Find hotels in Kaikōura from £19

Top reasons to visit Kaikōura

• Stunning Coastal Scenery: Kaikōura boasts breathtaking views along its iconic coastline, perfect for leisurely strolls.
• Wildlife Encounters: Experience unforgettable dolphin encounters and other marine wildlife adventures.
• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring scenic trails that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
• Rich Local Culture: Discover the local Māori heritage and history through guided tours and cultural experiences.
• Fresh Seafood Delights: Indulge in delicious, locally sourced seafood while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Find great hotels in Kaikōura

Discover a diverse array of accommodation options in Kaikōura, where charming bed and breakfasts and convenient motels await. Ideal for adventurers, families, and pet owners, the region offers a variety of lodging that caters to your unique holiday experience. Whether you're seeking a cozy retreat or a vibrant base to explore the stunning coastal landscapes, Kaikōura's hotels provide a welcoming atmosphere and competitive prices for every traveller's budget.

• Sudima Kaikoura: Sudima Kaikoura is a 3.5-star hotel boasting an impressive guest rating of 9.4, making it an excellent choice for families and eco-conscious travellers alike. Nestled right by the beach, this hotel offers direct access to stunning coastal views and sandy shores. The property is eco-certified, showcasing a commitment to sustainability while providing family-friendly amenities such as complimentary breakfast options for children and free cribs. Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, ideal for those seeking a relaxing beach getaway with a focus on environmental responsibility.
• Alpine-pacific Holiday Park: Alpine-pacific Holiday Park is a 3-star holiday park with a guest rating of 8.6, perfect for adventure seekers and pet owners. Set in the heart of Kaikōura, this property offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including nearby surfing, rafting, sailing, swimming, and mountain biking. It’s a pet-friendly accommodation, complete with designated areas for dogs and a welcoming approach for service animals. This park provides a lively atmosphere, allowing guests to immerse themselves in exhilarating experiences while enjoying the comforts of home in a natural setting.
• Kaikoura Quality Suites: Kaikoura Quality Suites is a 3.5-star motel featuring a commendable guest rating of 9.0, appealing to those who appreciate both relaxation and recreation. Located conveniently in Kaikōura, the property offers various sports and entertainment options, including horse riding and billiards. Guests can take in breathtaking ocean views and are encouraged to embark on whale-watching adventures nearby. The well-appointed rooms and modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay, making it an attractive choice for travellers looking for both excitement and tranquillity during their visit.

Where to stay in and around Kaikōura

Kaikōura beckons with its stunning coastal scenery and outdoor adventures. Wander along Kaikōura Beach, just metres from the city centre, or embark on a trip to the majestic Kaikōura Mountain, where breathtaking views await. This friendly town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, allowing you to savour fresh seafood while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to explore nearby attractions that encapsulate the spirit of adventure and tranquillity that defines Kaikōura.

• Hapuku: Nestled approximately 9.7km from Kaikōura, Hapuku is a charming suburb that offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventure and stunning scenery. This area sees a moderate influx of visitors year-round, with peak seasons from December to February. Travellers flock to Hapuku for its array of activities, including skiing and golf, making it perfect for both thrill-seekers and leisurely explorers. The local landmarks, featuring a beautiful beach, scenic water features, and winding rivers, create the ideal backdrop for a memorable getaway.
• South Bay: Situated close to Kaikōura, South Bay is a vibrant suburb that attracts visitors seeking outdoor adventures and picturesque landscapes. Like Hapuku, it experiences moderate seasonal tourist traffic, peaking during the summer months. South Bay is particularly popular among golf enthusiasts, with excellent courses available nearby. The area boasts stunning natural attractions, including pristine beaches, serene rivers, and captivating water features, making it an excellent choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the New Zealand coastline.
• Kaikoura Flat: Located around the Kaikōura area, Kaikoura Flat is a scenic suburb known for its outdoor activities and breathtaking landscapes. Visitors are drawn to this charming region primarily during the summer months, with moderate tourist numbers in the off-peak seasons. Kaikoura Flat is ideal for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts, with its proximity to rivers and water features nestled within a picturesque valley. This suburb offers a tranquil escape while still providing an opportunity for exploration and adventure in the heart of nature.

Things to do in Kaikōura

Kaikōura offers a remarkable blend of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as body treatments, skiing, and hiking along beautiful trails. Key experiences include day trips, the Kaikōura dolphin encounter, exploring nearby trails with Māori guides, and walking the scenic Kaikōura Peninsula walkway.

Shopping

In Kaikōura, visit local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs, including handcrafted items and local art. If you're up for a drive, head to Westfield Riccarton in Christchurch for a wider selection of high street brands and specialty stores.

Recreation

Experience the rejuvenating treatments at The Sanctuary, where holistic therapies and stunning coastal vistas create a serene atmosphere. For outdoor wellness, enjoy a hike in Kaikōura’s scenic hills, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing escape into nature.

Adventure

In Kaikōura, embark on a thrilling whale-watching tour to witness majestic sperm whales in their natural habitat. For a unique experience, try swimming with playful dolphins in the pristine waters. Additionally, explore the stunning landscapes on a scenic hike along the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway.

Nightlife

Kaikōura's nightlife offers a charming blend of cosy pubs and vibrant eateries. Enjoy a craft beer at the Pier Hotel, or savour local seafood at the Kaikōura Seafood BBQ. For a relaxed vibe, visit the Strawberry Tree Café, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kaikōura

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Kaikōura are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Kaikōura about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Kaikōura is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay in Kaikōura is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You might consider saving some money by combining your Kaikōura hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in and around Kaikōura

Kaikōura is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a blend of breathtaking scenery and rich history. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Kaikōura Lookout, Kaikōura Museum, and the iconic coastline. Whether you're interested in hiking, soaking in the local culture, or enjoying the serene beaches, Kaikōura promises an unforgettable experience amidst its captivating landscapes.

• Mount Fyffe: Experience breathtaking scenery and adventure at Mount Fyffe. This majestic mountain offers thrilling hiking trails and stunning panoramic views of the Kaikōura coastline and surrounding countryside, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Kaikoura Beach: Enjoy the relaxed beach vibes at Kaikōura Beach, located only 1.6km from the town centre. With its golden sands and captivating views of the Pacific Ocean, it's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply soaking up the sun.
• Fyffe House: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history of the region at Fyffe House. This historic house showcases the early colonial architecture and offers insights into the lives of the early settlers in Kaikōura.

Best time to go to Kaikōura

The best time to visit Kaikoura can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Kaikoura falls in January, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Kaikoura falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	63.5°F (17.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
February	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
March	60.3°F (15.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
June	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
July	46.4°F (8.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
August	47.8°F (8.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
September	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.4°F (11.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Kaikōura

When planning your trip to Kaikōura, you can conveniently fly into several major airports. Christchurch International Airport (CHC) is located 152.9km from Kaikōura, with nearby hotels such as the 5-star LyLo Christchurch, just 966m away, and Sudima Christchurch City, 8.0km from the airport. Wellington International Airport (WLG), situated 151.3km away, offers excellent accommodation options like the 5-star InterContinental Wellington and Sofitel Wellington, both 6.4km from the airport. Additionally, Nelson Airport (NSN) is 128.7km from Kaikōura, with options like the Palazzo Motor Lodge and Century Park Motor Lodge, both 4.8km away, providing easy access to the airport.