Top Things to Do in Kaikoura: Dolphins, Whales, and Marlborough Wine
- Barbara
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
We took the ferry from Wellington to the South Island and arrived in Picton. (You can catch up on the best things to do in Wellington here.)
Picton is a small but lovely town and worth a walk around before you head further south.
Table of Contents:
Wine tasting in Marlborough:
The area is a haven for wine lovers; in fact, this region is world-famous for its Marlborough wines. Here you can find a great wine trail map Marlborough Wine Trail Map and you can choose to walk, cycle, or even join an organized wine tour. We decided to make a pit stop at Forrest Wines for a delicious wine tasting and lunch.
The Scenic Drive to Kaikoura
From Picton, it’s a stunning two-hour drive to Kaikoura. The route is packed with beautiful scenery and beaches perfect for a quick leg-stretch. One must-do stop is Ohau Point Lookout, where you can spot massive seal colonies. While there are plenty of seals in Kaikoura too, you can never really get tired of seeing them!
Another nice stop is Lake Elterwater, where you can see different types of birds as designated wildlife refuge.
For our stay, we checked into the Anchor Inn in Kaikoura, a lovely, family-run spot right across from the beach.
Top things to do in Kaikoura:
Spot seals at Kaikoura Seal Colony
Here you can spot hundreds of seals. Remember to respect them: keep your distance and no touching. They are lovely to observe even from a distance.
Try the local crayfish:
If you are looking for a quick bite, head to ‘Kaikoura Seafood BBQ Kiosk’. It’s a casual shack right by the beach serving mouthwatering crayfish (Louie’s approved).
Swim with dolphins:
This is an adventure you won’t want to miss! You’ll get to snorkel with wild Dusky dolphins as they jump and play around you. All the gear (mask, fins, and wetsuit) is provided. I highly recommend bringing an underwater camera, you’ll definitely want to capture this! If you’d prefer to stay dry, you can also join as a spectator. A place in Kaikoura that organises this is Dolphin Encounter, you can book a tour on their website. Be sure to book in advance, especially in summer!
Whale Watching:
Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to see wild whales. While Sperm Whales are most abundant from June to August, you can see them all year round. During the summer (December to February), you might even spot Humpbacks or Orcas! Check out Whale Watch Kaikoura to book a tour.
Spot the White Sperm Whale: Keep your eyes peeled! In October 2025, a rare white albino Sperm Whale named Migaloo was spotted just off the coast. You might be lucky!
Llama Trekking:
Believe it or not, you can actually go trekking with llamas in Kaikoura! Choose between a one-hour "taster" trek or a half-day adventure. It’s a quirky way to learn about the area while walking a llama. For more info, visit Llama Trekking Kaikoura.
Our journey from the ferry in Picton down to the shores of Kaikoura was nothing short of spectacular. Between the crisp Marlborough wines and the thrill of seeing hundreds of seals basking in the sun, this corner of New Zealand really does have it all.
If you’re planning your own South Island road trip, make sure to leave plenty of room in your itinerary for slow coastal drives and spontaneous wildlife spotting. You might come for the whales, but you’ll stay for the incredible views (and the crayfish!). Safe travels, and I hope you get lucky enough to spot Migaloo out on the water!
You can also read past blog posts: Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Auckland Coromandel and Hobbiton must-do Rotorua and Taupō top things to do
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