Things to Do in Kaikoura

Buy fresh crayfish from the roadside caravans on the highway north of town

Go whale watching with Whale Watch Kaikoura (3-3.5 hour tour, from $150 NZD; sperm whales visible year-round)

Hike the Mt Fyffe Track for panoramic mountain-to-sea views

Kayak with seals through Seal Kayak Kaikoura or Kaikoura Kayaks

Stargaze at night -- minimal light pollution along the coast

Stargaze at night — minimal light pollution along the coast

Swim with wild dusky dolphins through Dolphin Encounter ($185 NZD)

Take a scenic flight for aerial views of whales and the coastline

Walk the free Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway (3-hour loop past seal colonies and seabird nesting sites)