Kayak with seals through Seal Kayak Kaikoura or Kaikoura Kayaks

Stargaze at night — minimal light pollution along the coast

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

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

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