Travel Guide:

Kaikoura Things to See and Do

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Things to See and Do Edit Section - Kaikoura Things to See and Do
 

Most people come to Kaikoura to see the whales and end up discovery that there is so much more to Kaikoura. This beach town is a great place to be based for sea kayaking, bird watching, diving, and hiking. Fishing is popular here and seafood is abundant in restaurants. Literally translated from Maori, kaikoura means kai (food) and koura (crayfish).

 
Museum
 
Kaikoura Museum
Kaikoura’s past and future are tied up in whaling. These days, it is whale watching that attracts visitors. But in the past, it was whale hunting that attracted people to the town. To get a good understanding of how Kaikoura was formed, visit the Kaikoura Museum. Along with displays on its whaling history, there are artefacts from early Maori and European settlements. This is a great place to...
 
Maori Leap Cave
There are two different stories about how this cave got it’s name. One says that thwarted lovers from different tribes leaped to their death here. The other story has a Maori warrior jumping to his death from the hills above the cave after he was captured by another tribe. No one knows for sure. But the Maori Leap Cave, 2km south of Kaikoura on State Highway 1, provides a fascinating view of...
 
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Whale watch Kaikoura Tours
Kaikoura offers a variety of whale watching opportunities - gigantic sperm whales all year long, migratory humpback whales in June and July, and Orca between December and February. Best bet to see them is to go on the Maori owned and operated Whale Watch Kaikoura Tour. They run five sailings a day, using catamarans and conventional boats. Bookings in advance are essential.
 
Pilot a Plane
Always thought about learning to fly. Here’s a chance to try it out. Pilot a plane offers customers 30 minutes of flying time with a qualified instructor to see how it would feel. Be warned - you won’t have much chance to sightsee as your eyes will be fixed on the control panel.
 
Maori tours
Get a taste of Maori culture and history through sightseeing and storytelling with Maori Tours, a family owned and operated business. These half day tours visit ancient Pa (fortified villages), head into the Kaikoura bush for lessons in traditional medicines and foods, and teaches Maori customs, protocols, and songs. A great way to discover Maori culture
 
Kaikoura Wine Company
Perched on a steep sided hill overlooking State Highway 1 (SH1) and South Bay, the Kaikoura wine company seems an unusual place for a winery. But both the view and the wine are spectacular. Winery tours of the underground wine cellars are held hourly (by appointment) and tastings are available all day.