TL;DR
Kaikōura, on the South Island's east coast, is where snow-capped mountains meet a sea full of whales, dolphins and seals. Camping is mainly at holiday parks in and around town (like the Kaikōura TOP 10 and Peketa Beach) plus a few DOC and freedom-camping spots along the coast for self-contained vehicles. It's a must-stop for wildlife and crayfish, about 2.5 hours north of Christchurch.
Kaikōura is one of those rare places where you can watch a whale surface with snow-capped mountains as the backdrop. On the South Island's east coast, it's a small town with an outsized amount going on — and a great place to park the camper for a night or two.
Camping in Kaikōura is mostly at holiday parks in and around town, such as the Kaikōura TOP 10 and Peketa Beach, with a handful of DOC and self-contained freedom-camping spots along the coast. Book ahead in summer. Kaikōura is famous for whale watching, dolphins, seals and crayfish, and sits about 2.5 hours north of Christchurch.
Where to camp
The holiday parks are the easy choice: the Kaikōura TOP 10 and Alpine-Pacific parks are close to town with full facilities, while Peketa Beach Holiday Park, a little south, puts you right on the shingle beach. All book out in summer, so reserve early. Waking to the sound of the surf here is hard to beat.
Freedom and DOC camping
For certified self-contained vehicles there are a few coastal freedom-camping areas and DOC sites nearby, but spaces are limited and rules are enforced to protect the coast, so check the CamperMate app rather than assuming. Our campers are certified, which opens up those options.
Whales, dolphins and wildlife
This is the reason to stop. A deep ocean trench close to shore brings sperm whales year-round, plus dolphins (you can swim with them), fur seals hauled out on the rocks, and albatross. Boat and, weather permitting, air tours run daily — book ahead in peak season.
Crayfish and the coast
Kaikōura literally means 'to eat crayfish', and you should: roadside caravans and shacks along the coast serve it fresh. Walk the Kaikōura Peninsula clifftop track for seals and views, then plan the rest of your South Island circuit. See our campers.
Frequently asked questions
A few, for certified self-contained vehicles at designated coastal sites, but spaces are limited and rules are enforced. Most travellers book a holiday park; check the CamperMate app for legal freedom-camping spots.
Mainly holiday parks in and around town with full facilities (like the Kaikōura TOP 10 and Peketa Beach), plus a handful of DOC and self-contained freedom-camping areas along the coast.
Marine wildlife — sperm whales year-round, dolphins, fur seals and albatross — set against snow-capped mountains, plus its fresh crayfish.
About 2.5 hours' drive north along the coastal State Highway 1, one of the most scenic stretches in the country.
Written by the JustGoodCampers team
Family-owned camper rental in New Zealand. justgoodcampers.com
