Introduction
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car

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 November
Estimated hotel price
$86
1 night at 3-star hotel
Kaikoura in November
Estimated hotel price
$86
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 Autounion Car Rental, 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 Autounion Car Rental, among others, in Christchurch.

Airports near Kaikoura

WLGWellington
NSNNelson
CHCChristchurch

Airlines serving Kaikoura

Lufthansa
Good (7,044 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,836 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,588 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,790 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,696 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,215 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,563 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,244 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,967 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,203 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,292 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (852 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (769 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (851 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (148 reviews)
China Southern
Good (96 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,767 reviews)
Thai Airways
Good (325 reviews)
Air China
Good (88 reviews)
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Where to stay in Kaikoura

Average rates range from around $151 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $410 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Kaikoura

Most booked hotels in Kaikoura

See all
Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$144+
View
Kaikoura Motor Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$101+
View
Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$212+
View

Hiring a car in Kaikoura

Expect to pay $2.60 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 $31.11 and $41.47.

Expect to pay $2.60 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 $31.11 and $41.47.

Kaikoura Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Kaikoura city guide for the best Kaikoura travel tips. To help you organise your Kaikoura trip ideas, this Kaikoura visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.