Kaikoura 2026 Calendar of Events
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Things to do over the New Year's Day long weekend in Kaikoura (Updated 2026)
27 Tours & Activities
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Recent tour reviews

New York City
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by BoatMobile63877540352, Sep 2026
Whales win
Well worth the cost. Great narrative and a very safe boat. Loved the experience.

New York City
Half Day Zipline Adventure in KaikouraI2315LUjanem, Aug 2026
Awesome experience
Fabulous experience from start to finish. We were very well looked after by Eden and Kaylee. Great knowledge, lots of entertaining banter and of course fastidious attention to our safety.
The zip line itself definitely took us out of our comfort zone, was exhilarating and so much fun.
The scenery was stunning.

New York City
Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikouraailiesmum, Aug 2026
Fantastic experience in Kaikoura!
This was a fantastic experience! We had the best weekend in terms of weather, so it was sunny and warm for the entire trip. The guides were fantastic, ensuring everyone was safe, educating us on the area and wildlife in a fun and informative way, and ensuring everyone was having a great time. The whole trip was about 3 1/2hrs and there were 10 guests on the trip, ranging from about 11-70, so this trip is suitable for everyone. There is a few short walks between ziplines, but these are well marked, and there are rails to hold on to on the steeper walks.

New York City
Whale Watching in Kaikoura by BoatTlvGilad, Aug 2026
An amazing experience
Easy check in. Staff and guides were nice and helpful. The sail was smooth that day and we were lucky to be visited by two Humpbacks. It was amazing. If you can afford a little more spending, do upgrade to the VIP captain cabin. You get an armchair, food and your own watching deck. Was worth it.
R5602UTemilyd, Aug 2026
Something different!
Such a relaxing trek, the views were stunning and learning about Kaikoura and the llamas was very interesting!
abiw826, Aug 2026
Incredible llama adventure!
We’ve just had the most amazing afternoon trek with our guide, Kevin, and three of his llamas: Harry, Archie and Pegasus.We got to spend lots of time walking these magnificent creatures but also learned lots about llamas and how to encourage them to trust us and not see us as predators, so that they felt comfortable with us leading them too.There were lots of photo opportunities later in the trek when we’d established a rapport with the llamas and they even started humming to each other towards the end!Our 10-year-old was able to have her own llama to lead and had a brilliant time.An unforgettable experience and highly recommend this while you’re in Kaikoura.

New York City
Kaikoura: Whale Watching FlightBen_J, Aug 2026
Experience was fantastic!...
Experience was fantastic! We had a really great time on board Air Kaikoura. We saw a bunch of whales, even though they were being a bit shy during our flight. The pilot worked hard to get us the best views and max time where the whales were at the surface. Thank you!!

New York City
Kaikoura: Whale Watching FlightK1862IAtobyh, Aug 2026
Best money I’ve ever spent.
Incredible. Once in a life time awesome experience.
Dayzee7, Aug 2026
A Great Experience!
We decided to try something different and trekking with the Llamas did not disappoint. Rupert and Hank the Llamas were incredible. Our host was very knowledgeable and passionate. Would highly recommend 🤗
Q841HQsamanthah, Jul 2026
Amazing experience
What a memorable experience! So interesting, enjoyable and relaxing walking along the Kaikoura coastline with the llamas. We loved learning about llama behaviour and the local area from Kevin, who was a great guide - friendly and knowledgeable. The cake and coffee were lovely too. One of the best experiences we have had in NZ. We wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.

New York City
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – KaikouraMkwaabbcc, Jul 2026
Incredible morning: saw humpback whales pop up! Logan & Bailey were fantastic: friendly, genuine & experienced😀
Amazing experience: whales, dolphins, seals

New York City
Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from ChristchurchMark_J, Jun 2026
This was a phenomenal...
This was a phenomenal experience and a must do for animal lovers. We snorkeled in June and the water was fine, about 52 degrees Fahrenheit. The dolphins were super talkative and playful and we saw about 100 of them swimming around is. Our boat guides Nick and Vick were extremely helpful, especially for my friend, which it was his first time snorkeling. We both had a blast!

New York City
Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour – KaikouraLisa_K, Jun 2026
Guided Kayak tour
Amazing tour experience Guide was friendly , helped get my non mobile spouse into a kayak. Tons of dolphins putting on a show. No rushing about.

New York City
Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – KaikouraKim K, Jun 2026
Great tour
Well organised. Experienced and very supportive guide, Matt. We had a great experience. Saw Hector dolphins and lots of seals.
If you only have time for one tour in Kaikoura, this is recommended.

New York City
Seal Kayaking Adventure in KaikouraZ4468JIemmam, Jun 2026
10/10 experience
Great experience - kayaks were comfy and easy to use, we had paddle canoes that let you canoe hands free which was amazing. The tour guide was great craic and kept things entertaining as we were canoeing to the seals and dolphins we saw! Highly recommend this.

New York City
Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikouraannamcginnm, May 2026
Excellent
Loved being out on the Kayak. Charlie was an excellent guide and was very informative. Thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend!
Kaikoura Tours
Attractions
Guides
Calendar
- All Kaikoura Tours
- Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
- Dolphin & Whale Watching
- Boat Tours
- Water Sports
- Kayaking & Canoeing
- Swim with Dolphins
- Jet Boats & Speed Boats
- Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours
- Air Tours
- Helicopter Tours
- Luxury & Special Occasions
- Luxury Tours
- Outdoor Activities
- Eco Tours
- Safaris
- Hiking & Camping
- Nature & Wildlife
- Ziplines
- Food, Wine & Nightlife
- Dining Experiences
- Private & Custom Tours
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Shore Excursions
- Port Transfers
- Ports of Call Tours
- Tours & Sightseeing
- Audio Guided Tours
- Half-day Tours
- Walking & Biking Tours
- Walking Tours



