South Bay

Kaikōura

Person standing at lake with Kaikoura Seaward Range, Kaikoura South Island New Zealand
Person standing at lake with Kaikoura Seaward Range, Kaikoura South Island New Zealand
Small but beautiful town. Tons to do. Sadly my seal encounter got cancelled due to weather, but my dolphin encounter was the best thing I've ever done in my entire life. And I heard the whale watching was also phenomenal. When I get back to NZ (hopefully one day), I'll definitely be doing all 3 and spending more time here!

Popular places to visit

Peninsula Walkway featuring general coastal views and rugged coastline

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

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

Point Kean Seal Colony

Find out about the history of Kaikōura when you spend time at Point Kean Seal Colony. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Point Kean Seal Colony

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

Kaikoura Museum

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

Kaikoura Museum

Fyffe House

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

Fyffe House

Things to do

Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

￥19,435
per adult
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip
Whale tail splashing in water in the Kaikour whale watching tour in Christchurch New Zealand.

Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour

￥34,407
per adult
Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour
Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

￥25,573
per adult
Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)
Whale watching in Winter

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

￥16,691
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

￥16,274
per adult
Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight
EcoZop Kaikoura dual ziplines

Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura

￥18,505
per adult
Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura
See all activities in Kaikōura

South Bay Hotel Deals

Bay Cottages

Bay Cottages

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

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026

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Bay Cottages
Kaikoura's lovely South Bays Cottage

Kaikoura's lovely South Bays Cottage

South Bay Kaikoura
Stay at this vacation home in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fyffe House and Peninsula Walkway are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (188 reviews)
Clean and comfortable.

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2026

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Kaikoura's lovely South Bays Cottage
South Bay | Cosy | Private - KK1334, Cosy | Private | South Bay

South Bay | Cosy | Private - KK1334, Cosy | Private | South Bay

Kaikoura
The price is ￥17,303 per night from Mar 12 to Mar 13
￥17,303
￥27,602 total
Mar 12 - Mar 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Kaikōura. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kaikoura District Museum and Kaikoura Museum are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Kylie our host was so helpful and welcoming. Beautiful accommidation, well set up, clean a

Reviewed on Feb 14, 2026

South Bay | Cosy | Private - KK1334, Cosy | Private | South Bay
Kaikoura Fishing Retreat, not just for fishing!!!

Kaikoura Fishing Retreat, not just for fishing!!!

Kaikoura Canterbury
The price is ￥14,981 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
￥14,981
￥33,357 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this vacation home in Kaikōura. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fyffe House and Peninsula Walkway are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
We didn't see the host at all. The property was lovely, modern and in such a fantastic location.

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

Kaikoura Fishing Retreat, not just for fishing!!!
The Kaikoura Bach Retreat

The Kaikoura Bach Retreat

Kaikoura Canterbury
Stay at this vacation home in Kaikōura. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kaikoura District Museum and Kaikoura Museum ...
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The Kaikoura Bach Retreat
Beach front cottage

Beach front cottage

Kaikoura Canterbury
The price is ￥21,535 per night from Mar 13 to Mar 14
￥21,535
￥31,690 total
Mar 13 - Mar 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this cottage in Kaikōura. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Fyffe House and Peninsula Walkway are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
A lovely Bach old but clean overlooking the boat ramp and small harbour

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2026

Beach front cottage
See all 176 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 neighborhoods 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

While visiting Kaikoura Peninsula, you might make a stop by sights like Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Seal Colony.

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

Kaikoura Flat

If you're spending some time in Kaikoura Flat, Mount Fyffe and Kaikoura Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Kaikoura Flat

South Bay