Exploring Kaikoura with Kids: A Memorable Family Adventure

By Auckland for Kids
Published: August 21, 2023
Updated: Tuesday 11 June 2024

Kaikoura is a small coastal town in New Zealand’s South Island and is a fun family getaway with stunning natural beauty, marine wildlife encounters, and lot’s of kid-friendly activities.

Getting There

Getting to Kaikoura is an enjoyable part of the journey itself. The picturesque tow hour drive from Christchurch offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and lush landscapes that the South Island is famous for. The kids will be kept entertained (hopefully) by pointing out fluffy sheep and playful dolphins in the distance.

Where to Stay

When it comes to accommodation, although Kaikoura is a small town there are lot’s of accommodation options to suit every family’s needs. From cozy cottages to family-friendly motels, you’ll find a place that feels like a home away from home.

We opted for a cabin by the beach, which gave us easy access to the shore and allowed our kids to spend their mornings building sandcastles and searching for seashells.

Whale Encounters

One of the highlights of Kaikoura is its abundant marine life, and trust us, your kids are going to love it! The town is known for its whale watching tours, where you can spot majestic creatures like sperm whales, humpback whales, and even the elusive orcas. Booking a tour is a must-do, and the excitement on your kids’ faces when they spot their first whale is truly priceless. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of penguins, seals, and other marine residents during your cruise too!

Swim with the Dolphins

Kaikoura was the first place in New Zealand where you could go on tours to swim with wild dolphins. There are quiet a few tour companies that take you out on a boat tow swim with the dolphins such as: Dolphin Encounter.

Discover the Fur Seals in the Wild

Spot all the fur seals sunbathing on the rocks in Kaikorua at the Oahu Point viewing platform or on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.

For families with younger children, seal swimming tours are a fantastic option. Yes you read that correctly, you can go swimming with the seals. Your little ones will have a blast swimming alongside playful fur seals in their natural habitat. Remember to bring waterproof cameras to capture those unforgettable underwater moments!

Visit the Lavender Farm

You can find Lavendyl Farm near Mount Fyffe which is only a 5 minute drive from the Kaikoura township. The best time to visit is from November to end end of January when the lavender is in full bloom and smells great. Plus it’s the perfect time to capture some family photos in the lavender fields.

Family Coastal Hike

The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a great family-friendly hike, boasting stunning views of the coastline and the chance to spot seals sunbathing on the rocks and seabirds. The walkway takes three hours if you do it all, but there are shorter tracks as well. Pack some snacks, water, and your phone to capture some family holiday photos with the kids!

Horse Riding Adventure

For those seeking a bit of adventure, you can go horseback riding along the beach or through the scenic countryside. Experience a horse ride with panaramic views from the Kaikoura mountain range to the Pacific through native bush and rolling pastures. Personalised rides 2-5 hours. Not suitable for beginners. 5 hour ride includes lunch. Guided rides welcome for hunt clubs, adult riding groups and other senior riding groups.Your little cowboys and cowgirls will love the experience, and the landscapes will leave you in awe.

Learn about Kaikoura’s History

Visit the Kaikoura Museum in it’s iconic “craypot” shaped building to discover the district’s fascinating connection with the sea.

Explore the pink Fyffe House cottage that rests on piles made from the vertebrae of a mighty Southern right whale and discover the stories of the families that lived in the house and the New Zealand whaling industry.

Play MiniGolf

Head to Emporium Brewing to challenge the family to a game of 18 hole mini golf whilst looking at the mountain views. They have escape rooms too if you want some more family challenges.

Go Trekking with Llamas

Head out for a half day trek along Kaikoura Bay, and see the seal colony and have a picnic with Kaikoura Llama Trekking. Or if you want something shorter they have a one hour Taster Trek along the Kowhai River.

Catch a movie

Head to the pink 1930’s art deco The Mayfair Arts & Culture Centre | Te Whare Toi ō Kaikōura! on the Esplanade to see the latest movies or a special live music event.

Eating Out

No family trip is complete without sampling the local cuisine, and Kaikoura won’t disappoint. Kaikoura means “meal of crayfish” in Maori so it will be no surprise that seafood is a local delicacy. Head to Kaikoura Seafood BBQ Kiosk next to Jimmy Armers Beach for fresh whitebait fritters and seafood platters. Check out the food truck Nins Bin‘s freshly caught crayfish on State Highway 1. Kids love the classic cards and old school diner vibe at Bernie’s Diner which is open for breakfast and lunch. Or get takeaways from Cods and Crayfish on Beach Road. And if seafood is not your thing, then you can buy some fresh cheese at the Kaikoura Cheese shop. We found that many restaurants are kid-friendly and offer children’s menus, making dining out stress-free.

Practical Tips

Here are a few practical tips to ensure your family trip to Kaikoura goes off without a hitch:

Pack Layers: The weather can change quickly, so be sure to pack layers to accommodate for different temperatures.
Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for everyone in the family.
Camera and Binoculars: Capture the memories and spot wildlife from afar with a good camera and a pair of binoculars.
Booking in Advance: Popular activities like whale watching tours can fill up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance.
Stay Flexible: While having an itinerary is helpful, be open to spontaneous adventures that your kids might discover along the way or a change in plan due to the weather.

Our family trip to Kaikoura was a blend of awe-inspiring natural beauty, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and quality family time. Whether your kids are budding marine biologists or simply love exploring new places, Kaikoura has something special in store for everyone. So go ahead, start planning your family adventure to Kaikoura.

Remember, it’s not just a trip—it’s an opportunity for your family to bond, explore, and create stories that will be passed down through generations. Happy travels!The w

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