Kaikoura is best described as “where wildlife takes over civilisation”. On the shore of the Pacific Ocean, the small town is a year-round destination featuring some of the most memorable experiences that New Zealand has to offer. If you are on a working holiday visa, Kaikoura would be a great place to settle for a little while. Lodged between high mountains and rich ocean life, no two days’ off would be the same. In fact, there’s so much to explore that we dedicated an entire guide to Kaikoura.

If you are only driving by, make sure to schedule enough time to embrace the area – two days should be a minimum. Take your pick of activities below to make this stopover the best one on the South Island’s east coast!