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.
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.
Kaikoura Flat gives you front-row seats to nature's greatest hits without the tourist crowds. The majestic Mount Fyffe towers over peaceful residential streets while Kaikoura Beach offers the perfect spot to scan for marine wildlife. Take morning walks along the shoreline or venture to nearby trails that wind through the Seaward Kaikoura Range.
The area's vacation rentals and B&Bs typically come with stunning ocean or mountain views. You'll need a rental car to explore properly, as dining options require a quick 5-10 minute drive into Kaikoura township, where fresh seafood awaits. The quiet neighborhood vibe makes this spot perfect for stargazers and those seeking authentic coastal New Zealand.
South Bay invites you to witness coastal magic where fur seals bask on dramatic rocky outcrops and whales migrate past viewing platforms. Stroll the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway for breathtaking ocean panoramas or explore tide pools teeming with fascinating marine life. The pebbly beach and unspoiled shoreline offer authentic New Zealand coastal experiences away from crowds.
Seafood lovers can savor fresh crayfish and blue cod at casual waterfront eateries. Choose from charming B&Bs or self-contained apartments with ocean views, most featuring outdoor decks and direct beach access. A rental car is essential as public transport is limited, though walking paths connect to the main township just 15 minutes away.
Kaikoura Peninsula serves up the ultimate wildlife show right from its dramatic shorelines. Fur seals bask on rocky platforms while lucky visitors might spot whales and dolphins playing in the Pacific. The Peninsula Walkway winds through native flax and tussock grasslands with killer ocean views at every turn. Point Kean Seal Colony offers up-close encounters with New Zealand's furry locals without the crowds.
Seafood is the star here, with restaurants dishing up fresh crayfish and green-lipped mussels just steps from where they're caught. Most accommodations are eco-lodges and boutique motels with wildlife observation decks. Getting around requires a car, but the well-maintained coastal tracks make exploring on foot a breeze.
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Kaikoura District Museum during your trip to Kaikōura. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.
Admired for its mountains and seaside, Kaikōura features attractions such as Kaikoura Beach and Peninsula Walkway. This beachside city has something for everyone including sights like Mount Fyffe and Fyffe House.
This town was magical!! There is so much to do and small enough to walk most places. Don't miss Flo & Co, The Why Not cafe, The Whaler, excellent restaurants in town and Kaikoura Seafood BBQ and I Sea Gelato right next door out on the Pennisula!
Elaine
10.0/10
Excellent
We really enjoyed Kaikoura. The scenery is spectacular and the seal colony very close by. Would love to re visit sometime in the future especially with a cycle trail linking to Picton planned for the future.
Stewart
10.0/10
Excellent
Kaikoura North Bay is stunningly beautiful and the hike up and around the Kaikoura Peninsula is a must do. Spotted Hector's dolphins frolicking adjacent to the hotel.
Calvin
10.0/10
Excellent
A much nicer wee town than we expected and the place to get cruises for Dolphin and Whale spotting. We saw Orcas too!
Ian
8.0/10
Good
The people are so friendly and there are lots of activities to do if you have the time. We went Whale watching and what had to be 50+ dolphins, in a helicopter and then a mountain and coastal flight in a 4 seater aircraft. Both great experiances.
David
10.0/10
Excellent
Kaikoura is the place for whale watching and we weren't disappointed. The trip was well worth it. We saw two whales and lots of other wildlife. It was great!
Eileen T
10.0/10
Excellent
We enjoyed local hikes and a guided tour to see albatross and other sea birds.
Jean C.
10.0/10
Excellent
Lots of adventures here! Also seals, whales, dolphins and penguins. Yay!
Harryl
8.0/10
Good
Whale watching was good. Nice town, lovely long waterfront. Lots of interesting looking restaurants.Only tried the one as only in town for 1 night. Tried to get an Uber from station to hotel, app lets you, then you wait as there are no ubers in town.
Gary
10.0/10
Excellent
We loved Kaikura for the whale watching, souvenir shopping and food options. If I was to plan the trip again, I would stay longer!
"Loved the location which was outside of the town. Super clean and beautiful layout. Very homely with gas fire in the lounge. Host was lovely - overall would highly recommend and would stay again."
"Arrived late at night in the middle of a storm and was given really clear, easy to follow instructions on how to find and access the room after hours. Was welcomed to a warm room that was beautiful & spacious, bed was super comfy, and in the morning opened the curtains to a stunning view of the beach and the ocean - loved the stay here!"
If you need the flexibility to change your plans to Kaikōura, most hotels offer refundable* rates you can book. You can see these accommodations by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow down the results.
Where can I stay in Kaikōura if I'm looking for a cheap accommodation?
Sierra Beachfront Motel is an accommodation you might want to consider that'll save you money. You may want to browse more choices on our site, including 13 motels.
Where can I stay in Kaikōura if I want a vacation home instead of a traditional hotel?
If you're looking for a good alternative to a hotel, review our selection of 59 vacation homes. You can also consider one of the 28 apartments or 10 cottages.
What will the weather in Kaikōura be like during my trip?
January and February are typically the warmest months in Kaikōura when the average temp is 62°F. July and August are the coldest months when the average temperature is 48°F. June and July are the months with the most rain.
Why should I book my Kaikōura accommodation with Hotels.com?
There are lots of reasons to book your Kaikōura trip with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels gives you flexibility, and with One Key™, our rewards program, you will be able to earn and use OneKeyCash™* on all eligible bookings such as hotels, car rentals, flights, vacation rentals and more on Hotels.com, Expedia and Vrbo.
Find out more about Kaikōura
Find out more about Kaikōura
Kaikōura is a relaxing place known for its beaches. Enjoy fun activities like whale watching and dolphin viewing. Nature lovers can visit Peninsula Walkway and Mount Fyffe. While you're in town, don't miss a chance to see sights like Kaikoura Beach and Fyffe House.
