Hostel · Kaikoura
Dusky Lodge
9.1
172 reviewsPopular backpackers with clean facilities, good kitchen, and garden.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$30–45
- Wi-Fi
- Kitchen
Kaikoura
South Island · New Zealand
Common stamp · 25 km circle
Stamp Kaikoura
Not stamped yet
- A day
- ~NZ$145
- Best
- Oct–Apr
- Dorms from
- NZ$30
Adventure base
Why Kaikoura
- Year-round sperm whale watching (one of the best places in the world)
- Swim with wild dusky dolphins
- Free fur seal colony on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
Kaikoura is a small coastal town wedged between the Seaward Kaikoura mountain range and the Pacific Ocean on the South Island's east coast. An underwater canyon drops to over 1,000 metres just offshore, creating a nutrient-rich environment that attracts an extraordinary concentration of marine life. Sperm whales are resident year-round, dolphins play in the surf, and fur seals bask on the rocky peninsula. For backpackers, Kaikoura offers a rare chance to see big marine wildlife without a big budget.
A day in Kaikoura
- Hostel dorm
- NZ$59
- Food
- NZ$44
- Transport
- NZ$8
- Activities
- NZ$119
- About a day
- NZ$145
Where to stay in Kaikoura
Tap a hostel for the details, or + Plan to save it for the planner.
- Dusky Lodge
9.1 · NZ$30–45 dorm · popular backpackers with clean facilities, good kitchen, and garden
- Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park
8.3 · NZ$30–45 dorm · budget cabins, good for small groups
- Albatross Backpackers Inn
8.0 · NZ$30–45 dorm · friendly, close to the seal colony walk
- YHA Kaikoura
7.8 · NZ$30–45 dorm · reliable chain hostel with mountain views
- The Lazy Shag
7.6 · NZ$30–45 dorm · affordable, character-filled, close to the beach
Hostel · Kaikoura
Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park
8.3
255 reviewsBudget cabins, good for small groups.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$30–45
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Kaikoura
Albatross Backpackers Inn
8.0
306 reviewsFriendly, close to the seal colony walk.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$30–45
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Kaikoura
YHA Kaikoura
7.8
310 reviewsReliable chain hostel with mountain views.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$30–45
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Kaikoura
The Lazy Shag
7.6
269 reviewsAffordable, character-filled, close to the beach.
- Dorm bed
- NZ$30–45
- Wi-Fi
Things to do in Kaikoura
Tap one to see it, or + Plan to add it to your trip.
Nightlife
Stargaze at night
Tours · Kaikoura
Buy fresh crayfish from the roadside caravans on the highway north of town
Tours · Kaikoura
Go whale watching with Whale Watch Kaikoura
Go whale watching with Whale Watch Kaikoura (3-3.5 hour tour, from $150 NZD; sperm whales visible year-round)
- Price
- NZ$150
Water · Kaikoura
Swim with wild dusky dolphins through Dolphin Encounter
Swim with wild dusky dolphins through Dolphin Encounter ($185 NZD)
- Price
- NZ$185
Nature · Kaikoura
Walk the free Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
Walk the free Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway (3-hour loop past seal colonies and seabird nesting sites)
Getting to Kaikoura
- Bus from Christchurch2 h 30 minUS$11
- Train from Christchurch4 h 30 minUS$47–89
Coming soon · The Kaikoura wall
Stamp selfies from travellers who were really here
Stamp Kaikoura, then frame a selfie with your stamp and share it here or on your socials. Only stamped travellers can post. Month only, never the day, and the location is stripped from every photo.
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