Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Kaikoura?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks 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 nature-oriented 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 one or two weeks 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 one week enough time in Kaikoura?
One week is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Kaikoura, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Swim at the beach, take a hike, enjoy a meal at a restaurant, and take advantage of the local nightlife on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Kaikoura as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend a week 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.
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.
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.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Kaikoura. Plenty of amazing options are available.
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.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
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 2 weeks enough time in Kaikoura?
Two weeks 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
How to spend 2 weeks in Kaikoura
With 2 weeks in Kaikoura, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura ($83)
- Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat ($104)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Kaikoura, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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