South Bay Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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 with a stop at Point Kean Seal Colony. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Point Kean Seal Colony

Fyffe House

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

Fyffe House

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 District Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Kaikoura District Museum during your trip to Kaikōura. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.

Kaikoura District Museum

Activities

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

AU$236
per adult
Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip

AU$171
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

AU$319
per adult
Full-Day Kaikoura Whale-Watching Tour
Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

AU$150
per adult
Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight
Picture 7 for Activity Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour

Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour

AU$119
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour
Whale watching in Winter

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

AU$154
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat
See all activities in Kaikōura

Our pick of the best South Bay Hotel Deals

Kaikoura's lovely South Bays Cottage

Kaikoura's lovely South Bays Cottage

South Bay Kaikoura
Stay at this holiday home in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Fyffe House and Peninsula Walkway are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (157 reviews)
Awsome spot So close to the ramp Crays and cod literally 5 mins away

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

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Kaikoura's lovely South Bays Cottage
Bay Cottages

Bay Cottages

3 out of 5
29a South Bay Parade Kaikoura
Stay at this beach cottage in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and free bicycles on-site. Popular attractions Kaikoura District Museum and Kaikoura Museum ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (110 reviews)
Super great little place with courteous hosts !

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

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

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

Kaikoura
The price is AU$256 per night from 17 Mar to 18 Mar
AU$256
17 Mar - 18 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday home in Kaikōura. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kaikoura District Museum and Kaikoura Museum are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
Great location!

Reviewed on 23 Dec 2025

South Bay | Cosy | Private - KK1334, Cosy | Private | South Bay
K'orca Cottage by the sea

K'orca Cottage by the sea

Kaikoura District Kaikoura
Stay at this beach cottage in Kaikōura. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a garden. Popular attractions Fyffe House and Peninsula Walkway are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
We had a lovely stay at the cottage. It is directly across the road from the beach and the views are amazing. The cottage is comfortable with everything you need for a comfortable stay. We only had contact with Gail the host via text message, but she was welcoming and happy to be contacted when needed. ...

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

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K'orca Cottage by the sea
Kaikoura Fishing Retreat, not just for fishing!!!

Kaikoura Fishing Retreat, not just for fishing!!!

Kaikoura Canterbury
The price is AU$305 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
AU$305
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this holiday home in Kaikōura. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fyffe House and Peninsula Walkway are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
Good location for harbor and fishing. Everything we needed in the kitchen!

Reviewed on 28 Jan 2026

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

The Kaikoura Bach Retreat

Kaikoura Canterbury
Stay at this holiday home in Kaikōura. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kaikoura District Museum and Kaikoura Museum ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
An awesome location and very clean comfortable accommodation. Highly recommend and we would definitely return.

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2025

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The Kaikoura Bach Retreat
See all 175 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.

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Other neighbourhoods 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

If you're spending some time in Kaikoura Peninsula, Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Seal Colony are top sights worth seeing.

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

Kaikoura Flat

While visiting Kaikoura Flat, you might make a stop by sights like Mount Fyffe and Kaikoura Beach.

Kaikoura Flat

South Bay Travel Guide

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