Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kaikoura?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Kaikoura?

Not sure how much time you'll need in Kaikoura, New Zealand? Most people spend two to four days in Kaikoura during their visit. After all, the unique town will let you swim at the beach, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and take advantage of the local nightlife.

Kaikoura is a coastal town on the South Island of New Zealand. It attracts tourists who want to get close to the region's truly amazing marine life. There are impressive whale watching trips where you can see Sperm Whales, and possibly even migrating whales when the season is right. There are also opportunities to swim with the dolphins and interact with other wildlife in the area.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Kaikoura? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.


Is 3 days enough time in Kaikoura?

For many visitors, three days in Kaikoura would be just the right amount of time to enjoy the beach and other activities. In fact, lots of tourists spend roughly two to four days in the unique town to check out the amazing beaches and terrific hiking. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.

How to spend 3 days in Kaikoura

Don't miss its whale watching trips during your trip to Kaikoura, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. 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.

The beautiful beaches await you in Kaikoura, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Llama Trek (Half-day) - Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony ($153)
  • Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura ($83)
  • Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura ($184)

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. This is a small town so the nightlife scene is limited, but there are a few restaurants with bars around town.

Known for it's hiking, Kaikoura sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.


A few tour suggestions include:

  • Llama Trek (Half-day) - Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony ($153)
  • Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura ($184)
  • Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura ($92)

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kaikoura.

Is 4 days enough time in Kaikoura?

Four days is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Kaikoura. Many visitors prefer to spend two to four days here, so more time would allow you to experience the beaches, the hiking, the cuisine, and the nightlife at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.

Kaikoura, New Zealand Kaikoura, New Zealand

How to spend 4 days in Kaikoura

Having 4 days in Kaikoura will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the town.

Shopping in Kaikoura is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are local shops where you can pick up some interesting products that are unique to the area.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kaikoura.

Is 5 days enough time in Kaikoura?

Five days is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Kaikoura. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Kaikoura as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.

How to spend 5 days in Kaikoura

With 5 days in Kaikoura, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the town has to offer.

After you've explored most of Kaikoura, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Kaikoura.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Kaikoura, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.

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