Whale tales and seaside adventures: Kid friendly activities in Kaikōura

Kids playing mini golf with their parents on a sunny day.
Looking for things to do with the kids in Kaikōura? You've come to the right place.

Esses Wine Company

A man and woman smiling to camera in a vineyard on an autumn day.
Place Kaikōura
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Nestled next to the foothills of the Kaikōura ranges with stunning views of Mt Fyffe and beyond, Esses Wine Company’s vineyard might just sit in one of the most...

Hiku

Two plates of food on a table.
Place Kaikōura
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Hiku sits directly at the water's edge in the heart of Kaikōura. The restaurant, along with the Sudima Hotel it shares the space with, opened its doors in September 2022.

The Store Kekerengu

View of the counter at The Store Kekerengu, Kaikōura.
Place Kaikōura
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A top stop spot on the drive from Kaikōura to Marlborough, The Store Kekerengu provides some of the best cafe scenery and incomparable sea views.

Slam Club

Customers having a beer at Slam Club, Kaikōura.
Place Kaikōura Editor's Pick
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Famous for its toasted sandwiches, Slam Club is the favourite destination for foodies passing through town.

Hapuku Lodge

Dessert with pear on the table at Hapuku Lodge. .
Place Kaikōura
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Your destination for luxurious accommodation and one of the finest dining experiences in the region.

Zephyr

Table set at Zephyr with artwork hanging above.
Place Kaikōura Editor's Pick
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Quality food in a relaxed yet stylish environment.

The Pier Hotel

Outdoor seating area at The Pier Hotel.
Place Kaikōura
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A classic Kiwi pub and restaurant housed within an iconic nineteenth century hotel.

Strawberry Tree Kaikōura

Man standing at the bar with his children at Strawberry Tree.
Place Kaikōura
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A quirky Irish Bar and live music venue serving up some of the best grub in town.

Kaikōura Seafood BBQ

Takeaway box with cooked crayfish dish inside.
Place Kaikōura

One the most affordable spots in town for getting your hands on world famous crayfish.

Nins Bin

Exterior view of Nin' Bin.
Place Kaikōura

The classic Kaikōura destination for seafood.

Karaka Lobster

Lobsters on display in the fridge at Karaka Lobster.
Place Kaikōura

Impossible to miss.

Sime's Kitchen

French toast with bananas and figs.
Place Kaikōura Editor's Pick
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Be prepared to be delighted.

The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food and Drink Heroes of Kaikōura

A hand holds a bunch of dark red grapes growing on a vine at Esses in Kaikōura.
Come hungry, thirsty and with plenty of suitcase space as this new look food and drink scene won’t disappoint.

Kaikōura Fine Foods

Jars of pickles and condiments on a bookcase shelving.
Place Kaikōura
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Pop in to gather a few special treats for the pantry.

Hapuku Kitchen

Owner of Hapuku Kitchen, Fiona.
Place Kaikōura Editor's Pick
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A food and nature lover’s wonderland.

Coopers Catch

Close up of someone grabbing a chip off a plate.
Place Kaikōura

For the quintessentially Kiwi experience: fish and chips by the seaside.

Emporium Brewing

Interior view of the bar at Emporium Brewing, Kaikōura.
Place Kaikōura
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Emporium Brewing is a much-loved local brewery that will happily bring you pints and burgers to your heart's content.

Sample Seafood and Other Indulgent Eats Across Kaikōura's Humble Culinary Scene

Cooked crayfish on a plate.
With an abundance of seafood at their fingertips, it's no surprise Kaikōura has a bunch of culinary delights across town.

Flo & Co.

Woman about to take a sip of coffee.
Place Kaikōura
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Visit for the great aesthetics and damn good coffee.

Beach House Café

Two people behind the counter at Beach House Cafe.
Place Kaikōura
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A true local’s favourite.