoura Flat

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

Kaikoura Flat

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