Kaikoura travel guide

Kaikoura Tourism | Kaikoura Guide

You're Going to Love Kaikoura

With a population of 685, Kaikoura is a must-see destination in Canterbury, New Zealand. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Consider staying at least one whole day in Kaikoura to see all of its attractions.

When to visit Kaikoura

Kaikoura in May
Estimated hotel price
$93
1 night at 3-star hotel
Kaikoura in May
Estimated hotel price
$93
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Kaikoura

Plane

When flying to Kaikoura, you’ll arrive at Kaikoura (KBZ), which is located 1 km from the city centre.

Car

Another option to get to Kaikoura is to pick up a car hire from Christchurch, which is about 151 km from Kaikoura. You’ll find branches of Mode Car & Camper Rentals and Snap Rentals, among others, in Christchurch.

Plane

When flying to Kaikoura, you’ll arrive at Kaikoura (KBZ), which is located 1 km from the city centre.

Car

Another option to get to Kaikoura is to pick up a car hire from Christchurch, which is about 151 km from Kaikoura. You’ll find branches of Mode Car & Camper Rentals and Snap Rentals, among others, in Christchurch.

Airports near Kaikoura

Airlines serving Kaikoura

Lufthansa
Good (4,690 reviews)
SWISS
Good (945 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,558 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,296 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,952 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,122 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,454 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,895 reviews)
Finnair
Good (868 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (924 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,686 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (406 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (510 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (480 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (54 reviews)
China Southern
Excellent (32 reviews)
Thai Airways
Good (211 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (980 reviews)
Air China
Good (31 reviews)
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Where to stay in Kaikoura

Average rates range from around $149 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $432 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Panorama Motel and Sierra Beachfront Motel.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kaikoura

Most booked hotels in Kaikoura

Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
$76+
Alpine View Motel
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$140+
Kaikoura Motor Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$119+

Hiring a car in Kaikoura

Expect to pay $2.77 per litre in Kaikoura (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $33.16 and $44.22.

Expect to pay $2.77 per litre in Kaikoura (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your car hire, filling up the tank will cost between $33.16 and $44.22.