A Travel Price Comparison for New Zealand Paihia vs. Kaikoura for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Paihia or Kaikoura?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Paihia and Kaikoura. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Paihia

Paihia is a relaxing, fun-filled, and beautiful coastal town. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a unique, nature-oriented, and biologically diverse town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Paihia and Kaikoura: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Paihia or Kaikoura?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paihia than Kaikoura, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paihia is more touristy than Kaikoura and is popular for its warm year round climate, impressive beaches, and world class snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Paihia is famous for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Kaikoura is well known for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes.

How is Paihia different from Kaikoura?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kaikoura and Paihia. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paihia or Kaikoura?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Paihia is a popular place for its sights and museums. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for its museums and history.

Paihia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting cultural sights in the area like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi.

While most people don't head to Kaikoura specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There aren't many museums in the area, but it's worth learning more about the region's history with a visit to Kaikoura Museum.


Is the Food Better in Paihia or Kaikoura? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Both Paihia and Kaikoura offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Paihia has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Local seafood, regional produce, and fresh ingredients make dining in the area a rewarding experience. You'll find fine dining restaurants, pizzerias, and local cafes to choose from.

Dining out in Kaikoura is an experience not to be missed. Seafood lovers will be in heaven in this town! There are many local, freshly caught favorites such as cod, mussels, and crayfish (which is actually lobster). You'll find plenty of casual eateries, including an authentic American diner.

Is Paihia or Kaikoura Better for Nightlife?

Paihia
Kaikoura

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Paihia and Kaikoura.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Paihia. As a holiday spot, there are a number of clubs and bars that cater to tourists in the area.

Kaikoura has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Is Paihia or Kaikoura Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Paihia is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kaikoura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Paihia. There are scuba diving and snorkel shops available around town where you can organize trips and excursions to experience the undersea world.

Kaikoura is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Paihia or Kaikoura Better for Beaches?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Paihia is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Paihia. There are stunning beaches both in Paihia and throughout the Bay of Islands. Paihia Beach is in town. It's small but nice and makes a great picnic spot. For a more secluded spot head to Matauri Bay Beach or Takou Bay.

Kaikoura is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are many black pebble beaches in the area, which are great for wildlife spotting, but not so good for swimming. Gooch's Beach is one of the most popular, and it's sandier than many of the other beaches. South Bay is another popular area to visit.

Is Paihia or Kaikoura Better for Hiking?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Hiking trails can be found around both Paihia and Kaikoura, and they are superb.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Paihia. The Bay of Islands is filled with coastal walks and peaceful hikes. This is a great way to soak up the area's atmosphere and take in some spectacular views.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Kaikoura. There are many coastal walks in the area that will take you through a variety of landscapes. This is also a great way to see the many diverse types of wildlife throughout the peninsula.

Is the Shopping Better in Paihia or Kaikoura?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Paihia and Kaikoura.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Paihia. There are plenty of retail stores around town where you can pick up clothes or enjoy some souvenir shopping.

Many visitors go to Kaikoura to go shopping. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.


Is Paihia or Kaikoura Better for Families?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Both Paihia and Kaikoura are amazing family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paihia is very family-friendly. Beaches, dolphin spotting, ice cream, and chocolate factories make the Bay of Islands the perfect place for a family vacation. There are amazing walking trails like the Manginangina Kauri Walk and opportunities to learn about the Maori culture. There are also adventure spots and great beaches.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Kaikoura is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who love animals will appreciate all of the wildlife in the area. This is one of the best places in the country to see dolphins, whales, and seals. There are world class whale watching trips as well as opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get close to the seals. There is also kayaking, a coastal train, and even sheep shearing. Minigolf is also a fun activity in the area.

Is Paihia or Kaikoura Better for Couples?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Paihia is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kaikoura is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Paihia makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. You can enjoy sunset boat cruises, sip wine with a waterfront view, or walk through pristine natural areas. For thrill seekers there are adrenaline filled activities like parasailing or scuba diving.

Kaikoura makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town is all about wildlife, so if whale watching trips, dolphin spotting, and experiencing amazing local wildlife is your thing, then this is your spot! There are also beautiful coastal sights with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Is Paihia or Kaikoura Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Paihia and Kaikoura are both superb destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Paihia. There are a handful of hostels around town as well as many great activities for backpackers like scuba diving or parasailing.

Kaikoura is a very popular coastal town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a decent number of hostels in the area and plenty of fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.


Is Paihia or Kaikoura Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Paihia is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kaikoura is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Paihia has a few public transit options. There are ferries and some intercity buses through the Bay of Islands.

Public transit is quite limited in Kaikoura. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.

Is Paihia or Kaikoura a more walkable city?

Paihia
Kaikoura

Paihia and Kaikoura are notable when it comes to walkability.

Paihia is a somewhat walkable place. It's possible to explore parts of the town on foot.

Kaikoura is a somewhat walkable coastal town. There are many coastal walks in the area, which is a great way to soak up the beauty and see the wildlife. The town itself is small and most of the accommodation is along Beach Road, so it's relatively easy to reach places on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Paihia Worth Visiting? and Is Kaikoura Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kaikoura or Paihia?

How long in Paihia or Kaikoura?

It's fun to spend time in either Paihia or Kaikoura. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Paihia due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Paihia, and 2-4 days is enough time in Kaikoura.

Families should spend more time in Paihia than Kaikoura. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paihia, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Paihia than Kaikoura. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Paihia that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paihia than Kaikoura if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Paihia.


  • How many days in Paihia or Kaikoura? Ideal Length of Stay
    Paihia 3-5 
    Kaikoura 2-4

One day in Paihia or Kaikoura?

The coastal town of Paihia offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kaikoura. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Paihia or Kaikoura?

Paihia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Kaikoura is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paihia or Kaikoura?

Paihia is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paihia, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kaikoura. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paihia or Kaikoura?

Paihia is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the biologically diverse destination of Kaikoura. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Kaikoura or Paihia?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Paihia is $80, while the average daily cost in Kaikoura is $136. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Paihia and Kaikoura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Paihia $34
    Kaikoura $48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Paihia $68
    Kaikoura $96
Compare Hotels in Paihia and Kaikoura

Looking for a hotel in Paihia or Kaikoura? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Paihia


Hotels in Kaikoura


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Paihia Hotel Prices and Kaikoura Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Paihia $12
    Kaikoura $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Paihia or Kaikoura?

Prices for flights to both Kaikoura and Paihia change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Paihia $28
    Kaikoura $38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Paihia $35
    Kaikoura $154

Tours and Activities in Paihia

For Paihia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bay of Islands 2-Hour Sundowner Evening Sailing Cruise: $48
  • Sundowner Evening Cruise - 2 hour evening sailing cruise with swim stop: $49
  • Bay of Islands Trike Tour Experience: $53
  • Bay of Islands 30-minute Adventure Jet Boat Trip: $53
  • Bay of Islands: Late Afternoon Sailing Cruise: $59
  • Bay of Islands Waterfall Explorer Kayaking Tour: $60
  • Bay of islands Waterfall Cruise Kayaking Tour: $60
  • Thriller Tour - Bay of Islands, 30 mins (min 2): $61
  • Scenic Tour - Bay of Islands, 30 mins (min2): $61
  • Glass Bottom Boat Tour to the Hole in the Rock: $69
  • Parasailing Adventure Over the Bay of Islands: $70
  • From Scenic Cruise with Roberton Island Stopover: $75

Tours and Activities in Kaikoura

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kaikoura are as follows:

  • Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour: $82
  • 1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura : $239
  • 40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura : $224
  • Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura: $97
  • Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch: $242
  • Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch: $215
  • 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour: $630
  • Guided Family Kayaking Adventure: $90
  • Half-Day Wildlife Kayaking Tour: $90
  • Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour: $72
  • Whale Watching Cruise: $99
  • Wildlife Kayaking Tour at Sunset: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Paihia $22
    Kaikoura -

Sample the Local Flavors in Paihia

Also in Paihia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bay of Islands Wine Tour with Lunch: $101
  • Private Tour: Bay of Islands Tour with Wine Tasting: $291
  • Private Shore Excursion: Bay of Islands Tour with Wine Tasting: $291


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paihia and Kaikoura, we can see that Kaikoura is more expensive. And not only is Paihia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paihia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paihia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kaikoura would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kaikoura than you might in Paihia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paihia Expensive? and Is Kaikoura Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Paihia or Kaikoura?

Paihia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kaikoura. When comparing the sizes of Paihia and Kaikoura, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.