South Bay Travel Guide
Kaikōura
Popular places to visit
Peninsula Walkway
Go wildlife spotting as you hike on a coastal route across cliff tops and down to the shoreline. See whales, seals, sea lions and much more.
Point Kean Seal Colony
Find out about the history of Kaikōura with a stop at Point Kean Seal Colony. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.
Mount Fyffe
Explore the great outdoors at Mount Fyffe and enjoy the mountain views during your trip to Kaikōura. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.
Kaikoura Museum
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Kaikoura Museum during your travels in Kaikōura. Wander the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.
Kaikoura District Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Kaikoura District Museum during your trip to Kaikōura. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.
Fyffe House
You can learn about the history of Kaikōura with a trip to Fyffe House. Stroll along the seaside or discover the area's mountain views.
Things to do
Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)
Kaikōura: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip
Kaikoura: Seal-Watching Pedal Kayak Tour
Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight
Top hotels in South Bay
Bay Cottages
Super great little place with courteous hosts !
Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026
Sudima Kaikoura
The staff were helpful and welcoming
Reviewed on 29 Apr 2026
Kaikoura Quality Suites
Good solid place to stay for one night. Pros: desk person very personable and also helpful with recommendations; comfortable place Cons: despite being on Beach Rd it’s not walking distance to the beach (many competitors are) & “partial sea views” are just glimpses and then only from the balcony outside ...
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
Alpine-pacific Holiday Park
It was a good clean cabin and outside view in morning was mesmerising .. showers were good with full pressure and plus Hot pools were icing on top ! Having Tea Coffee amenities or cups atleast in room or kitchen for regular guest would be good .. Rest staff were good helpful ! Will visit soon.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Blue Seas Motel
Beautiful spot! Couldn’t have asked for a better spot on a clear warm night with walk up the road to point very special.
Reviewed on 25 Apr 2026
Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
Great location, very friendly staff. Wonderful place to stay.
Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around South Bay
Kaikoura Peninsula
If you're spending some time in Kaikoura Peninsula, Peninsula Walkway and Point Kean Seal Colony are top sights worth seeing.
Kaikoura Flat
While visiting Kaikoura Flat, you might make a stop by sights like Kaikoura Beach and Mount Fyffe.
