Kaikōura - opening spring 2021

The Kaikōura District has some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country with a stunning coastline, a dramatic peninsula and some of the South Island’s highest mountains. Its unique ocean environment is home to an astonishing variety of marine life including seals, dolphins, whales and albatross. These spectacular surroundings provide an unforgettable location for some of New Zealand’s best eco-tourism experiences. The area has rich Maori & European histories along with both relaxing and exhilarating land-based activities. 

With its superb location on the shoreline close to town, Sudima Kaikōura is blessed with stunning views of both the mountains and sea. It also puts the hotel within easy walking distance of Kaikōura activities, shops, restaurants, and bars.

This state-of-the-art waterfront hotel has a 4.5 star rating with an outstanding in-house restaurant, a bar and conference facilities. As always, you can expect that special Sudima service. We take care of the little things, so you’re all ready for a big day – of business, sightseeing, or nature watching.

At Sudima Hotels we’re committed to sustainability. In a pristine environment such as Kaikōura, it’s particularly important that we minimise our impact. When you choose to stay with us at Sudima Kaikōura, you can be rest-assured you’re contributing to a more sustainable environment. We were the first hotel in New Zealand to be awarded a carboNZero certification and have won awards for our sustainable achievements. Sudima is also proud to be one of the most accessible hotel groups in New Zealand. We go to great lengths to ensure all our guests can enjoy their stay and have designed accessibility features into all our hotels.

The town of Kaikōura couldn’t have a more picturesque setting. It sits on a rocky peninsula that extends from lush farmland, overlooking the deepest, bluest sea you’ve ever seen. Looming over it there’s the rocky Kaikōura mountains, a branch of the Southern Alps. You get a real sense of nature’s power in this place – beautiful, rugged, and wild. Kaikōura's abundant wildlife is the result of a nutrient-rich upwelling of currents from the nearby Hikurangi Trench. Deep beyond imagining, the trench and the area around it is home to an incredible variety of marine life, mammals, and birds. This makes it an amazing destination all year round for nature lovers.

Kaikōura began life as a whaling town, but instead of being hunted, the majestic sperm whales are now the star attraction. Kaikōura is recognised as one of the best places in the world for sperm whale watching. Diving to depths of up to 3 kilometres, sperm whales can hold their breath for up to two hours – giving them time to find their favourite food, groper and giant squid. Swimming with the dusky dolphins is another popular activity and there’s a large colony of southern fur seals not far to the east. It’s best to go see them at low tide when it’s easier to walk out among the rocks. Depending on the time of year you might be also be lucky enough to see albatross – one of the world’s largest flying birds, rare Hector’s dolphins, orca and even humpback whales.