This Kaikoura travel cost guide will help you plan a realistic budget for your trip while still making the most of your time away. Our Kaikoura trip cost calculator includes average costs from thousands of previous travelers, covering hotels, meals, attractions, entertainment, and local transportation. Kaikoura is a nature-oriented town known for its local Sperm Whale population, abundance of marine life, and local crayfish (lobster) recipes, and it would be a shame to miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget. Whether you're eating the delicious cuisine, relaxing on the beaches, or hiking in nature, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Kaikoura that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Kaikoura?
A typical traveler spends $159 (NZ$274) per day on a trip to Kaikoura. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Kaikoura based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $64 (NZ$110) on meals
- $17 (NZ$29) on local transportation
- $94 (NZ$162) on hotels
A one-week trip to Kaikoura for two people costs, on average, $2,221 (NZ$3,836). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
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One Week
Per person
$1,110
NZ$1,918
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2 Weeks
Per person
$2,221
NZ$3,836
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One Month
Per person
$4,759
NZ$8,220
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One Week
For a couple
$2,221
NZ$3,836
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2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,442
NZ$7,672
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One Month
For a couple
$9,518
NZ$16,440
Costs by category are below, keep reading for more information.
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Kaikoura cost?
A one week trip to Kaikoura usually costs around $1,110 (NZ$1,918) for one person and $2,221 (NZ$3,836) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Kaikoura on average costs around $2,221 (NZ$3,836) for one person and $4,442 (NZ$7,672) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Kaikoura will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Kaikoura on average costs around $4,759 (NZ$8,220) for one person and $9,518 (NZ$16,440) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Kaikoura expensive to visit?
In Kaikoura, budget travelers spend $66 (NZ$116) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $157 (NZ$274) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $414 (NZ$722) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Kaikoura.
Kaikoura is a terrific town that attracts a multitude of tourists with a broad spectrum of travel styles and budgeting preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although Kaikoura can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Kaikoura is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Wollongong or Katoomba.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Kaikoura Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Kaikoura?
The average Kaikoura trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Kaikoura travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Kaikoura cost?
Kaikoura on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$19
(NZ$33)
|
$47
(NZ$81)
|
$108
(NZ$187)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$17
(NZ$29)
|
$17
(NZ$29)
|
$17
(NZ$29)
|
|
Food2
|
$23
(NZ$40)
|
$64
(NZ$110)
|
$194
(NZ$335)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$56
(NZ$96)
|
$148
(NZ$256)
|
$418
(NZ$723)
|
Accommodation Budget in Kaikoura
In Kaikoura, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer or spring season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $128, but during peak season they jump to an average of $239. You can find budget options starting at $74 up to luxury rates at $429. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Kaikoura for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $94 (NZ$162). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $47 (NZ$81) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Kaikoura? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Kaikoura is known as a family-friendly town, so if you're traveling with kids, be sure to look for an apartment with extra space.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of summer or spring) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Transportation Budget in Kaikoura
In Kaikoura, the public transit system is not very good. The town is very small and there is no real public transit in the area.
If you stick to certain areas, Kaikoura is fairly walkable, making it convenient to see the sights. 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.
Public Transit: 
(poor)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $17 (NZ$29) per person, per day, on local transportation in Kaikoura. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Kaikoura is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
NZ$29
Buses that run between Picton and Christchurch always stop in Kaikoura, so that is one option of getting to the town. There is also a scenic rail line between Picton and Christchurch that stops at Kaikoura twice a day. This is a great way to be able to see some beautiful views while you make your way to Kaikoura. The route takes you between where the mountains meet the sea and at one point gets so close to the shore that you can often see some seals basking in the sun. You can also get to Kaikoura by car; there are many rental car companies in New Zealand. Once in Kaikoura, you can get around on foot.
If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.
How much does it cost to go to Kaikoura? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Kaikoura will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Kaikoura
In Kaikoura, the food is fantastic, and you should definitely take the opportunity to enjoy all the local flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Kaikoura can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Kaikoura is $64 (NZ$110) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$64
NZ$110
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Kaikoura is around $63 (NZ$110) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $192. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Kaikoura are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $10 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $44
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Seafood is the culinary expertise of Kaikoura. In Maori, the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand, kai means "food" and koura means "crayfish". You can get excellent fresh crayfish at a place called Waipapa Bay Lobsters, about 30 kilometers north of the town. Fish and Chips are another specialty in Kaikoura, especially the ones that The Top Shop Fish and Chips serves. The Strawberry Tree is a great restaurant to eat at and offers a cool and relaxing environment with fun activities on different nights of the week. They have quiz nights, jam nights, and proper bands that come and play live music on the weekends. There is a beer garden as well with a fire pit, and this restaurant serves almost any type of seafood you could imagine!
When you're on the road with kids, look for eateries that have a kids' menu. This can lead to considerable savings, as those meals are generally less expensive. Some restaurants might not highlight their kids' options, so don't hesitate to ask the waiter before you order.
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Kaikoura
Travelers flock to Kaikoura because it is well-known for its family-friendly activities, food, beaches, and hiking.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Kaikoura typically cost an average of $148 (NZ$256) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$148
NZ$256
The main sights to see in Kaikoura are marine life. The most common species of wildlife in the area are sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and albatross. Different seasons bring different types of wildlife, so you could also spot Humpback Whales, Blue Whales, Pilot Wales, Orca's, Petrels, and Shearwater birds. There are tons of companies in town that offer sightseeing excursions and tours. These tours can be taken on the water or above the water in a helicopter.
Another sight to see is the Fyffe House. It was the home of the first family that settled in Kaikoura, the Fyffe family. Today it is the oldest standing building in Kaikoura and was built on piles of whalebones back when the town was a whaling settlement in the 1770s. The house is operated by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Many Europeans used the town as a whaling station in earlier times, and you can still find the remains of pots that rendered whale blubber along the shores in town.
Swim with dolphins and seals! This is a one of a kind experience in Kaikoura. The New Zealand fur seals are extremely playful animals and it is quite a memorable activity. Hiking is a wonderful way to experience the dramatic landscapes of Kaikoura. The Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway is a 3-hour trip that takes you along a beautiful path where you will see a seal and bird colony, as well as unique limestone formations.
Hike the Fyffe track, which takes you up Mt. Fyffe, and experience the panoramic views of the entire Kaikoura peninsula once you make it to the summit. The hike is about six hours return, but there is a hut half way up that is a perfect place to take a break and have lunch. If you are hiking in the summer, you can even camp near the hut and do the hike in two days instead of one. For a cultural activity, Maori Tours Kaikoura offers a genuine insight into the indigenous Maori people and their lifestyle.
Beaches:
People love to travel to Kaikoura for a relaxing beach experience. 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.
Hiking:
Many hikers rave about the trails surrounding 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Kaikoura. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura for $209 details
- 1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura for $260 details
- 40-minute Mt Fyffe Summit Heli Tour in Kaikoura for $236 details
Travel cost data last updated: Jun 3, 2026
Traveling in Kaikoura
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Kaikoura is a town on the east coast of the South Island, situated between Christchurch and Belnheim. It has a permanent resident population of 1,971. The Seaward Kaikoura Mountains that surround this town collide with the Pacific Ocean, and the continental shelf edge is just offshore. The ocean in Kaikoura is very rich in marine life, especially seals and whales.
Neighborhoods & Around
Kaikoura became part of the larger region of Canterbury in 1992. A few other cities in Canterbury are Christchurch, Timaru, Ashburton, Springfield, and Omarama. The region is quite large as a whole, so if you are planning to visit some of these towns and cities, you will need to allow for more time. Just north of the town is Waipapa Bay (30 kilometers) where you can often see dolphins and whales as well. There is a wonderful campsite there that doesn't cost much and offers a discount if you buy some of the crayfish they have for sale.
Related:
Looking for a party in Auckland or somewhere else in New Zealand?
Traveling alone or with a group?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Kaikoura. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $66 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, Kaikoura offers plenty of hostels such as Dusky Lodge & Backpackers and Kaikoura Sea Side Lodge. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities. While food is a highlight for many in Kaikoura, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Many visitors to Kaikoura are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $157 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $414 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the town, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
