Things to Do in Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs

Things to Do in Kaikoura: The town’s name means “to eat crayfish” (kai is food, kōura is crayfish), and it is where the Kaikōura Mountains meet the sea. A deep undersea canyon plunges to more than 1,200 metres close to shore and draws sperm whales, fur seals and dusky dolphins within easy reach. Go whale watching by boat or by air, swim with seals or dolphins, and eat the local crayfish. Then follow the Alpine Pacific Touring Route inland to Hanmer Springs, an alpine village with more than 22 outdoor thermal pools.

Experience Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs

• Whales, dolphins and fur seals
• Fresh crayfish and local seafood
• Scenic flights over the mountains and coast
• Hanmer Springs thermal pools and spa
• The Alpine Pacific Touring Route

You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…

• Meet sperm whales on a whale watching tour by boat or scenic flight
• Swim with seals or dolphins
• Watch the fur seal colony at Ohau Point
• Fly over the Kaikōura ranges, with alpine landings and picnics
• Soak in the Hanmer Springs thermal pools
• Taste Kaikōura crayfish and the region’s seafood

Where to Experience It in Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs

Kaikōura is a compact coastal town and Hanmer Springs is about a 90-minute drive inland from Christchurch, so the easiest way to plan your things to do in Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs is by area and theme. Where we have a matching activity, the name links to it.

• Marine life: sperm whales share the water with dusky dolphins, fur seals and albatross, and rare Hector’s dolphins, humpback whales and orca visit through the year. See the marine life from a boat or get closer by swimming with seals or dolphins. See Wildlife & Beaches and Boat Cruises & Water Activities.
• From above: scenic flights by helicopter or plane give 360-degree views of the ocean and mountain ranges, with alpine landings, picnics, heli rafting and whale and dolphin watching also on offer. See Scenic Flights.
• On the water: fishing grounds, reef diving, surf breaks and kayaking along the coast.
• On land: quad biking on a working farm, zip lining, a lavender farm, llama trekking, a local brewery and mountain bike and walking tracks, including the coastal pathway, the Kaikōura Peninsula and Mt Fyffe. See Walking & Hiking and Cycling & Mountain Biking.
• Culture and history: Fyffe House, the Kaikōura Museum, The Mayfair cinema and arts venue, and cultural artwork with interpretation panels along 60 km of coastline, created with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura.
• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa: more than 22 outdoor thermal, sulphur and freshwater pools, plus hydroslides and private pools, and The Spa next door. See Hot Pools & Health Spas.
• Hanmer Springs village: horse treks, mini golf, the Hanmer Springs Animal Park, golf courses, forest trails and, in winter, skiing and snowboarding.
• North Canterbury wine region: the Waipara Valley is an award-winning wine region with winery restaurants. See Food & Wine.

Events in Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs

Kaikōura’s location and weather suit outdoor events all year round.

• Kegkoura: the annual craft beer festival.
• The Kaikōura Hop: a premier car show.
• The Kaikōura Whale Run: a half marathon, with 12 km, 5 km and Marafun options.
• Crayfest: a festival that celebrates Kaikōura’s most famous kaimoana, the crayfish.
• Sport and community: the Kaikōura Mountains to Sea Marathon, the Kaikōura Adventure Race (24, 12, 6 and 3 hour options), the 48 Hour photography event, the A&P Show and the Kaikōura Races.

Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs After Dark

Hours and programmes change, so confirm with each operator.

• Dark skies: the official guide features Kaikōura Dark Skies for stargazing.
• Cinema and arts: The Mayfair in Kaikōura.
• Hanmer Springs: a private spa pool on a balcony lets you soak under the stars, offered by several of the village’s accommodation providers.

Eat & Drink in Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs

Kaikōura is a mecca for seafood lovers. Local specialties include groper, cod, mussels and, of course, the town’s namesake crayfish. Oysters, scallops and whitebait are available in season.

• Try your hand at Hapuku Kitchen, a farm-to-table cooking school.
• Visit the local brewery, and the cafés and restaurants of Kaikōura.
• In Hurunui, taste your way through the Waipara Valley’s cellar doors and winery restaurants, and visit the weekend farmers’ market in Amberley.
• Browse more at Food & Wine.

Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs by Season

The marine experiences in Kaikōura are available all year, and the region is, in the official guide’s words, a destination for all seasons.

• All year: whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds. In winter, weather can change quickly, so be prepared on cycle trails.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): skiing and snowboarding near Hanmer Springs, and thermal pool soaks.

For national dates such as Waitangi Day, Matariki and Great Walks season, see New Zealand Festivals.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Getting there: Kaikōura is on the east coast of the South Island between Christchurch and Picton. You can self-drive, take the Coastal Pacific train or travel by bus.
• Ohau Point: pull over at the viewing area to watch the fur seal colony, a 25-minute drive north of Kaikōura.
• Alpine Pacific Touring Route: a 450 km route through wineries, alpine thermal pools, wild surf, mountains and marine life. See the official route page.
• Camping: please stay at a local holiday park or the DOC campsite in the Puhi Puhi Valley.
• Visitor information: the Kaikōura i-SITE is at West End, Kaikōura. See also Hurunui’s getting here and getting around.
• Check conditions: check road and weather updates before you travel.

Driving times

• Christchurch to Kaikōura: about 2 hours 30 minutes
• Picton (Marlborough) to Kaikōura: about 2 hours
• Christchurch to Hanmer Springs: about 90 minutes · Hurunui is about 45 minutes north of Christchurch Airport

Combine Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs With

Kaikōura sits on the Christchurch to Picton route, so it pairs well with these regions:

• Marlborough – Picton and the Sounds, about two hours north
• Christchurch & Canterbury – about two and a half hours south, with Hanmer Springs on the way inland
• Nelson Tasman – Abel Tasman and Golden Bay, via Marlborough
• West Coast – across the Southern Alps from Hanmer Springs

Popular themes in Kaikoura & Hanmer Springs

Wildlife & Beaches · Boat Cruises & Water Activities · Scenic Flights · Hot Pools & Health Spas · Food & Wine

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