Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park

The communal camp kitchen and BBQ areas provide a social hub for the park, offering a great space to cook up the catch of the day while swapping stories with fellow travellers. For a high-quality start to your morning, wander down to Flo & Co Kaikoura. This local favourite is known for its excellent specialty coffee and a breakfast menu that hits the spot before you head out on a marine adventure.

When you are ready to explore the local food scene, a quintessential Kaikōura experience involves visiting the coastal seafood caravans. Nin's Bin is a legendary choice for fresh crayfish enjoyed right on the rugged shoreline. For a more polished evening meal, book a table at Zephyr. They focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients with a menu that highlights the region's incredible seafood in a sophisticated setting. If you are looking for a casual and vibrant atmosphere, Street Eats Kaikoura offers a fantastic range of quick, flavorful options that are perfect for a relaxed family lunch. To soak up the local history, head to The Pier Hotel. This landmark pub offers stunning views of the bay and is the ideal place for a cold beer and local Blue Cod while you enjoy the mountains in the backdrop. 

The entertainment right at the park makes it easy to keep the family happy between adventures. Kids can burn off energy on the jumping pillow and adventure playground, or you can challenge each other to a race around the park on the pedal karts. For a quieter afternoon, head to the movie room or the games room, which is fully equipped with table tennis and air hockey — ideal for keeping everyone entertained if the coastal weather rolls in.

When you are ready to explore, Kaikōura is all about the ocean. Whale Watch Kaikoura is just a short walk from the park and offers the chance to see giant sperm whales alongside dolphins and seals. For a more immersive experience, Kaikoura Kayaks provides guided tours that allow you to paddle through the marine wonderland at sea level. Their family-friendly tours are a standout, often getting you up close with playful New Zealand fur seals in a safe and relaxed environment.

For those who prefer to explore on foot, the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway is an absolute must. You can start this easy clifftop trail right from the town centre; it offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the snow-capped mountains, with several lookout points for spotting seal colonies from above. If you’ve brought your bikes, the region offers everything from the gentle, family-friendly Kaikōura Trail that loops the basin, to the more technical descents on Mt Fyffe for the experienced rider. After a day of mountain biking or hiking, you can return to the park and book a private session in the Spa or Hot Tub to unwind.

You can't visit Kaikōura without trying the local crayfish, but many of the most iconic roadside caravans operate on "daily catch" hours. They often close as soon as they sell out, which can be mid-afternoon in the peak season. To ensure you don't miss out on the town's famous namesake delicacy, plan for a lunch rather than a dinner.