Family Weekend Away
Kaikōura’s unique mountain and ocean environment offers the ultimate outdoor playground for families to explore. The region has plenty of guided and free scenic ocean and land-based activities with unique marine wildlife encounters all year round.
- Duration 3 Days
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Day 1
Exploring along the shore
Start your family weekend in Kaikōura with a guided kayak tour to explore the bays of the Kaikōura Peninsula and watch the seals in action on the water alongside your double kayak. Get on the water for an active family activity with Kaikōura Kayaks or choose a hands-free pedal kayak experience with Seal Kayak Kaikōura. The morning tours are usually calm on the ocean and suitable for families with (younger) kids to enjoy.
After lunch stretch your legs and go for a wander around the Point Kean Seal Colony. This rocky area is a popular hangout spot for the NZ fur seals during the day. There is a track from the carpark that leads up to lookout with panoramic views of the mountains. Here you can also start the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, Kaikōura’s signature walk. This stunning 3-hour loop walk can be split up in smaller sections to be enjoyed by all family members.
Finish your walk at Gooch’s Beach on the Esplanade and relax while the kids are playing at the beach’s playground. The calm bay offers safe swimming, stand up paddle boarding and occasionally there are some small waves to practice your surfing skills.
- Highlights 3
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Transport
Highlight 1
Seal Kayak Kaikōura
New Zealand's 1st and only Kayak tour of its kind. Easier, faster, hands free, pedal or paddle, perfect for photos or those cheeky selfies.
Highlight 2
Kaikōura Kayaks
A once in a lifetime wildlife wonderland experience, eco friendly sea kayak tours offer a safe, enjoyable, interactive experience, with little effort and a whole lot of good fun!
Day 2
Get to know your favourite marine mammals
Start the day early to see your favourite marine mammals around the Kaikōura coast. Take a boat trip with Dolphin Encounter to get a closer look at the Dusky Dolphins. These joyful and curious residential dolphins like to socialise in big pods and are always a delight to watch. Families with children older than 12 can also join encounter’s dolphin swimming trips. If the seals are your favourite, Seal Swim Kaikōura takes you out in the summer months for a unique up-close swimming experience.
Whale Watching is a very popular family activity that cannot be missed during your family weekend in Kaikōura! Whether it is by boat with Whale Watch Kaikōura or whale watching by air, seeing the magnificent sperm whales in real life is a memorable experience for young and old.
After lunch visit the Kaikōura Museum to dive deeper into the history and culture of the town or learn more about the marine mammals you have seen on your morning trip.
Break up the day with a Sheep Shearing Show at 1.30 pm daily at The Point. If you are more up for something active the Kowhai Bike Trail is our most family friendly bike track that follows along the Kowhai river and native bush.
- Highlights 3
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Transport
Highlight 1
Whale Watch Kaikōura
Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment at all times of the year.
Highlight 2
Seal Swim Kaikōura
Join us for a totally unique experience seal swimming with Kekeno (New Zealand Fur Seals) in their own spectacular marine environment on the beautiful East Coast of the South Island!
Highlight 3
Kaikōura Museum
Located in the landmark “craypot” building, in Kaikōura’s West End, our award winning Museum offers a modern and relaxed environment with a contemporary and fun approach to telling the stories of Kaikōura’s natural, social and cultural journey.