3 Star Hotels in Kaikōura

South Bay invites you to witness coastal magic where fur seals bask on dramatic rocky outcrops and whales migrate past viewing platforms. Stroll the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway for breathtaking ocean panoramas or explore tide pools teeming with fascinating marine life. The pebbly beach and unspoiled shoreline offer authentic New Zealand coastal experiences away from crowds. Seafood lovers can savor fresh crayfish and blue cod at casual waterfront eateries. Choose from charming B&Bs or self-contained apartments with ocean views, most featuring outdoor decks and direct beach access. A rental car is essential as public transport is limited, though walking paths connect to the main township just 15 minutes away.

Kaikoura Peninsula serves up the ultimate wildlife show right from its dramatic shorelines. Fur seals bask on rocky platforms while lucky visitors might spot whales and dolphins playing in the Pacific. The Peninsula Walkway winds through native flax and tussock grasslands with killer ocean views at every turn. Point Kean Seal Colony offers up-close encounters with New Zealand's furry locals without the crowds. Seafood is the star here, with restaurants dishing up fresh crayfish and green-lipped mussels just steps from where they're caught. Most accommodations are eco-lodges and boutique motels with wildlife observation decks. Getting around requires a car, but the well-maintained coastal tracks make exploring on foot a breeze.