North Canterbury, Family Activities

Seal Swim Kaikoura Invite you to join them for a truly unique experience – swimming and snorkelling with New Zealand fur seals in their beautiful natural environment.  As you dive into the shallow waters of the peninsula, you will be amazed at how inquisitive the fur seals are and how quickly they feel comfortable around you. You will get to witness these frolicking, playful, friendly and curious creatures as they swim around you, under you and beside you. This is truly the best way to come face-to-face with a fur seal and you will remember your experience for the rest of your life!

Seal Swim Kaikoura are extremely dedicated to protecting the seals, so they work hard to not disturb their natural behavioural patterns. They are also licensed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, so you can be sure your experience will have minimal negative impact on the precious seals and their magnificent surrounding environment.

Minimum age 6 years.

read more

Sea Kayaking, the ideal fun activity for families visiting Kaikoura!

Our highly stable sea kayaks allow children to safely enjoy the kayaking experience with an adult paddling right behind them.

Enjoy paddling around Kaikoura's aquatic wonderland at a leisurely pace taking in the views and enjoying the thrill of getting right up close to New Zealands marine life.

Our professionally qualified guides will be right beside you in your watertight kayaks as your family take snaps of playful New Zealand Fur Seals with an awesome backdrop of mountain views, craggy rocks and sheer cliff faces.

We recommend the morning tour as the sea is generally calmer and with the best interactions with marine life.

Paddling time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

read more

Nestled in a beautiful alpine setting you will find Hanmer Springs, an idyllic village just 90 minutes north of Christchurch.   Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa includes relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools - at varying temperatures, private pools, saunas and steam rooms.
The network of rock pools are linked via gentle rapids and shallow waterways with the temperature varying between 33 to 37 degrees.  The  natural water comes straight from a nearby thermal bore and is rich in minerals such as sodium, chloride, boron, calcium and carbonate.

There is also a kids' area for the little ones with two hydroslides, a dumping bucket, water fountain, cave, waterfall and lizard slide, you'll hear squeals of delight and see giggling children of all ages.  Under 3 year olds are FREE.

read more

The amazing albatross is one of the most recognised sea birds in the world. With an amazing wingspan of up to 3.4 metres (the largest wingspan in the world), these majestic birds are hard to miss but are still a fairly rare sight. Thanks to the Kaikoura Albatross Encounter by boat, it is easy to visit these remarkable pelagic birds in their natural habitat.  During your (twelve passengers maximum) boat tour, you will get up close to Northern and Southern Albatross, penguins, petrels, shearwaters and many other rare and common seabirds.

The two and a half hour tour caters for ages five and up (although, if the conditions are suitable, 3-4 year olds may be admitted at the captain’s discretion) and is family friendly.

read more

Found off the coasts of Kaikoura all year round, the Dusky dolphin typically exists in large pods consisting of hundreds of members. Dusky dolphins have a playful, sociable characteristic, which makes them absolutely perfect for swimming with. Now you can watch or swim with the Dusky dolphins, under the guidance of the friendly team at Dolphin Encounter (Encounter Kaikoura). Imagine jumping into the dolphin's natural habitat and sharing a special moment with these gorgeous mammals. Certainly, an experience that will put a smile on your face for years to come.

If you choose not to swim with the dolphins, you will still have the chance to experience the entertaining actions of the frolicking, acrobatic dolphins as they interact with the other swimmers – a delight to behold.

Minimum age for watching is 3 years.
Minimum age to swim with dolphins is 8 years.

read more

Bains Classic Motor House specialises in classic and sports cars from all eras. Motorbikes, both modern and classic also grace the showroom floor, along with a select range of models, books, art and memorabilia. The Castle Park complex where Bains is located also has a Café and children’s play area, and is perfect for a coffee or light lunch after visiting.

read more

The Oxford Farmers' Market is a friendly country Farmers' Market where the seller is the producer.  There is a wide range of meats, fruit, vegetables, flowers, fresh fish, baking, preserves, sauces, brunch and coffee from more than 25 stalls for locals and visitors alike.  Open year round, every Sunday 9am-noon.

read more

Alpine Village Cruisers are the fun transport around Hanmer Springs! Built for 2 to 6 people you just sit back and pedal gently around the flat streets of Hanmer Springs Village. Enough storage to take a picnic and head to Hanmer Forest, or use as infant seats with seat belts.

read more

Alpine Crazy Putt is Hanmer Springs central mini golf course. Located just past the Heritage Hotel, this course has been recently rebuilt with lots of new and exciting holes!  Stage 2 will include water features and landscaping. Watch this space!

read more

Come and solve the mystery of the Lost Temple and be in for lots of surprises along the way or play our Gold Rush themed 18 hole mini golf course. Located on the Main Rd into Hanmer Springs. Just a 2 minute drive or 5 minute walk from the village centre.

read more

Quiet roads with stunning Alpine backdrops provide easy access to the mountain bike tracks, forest and hills around Hanmer Springs Village. The forest rides are particularly suited to families - you can ride from 20 minutes to 2 hours around the weaving mountain bike tracks, and it's mostly flat.

read more

Weka Pass Railway is a historic rural railway that uses both vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives on 12.8 km of scenic line through the unique limestone beauty of Weka Pass out of Waipara. The public trains run every 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, every Sunday in January and most public holidays. Pre-schoolers travel for free and family passes are available.

read more

The Waipara Valley Farmers market are a passionate group of growers and producers from the local Waipara Region, sharing great produce to locals and visitors alike.  All our Stallholders come from the region and offer you a delightful selection of fresh and hand made produce.  Operating every Saturday (year round) from 9am-12noon.

read more