Kaikoura, located in Canterbury, New Zealand, is a nature lover's paradise. With its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches, it offers a perfect getaway. The highlight of this charming town is its incredible whale watching and dolphin encounters. The tranquil forests and majestic mountains provide a serene backdrop for hiking and exploring. For those seeking adventure, surfing in the sea is a popular activity. Kaikoura boasts a range of hotels to cater to tourists, ensuring a comfortable stay. Don't miss out on this idyllic beach destination in Kaikoura.

Kaikōura Hotels from ₹2,421
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Our top choices for Kaikōura hotels




1. Sudima Kaikoura
Sudima Kaikoura- Swimming pool open year-round
- Excellent on-site restaurant and bar
- Free street parking available nearby




2. Kaikoura Quality Suites
Kaikoura Quality Suites- Plenty of onsite parking available
- Supermarket a short walk away
- Great location with friendly staff




3. Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments- Near Kaikoura Beach
- Beautiful location with easy access
- Easy off-street parking available




4. Mondello Kaikoura
Mondello Kaikoura- Shops a short walk away
- Large and clean suite accommodations
- View to the mountains




5. Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
Alpine-pacific Holiday Park- Hot pools and hot tubs available
- Clean, modern bathroom fixtures
- Great location near scenic views




6. The White Morph - Heritage Collection
The White Morph - Heritage Collection- Extremely friendly and helpful staff
- Large, beautifully appointed bathroom
- Stunning views of the seafront




7. Kaikoura Beach Motel
Kaikoura Beach Motel- Lovely location near the beach
- Ultra comfortable bed with linen
- Clean and spacious motel room




8. Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
Kaikoura Boutique Hotel- Charming courtyard with garden seating
- Consistently spotless rooms




9. Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge
Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge- Lovely views from the property
- Relaxing poolside on a warm day
- Lovely spacious and clean rooms




10. The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura
The Fairways Accommodation Kaikoura- Near Kaikoura Beach
- Quick, helpful service from staff
- Very well maintained property




11. Alpine View Motel
Alpine View Motel- Short walk to the beach
- Immaculately clean accommodations




12. Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park
Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park- Short walk to the main road
- Comfy beds with high standard
- Clean and tidy in-room amenities




13. Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura
Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura- Lovely location steps from the beach
- Great water pressure in the shower
- Very clean and cosy rooms




14. Inn the Bay Bed & Breakfast
Inn the Bay Bed & Breakfast- Spacious and quiet location
- Responsive and helpful hosts
- Clean and comfortable accommodations




15. Kaikoura Motor Inn
Kaikoura Motor Inn- Short walk to town centre
- Convenient allocated parking
- Friendly and welcoming staff




16. The Peninsula Kaikoura
The Peninsula Kaikoura- Brilliant location with fast access
- Great staff responsiveness when needed
- Warm comfortable bed in room




17. Lemon Tree Lodge
Lemon Tree Lodge- Sea views from the rooms
- Excellent continental style breakfast
- Large and beautiful rooms




18. Bendamere House Bed & Breakfast
Bendamere House Bed & Breakfast- Immaculately clean and comfortable rooms
- Lovely scenery from the windows




19. Sierra Beachfront Motel
Sierra Beachfront Motel- Close to the beach for easy access
- Cosy beds for a restful night
- Spacious and clean guest rooms




20. Lobster Inn Motel
Lobster Inn Motel- Easy parking for arriving guests
- Comfortable beds for a restful night
- Clean and comfortable rooms throughout
Where to stay in Kaikōura

South Bay
South Bay in Kaikōura captivates visitors with its dramatic coastal scenery. Rocky outcrops host basking fur seals while the Peninsula Walkway reveals migrating whales. The tranquil area blends authentic Kiwi coastal living with natural wonders. Explore tide pools teeming with marine life along the pebbly beach. The backdrop of snow-capped Seaward Kaikōura Range creates stunning contrasts against the Pacific Ocean. Most visitors enjoy wildlife photography or peaceful walks along uncrowded coastal paths.

Kaikoura Flat
Kaikoura Flat offers a breathtaking coastal retreat where dramatic mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. This peaceful residential area serves as the perfect base for marine wildlife adventures like whale watching and dolphin swimming. Mount Fyffe creates a stunning backdrop against the rugged shoreline. The area features quiet streets lined with traditional Kiwi homes and native gardens. Travellers can easily access Kaikoura Beach for scenic walks or venture to nearby Fyffe View Ranch Adventure Park. The natural setting provides an authentic slice of New Zealand coastal living away from urban crowds.

Kaikoura Peninsula
This coastal peninsula dazzles with dramatic shorelines where wildlife encounters happen right before your eyes. Spot playful seals basking on rocky platforms or catch glimpses of whales and dolphins from scenic lookouts. Walking paths wind through native flax and tussock grasslands, revealing panoramic ocean vistas at every turn. The Peninsula Walkway offers the perfect introduction to Kaikoura's natural wonders. Fresh seafood restaurants specialise in local crayfish and green-lipped mussels. Most accommodation feature ocean views and wildlife observation decks where you can enjoy the constant melody of waves and seabirds.
Stay near popular Kaikōura attractions
Peninsula Walkway
Mount Fyffe
Kaikoura Museum
Kaikoura District Museum
Fyffe House
Point Kean Seal Colony
Kaikōura and related destinations
Whale watching boats depart daily to spot sperm whales, dolphins, and fur seals in Kaikōura's nutrient-rich waters. Seafood lovers shouldn't miss the famous crayfish sold from roadside caravans along the scenic coastal highway.
See all hotels in Kaikōura
Top Kaikōura Hotel Reviews
Sudima Kaikoura
"Great staff and location clean room very happy"
Kaikoura Seaside Lodge
"Comfortable clean and good value. The basin was blocked and needed to be cleared. A very heavy-footed people upstairs who could not walk without stomping."
Kaikoura Waterfront Apartments
"Waterfront apartments were a great location, set with views of the ocean and mountains. Facilities are clean, modern and well functioning. Parking included and easy go access. Would recommend!"
Kaikoura Quality Suites
"Friendly and helpful staff. Spacious rooms"
Alpine View Motel
"This recently renovated property had friendly owners, was spacious and quiet. Would recommend for travellers on a budget."
The White Morph - Heritage Collection
"Helpful staff,proximity to town,clean & warm. Only negative was disability bathroom not draining and always wet."
Kaikoura Beach Motel
"Beautiful location and beautiful views. right on the beach."
Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
"I highly recommend Alpine pacific as a solo traveller. It’s affordable, clean and has friendly staff. There is a large section in the centre of the property with bathrooms and showers that were tidy and clean, as well as a laundry room and kitchen (if you’re planning to cook I recommend bringing your own cutlery and pans etc as there is a bit of a lack of it). When I arrived my room I booked online was a suite more suited to if you have your own caravan and I asked the girl at the reception if I could change it and it was no issue at all, she was very straight forward and helpful. The ensuite room I had was warm and tidy when I arrived. The bathroom is a decent size as well. There were also electric blankets on the bed which were very pleasant. The property is about a 10 minute walk to the town centre but it’s a very simple and flat walk. It’s inbetween a BP & Night n day so you have easy access to snacks as well. I’d definitely return here for any future stays I highly enjoyed my time here. My favourite part was listening to the crashing waves of the beach as I fell asleep."
Kaikoura Luxury Apartments
"Lives up to its name!"
More cheap stays in Kaikōura

Dusky Lodge - Hostel

Kaikoura Seaside Lodge

Sierra Beachfront Motel

Kaikoura Beach Motel

Kaikoura Motor Inn

Wacky Stays
Find out more about Kaikōura
Unforgettable marine encounters await in scenic Kaikoura, New Zealand
Top reasons to visit Kaikoura
- Abundant Wildlife: Kaikoura is known for its diverse marine life, including whales, dolphins, and seals. Visitors can enjoy whale watching, observe adorable seals at Point Kean Seal Colony, and spot marine life while hiking along the Peninsula Walkway.
- Spectacular Natural Landscapes: With its stunning coastline, majestic mountains, and tranquil forests, Kaikoura offers breathtaking natural landscapes. Mount Fyffe provides panoramic views of the coastline, while the Peninsula Walkway showcases the beauty of the ocean, beaches, and mountains.
- Beach Getaway: Kaikoura's beautiful beaches, such as South Bay and Kaikoura Flat, offer opportunities for relaxation, beach walks, and surfing. The idyllic coastal views can be admired while strolling along the Kaikoura Esplanade.
- Comfortable Accommodation: Kaikoura boasts a range of hotels to cater to tourists, ensuring a comfortable stay during their visit to this charming town.
- Charming Neighborhoods: Kaikoura offers a variety of areas to explore, each with its own unique attractions. From the vibrant atmosphere of Kaikoura Tonight to the tranquility of Kaikoura Flat, there is something for every traveler.
Find your hotel in Kaikoura
When it comes to hotel accommodations in Kaikoura, you'll be spoilt for choice. From eco-friendly holiday parks to comfortable motor inns and luxurious hotels, there's something to suit every traveler's preference and budget.
- Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park - This 3.0-star rated holiday park offers a range of facilities, including ecotourism activities, surfing, beach access, arcade games, diving opportunities, countryside views, hot tubs, hiking trails, and golfing options.
- Kaikoura Motor Inn - Also a 3.0-star rated motel, the Kaikoura Motor Inn provides services such as concierge assistance, transportation arrangements, friendly staff, guided tours, beautiful gardens, laundry facilities, family-friendly amenities, a no-smoking policy, microwaves in rooms, and free parking.
- Sudima Kaikoura - This 4.5-star rated hotel in Kaikoura offers a high-end experience for discerning travelers.
With its diverse range of accommodations and stunning natural beauty, Kaikoura is the perfect destination for your holiday. Whether you're looking for eco-friendly options, family-friendly motels, or luxurious hotels, Kaikoura has it all. Book your stay in Kaikoura and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Explore the best places to visit and stay in Kaikoura
Kaikoura offers a range of exciting areas and neighborhoods for every traveler. Discover the beauty of South Bay, where you can relax on the beach, go whale watching, spot dolphins, and explore the stunning forests and mountains. The Kaikoura Peninsula is another must-visit destination, with its breathtaking nature, wildlife encounters, and opportunities for surfing and mountain adventures. For a more laid-back experience, Kaikoura Flat offers a tranquil setting with its picturesque landscapes, beach walks, and the chance to observe local wildlife. Don't miss the charming Kaikoura Esplanade, perfect for a leisurely stroll and admiring the coastal views. Finally, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Kaikoura Tonight, with its lively entertainment and dining options. Get ready for an unforgettable holiday in Kaikoura!
- South Bay: Nature, beach, whale watching, dolphins, relaxation, wildlife, forests, mountains, surfing, sea.
- Kaikoura Peninsula: Nature, beach, whale watching, dolphins, relaxation, wildlife, forests, mountains, surfing, sea.
- Kaikoura Flat: Nature, beach, whale watching, dolphins, relaxation, wildlife, forests, mountains, surfing, sea.
Experience the top activities and must-see sights in Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a coastal town in Canterbury, New Zealand, known for its abundant wildlife and stunning natural landscapes.
- Peninsula Walkway: Embark on a hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the ocean, beaches, and mountains, while spotting whales, dolphins, and other marine life along the way.
- Mount Fyffe: Explore this majestic mountain, surrounded by lush forests and offering panoramic views of the coastline. Enjoy hiking or simply immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
- Point Kean Seal Colony: Visit this sealife colony and observe adorable seals in their natural habitat. With the backdrop of stunning cliffs and pristine waters, it's a truly mesmerizing experience.
How to find great deals and cheap hotels in Kaikoura
- Consider booking your accommodation in advance to secure the lowest prices.
- Look for hotels near the nature, beach, whale watching, and dolphin spots to make the most of your stay.
- Check if the hotel offers packages or discounts on activities like wildlife tours, forest hikes, and mountain excursions.
- Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, apart-hotels, or bed & breakfasts.
- Use the search filters on the Expedia website to find the cheapest hotels in Kaikoura that suit your budget.
- If possible, travel during off-peak times like May to July when prices for flights, hotels, and attractions may be lower.
- Save on transportation by using local public transportation options like buses or trains.
- Take advantage of any loyalty or Rewards programs offered by Expedia to earn points and save on future bookings.
- Make sure to read reviews and ratings of hotels on the Expedia website to ensure a comfortable and satisfactory stay.
Discover the flavours of Kaikoura
When it comes to dining in Kaikoura, seafood is the star of the show. One of the highlights is the Kaikoura Seafood BBQ, where you can indulge in a feast of locally caught crayfish, mussels, and other fresh seafood cooked to perfection. It's a unique dining experience that allows you to savor the flavours of the ocean while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Kaikoura.
For those looking for a more traditional dining experience, there are several popular restaurants in the area. Cods & Crayfish is a renowned Australian seafood restaurant, offering a variety of delicious dishes showcasing the best of local seafood. The Craypot is another seafood restaurant that specializes in crayfish, offering a mouthwatering selection of dishes. If you're in the mood for pizza, Black Rabbit Pizza is a pizzeria restaurant that serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings to choose from.
Best time to go to Kaikoura
Kaikoura boasts a year-around average temperature of 11.7°C, peaking at 15.8°C in January, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 7.7°C in July, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 82.9mm annually, with June, October seeing the heaviest showers and January being the driest month.
Month![]() | Temperature (Celcius)![]() | Rainfall (mm)![]() |
| January | 15.8 | 73.9 |
| February | 15.7 | 78.0 |
| March | 14.1 | 76.2 |
| April | 12.1 | 76.2 |
| May | 10.0 | 83.6 |
| June | 8.6 | 88.9 |
| July | 7.7 | 86.4 |
| August | 8.1 | 86.4 |
| September | 9.6 | 83.6 |
| October | 11.4 | 88.9 |
| November | 12.7 | 88.1 |
| December | 14.7 | 84.1 |
The nearest major airports for your trip to Kaikōura
Reaching Kaikōura, Canterbury, can be done via several major airports. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is situated 153km away, with nearby accommodation options like the 5-star Bealey Quarter and LyLo Christchurch, both offering accessible shuttle services. Wellington International Airport (WLG) is about 151km from Kaikōura, with luxurious hotels such as the InterContinental Wellington located just 6km away. Nelson Airport (NSN), 129km from Kaikōura, features fine lodging like the Palazzo Motor Lodge, which is a mere 5km from the airport. These airports provide convenient access, ensuring a smooth journey to your destination.
The Kaikoura info point: What you need to know
Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kaikoura, Canterbury, New Zealand |
| What is Kaikoura known for? | Marine wildlife, whale watching, seal colonies |
| Best time to visit | All year round, but peak season is from November to April |
| Length of Stay | 2-3 days |
| Weather | Mild temperate climate, with cooler temperatures in winter |
| Don't miss | Whale watching tours, swimming with dolphins, Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway |
| Cuisine | Fresh seafood, Maori-inspired dishes |
| Places to visit | Kaikoura Peninsula, Ohau Point Seal Colony, Maori Leap Cave |
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