Is Kaikoura Expensive?

Is Kaikoura expensive to visit?

Kaikoura is a moderately priced destination with an average daily cost of $135. Compared to the rest of the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, it is a moderately priced place to visit. It's ranked in the top 50% of cities in the Pacific for its travel costs, comparable to places like Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay.



Kaikoura, New Zealand

How expensive is Kaikoura?

On average, visitors spend about $135 per day when visiting Kaikoura (U.S. Dollars). Two travelers together would spend an average of $270 per day. Prices vary dramatically by travel style and length of trip, but if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and use public transportation when possible, you can expect to stay close to this budget. See more travel costs for Kaikoura here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Kaikoura?

A weekend trip to Kaikoura costs about $406 per person on average, based on the previous expenses of other travelers. This includes accommodation, sightseeting activities, transportation, food, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $811.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Kaikoura?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a one week trip to Kaikoura costs around $947 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a one week trip costs $1,893.

Is it expensive to backpack in Kaikoura?

While Kaikoura attracts a few backpackers, traveling on a budget can be challenging because there are only a few hostels around town. The average cost of a hostel in Kaikoura is $25 per night. The cheapest beds cost about $25 and the most expensive rooms cost around $25. (See hostel prices in Kaikoura here.)

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Kaikoura.

  • $25 for a dorm bed at Dusky Lodge & Backpackers

Are hotels expensive in Kaikoura?

Considering our analysis of hotel prices in Kaikoura, it becomes apparent that they are fairly even and moderately priced in comparison to hotels in other cities. On average, you can expect to spend around $119 per night for a hotel room. The city is home to approximately 2 five-star hotels, presenting an average rate of $448 per night. For a balanced choice catering to both comfort and cost-effectiveness, three-star hotels provide an average rate of $97 per night, while two-star hotels offer an even more budget-friendly alternative at $50 per night.


Hotels by star rating in Kaikoura
Rating Number of Hotels Average Hotel Price
5 stars 2 $448
4 stars 16 $145
3 stars 16 $97
2 stars 3 $50
1 star 3 $99

53 Deal Street, Kaikoura
Overall Rating 9.4
37 Adelphi Terrace, Kaikoura
Overall Rating 9.4

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Kaikoura?

Activities and things to do in Kaikoura can vary in price depending on the type of activity, length, and location. Below are a number of popular activities to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting. Generally, previous travelers have spent $152 per day on sightseeing activities and things to do when visiting, which is more than the country's average of $36.

    • Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura: $97
    • Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour: $81
    • Sunset Kayak tour in Kaikoura: $72
    • 1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura : $237
    • Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura: $73
    • Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura: $182
    • Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura: $91
    • Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura: $91

    Is food expensive in Kaikoura?

    Food in Kaikoura can vary in price depending on the restaurant and food options available. Generally, other travelers have spent $38 on food per person per day, which is more than the country's average of $31. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible.

    Is transportation expensive in Kaikoura?

    The prices of local transportation in Kaikoura can vary by the type of transit used. Other travelers have spent an average of $17 on local transportation per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $20. To save money, take public transit whenever possible, as it will almost always be cheaper than a taxi or private driver.

    More for Kaikoura

    If you're planning a trip to Kaikoura, New Zealand, check out these other informative travel guides.



    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.



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