Things To Do in Kaikoura
Kaikoura Activities
While staying at The Factory you can enjoy walks along the beach where you can catch glimpses of our resident Hector Dolphins and appreciate the towering mountains so close to the ocean.
Kaikoura is best known for its amazing marine life. Here, you can see whales all year round, particularly the huge sperm whales. Take a trip with Whale Watch and you may also see Pilot, Humpback, Southern Right whales, orcas, and even a mighty Blue Whale. Wings over Water, South Pacific Helicopters, or Kaikoura Helicopters will give you the opportunity to see the whales from the air. There are also large numbers of dolphins all year round. Try Dolphin Encounter to see the athletic Dusky Dolphins – you can even swim with them if you wish. Albatross Encounter will take you up close to these mighty seabirds and the Seal Swim is an activity not to be missed. You can also go to Kaikoura Kayaks, Levi’s Pedal Kayaks, Kaikoura Snorkelling Tours, and Dive Kaikoura to ensure you see all the amazing marine wildlife that is unique to this area or visit the seal colonies to see the New Zealand fur seal up close at Point Kean.
If you want some action while staying at The Factory, two of the best surf breaks in New Zealand are just 5 minutes up the road: Maungamanu and Meatworks. Learn to surf with Boardsilly if you are a novice. Skiing at Mount Lyford alpine resort is only an hour away up the scenic inland road. Golfers can play on the Kaikoura Golf Course which is renowned for its magnificent vista of the mountains and the ocean. It is rated from beginner to low handicapper or you can play on the newly opened Koura Bay 9 hole course. You can also: ride 4WD vehicles at Glenstrae 4WD Adventures, go white-water rafting with Clarence River Rafting, go horse-trekking in the Kowhai River or try one of our fantastic cycling tracks.
Other wonderful activities include The Maori Tour which has been voted the best cultural activity in New Zealand four times, The Point Sheep Shearing or visit the brand new Kaikoura Museum. There is also the Lavendyl Lavender farm where you can stroll through the lavender gardens, watch the distillation process and buy some of their wonderful products and Fyffe House where you can learn more about the history of Kaikoura.
If you are into Hunting, Anton at Pure NZ is your man. There is also his Hunting and Fishing store where you can purchase clothing, fishing and hunting accessories.
Of course, no holiday would be complete without wonderful food and the very name, Kaikoura, means a meal of crayfish. There are many great cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants in Kaikoura all serving the most wonderfully fresh seafood as well as some iconic caravans and food carts. Alternatively, catch your own; take a charter on a fishing boat – try Fish Kaikoura or South Bay Fishing Charters. There are lots of great shops in Kaikoura that sell a range of interesting items. There are many artists who have made Kaikoura their home using this magnificent location of mountains and ocean as their inspiration.
After all this, you will need to relax – try Indulge Body and Soul for a fabulous massage or beauty therapy.
Dolphin Encounter
At Dolphin Encounter you get the opportunity to swim with, or watch, the dusky dolphins in their natural environment off the coast of Kaikoura, New Zealand.
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Albatross Encounter
Albatross Encounter brings you up close to a diverse array of seabirds including albatross, petrels, shearwaters, shags, terns, and gulls.
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Wings Over Whales
Spectacular Whale Watching flights – take an air adventure over Kaikoura on the rugged East Coast of the South Island in New Zealand.
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Seal Swim Kaikoura
A totally unique experience seal swimming with New Zealand Fur Seals in their own spectacular environment on Kaikoura’s beautiful coast!
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Whale Watch Kaikoura
Every New Zealand Whale Watch Tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents.
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Popular Activities for Families
The Factory is the perfect place if you are looking for luxury Kaikoura family accommodation and unique family activities.
The Factory accommodation offers a three bedroom or six bedroom option with private courtyards, spa pool, and large lawn area for children to play games, run around and just get back to nature. There is a tree hut and gardens for children to experience the joys of picking fruit straight from the trees. All options are exclusive to one group.
Children love our resident hen, Poppy, and the wild ducks who visit as well as the little things like the heart-shaped stones and the paua shells hanging in the garden. Although the beach is not safe for swimming it is wonderful for finding treasures among the rocks and driftwood and making rock sculptures and driftwood huts. Our resident Hector’s dolphins are curious and will often appear close to the edge of the beach on hearing the sounds of children’s voices – they especially love singing!
Whole days can be whiled away painting on the rocks, listening to the different bird sounds and finding lots of different quirky features around the property.
Kaikoura itself is a paradise for children with all the amazing marine life off the Kaikoura coast. Once-in-a-lifetime activities for families are just a 10-minute drive away from The Factory: Whale Watch, Dolphin Encounter, Seal Swim, Albatross Encounter, and Kaikoura Kayaks are just a few among them.
If you are looking for Kaikoura family accommodation that is unique, luxurious, and family friendly The Factory is the perfect place for you.