Kaikoura

Explore Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a small seaside community 183km north of Christchurch. Although the peninsula is backed by the dazzlingly snow-capped 2600m Seaward Kaikoura's, the town’s climate is tempered by the sea. Situated in New Zealand’s “sunbelt”, the region averages over 2000 hours of sunshine annually. As one of the rare places where giant whales, dusky and Hector’s dolphins, NZ fur seals, albatross, penguins, and various pelagic birds can all be viewed year-round, the area is a mecca for wildlife enthusiasts. However, there’s more to Kaikoura than its marine population:

Its great surf,
Beautiful Wilderness Walkway
Nearby ski fields
Excellent local seafood (especially crayfish)

Wineries all help to attract the region's many visitors
Whale Watch
Dolphin Encounter
Seal Swim

Check out Explore our backyard to see what deals you can get with many activities in the region.

The History of Kaikoura

Maori legend describes how the Kaikoura peninsula, Taumanu o te Waka o Maui, served as the seat of the demigod Maui while he fished up the north island from the depths of the sea, and the area was already inhabited before European settlement. Later, Kaikoura was an important whaling station until 1922, when the end of whale-hunting made the town dependent on its agriculture and fishing resources. Since the late 1980s marine life has once again taken economic precedence in the form of eco-tourism activities which have firmly established Kaikoura on the tourist map. The name Kaikoura means “to eat crayfish”. It is said that the full name is Te Ahi-kai-koura-a-Tamatea-pokai-Whenua meaning “the fire which Tamatea-pokai-Whenua made to cook crayfish”. The legendary traveller stayed at Kaikoura Peninsula to cook crayfish during a journey.

Dolphin Encounter

Kaikoura Fishing Charters

Whale Watching

What our previous guests have said

Great basic accommodation. The pool was a real hit and having the bar / restaurant beside was awesome.

Maarty Schaap

Sue Keall – Victoria University of Wellington, 2020 Awesome accommodation option for a group. Great facilities and potential for bespoke requests.

Sue Keall – Victoria University of Wellington

Bruce – Renwick Premiers, 2021 The facilities and accommodation were excellent and perfect for the boys stay and the Management and players would like

Bruce – Renwick Premiers

Josh Borella – Frontiers Abroad Instructor, 2019 Frontiers Abroad has been coming to the Dusky lodge for several years now and typically we come twice a

Josh Borella – Frontiers Abroad Instructor, 2019

Clean and well presented rooms with very well organised kitchen with great storage and very clean. Great service for our late check in and friendly reception

Michelle Bennett

Awesome location, lovely pools, friendly helpful staff and clean facilities. It is very good value for money. The kitchen is well equipped. The showers have

eiuol8

Rooms, kitchen and toilets are very neat tidy. I never stayed in backpackers before.However this time i really enjoyed my stay there. They got some really

somnath sen

Wonderful stay at Dusky! Such a warm welcome from Russel and George, and friendly fellow backpackers and travelling families. This place caters to all. Spa

Freerangekiwi

Clean and plenty facilities, good Wifi, very affordable and excellent staff. The hostel Dog George is an absolute highlight! Highly recommend staying here.

Nicole Prieg

Awesome pool and spa, beautiful amenities, very clean and modern, wonderful staff

Veva Maree