Where Ocean Breath, Alpine Warmth & Open Country Calm Come Together
 
Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs form a natural pause in the South Island journey – a place where ocean and mountains meet, and the pace softens almost without you noticing. On one side, Kaikōura’s dramatic coastline delivers whales offshore, seals on the rocks and salt air rolling in from the Pacific. Inland, Hanmer Springs sits tucked among forested hills and alpine air, offering thermal waters, quiet walks and a deeply restorative rhythm.
 
If you’re searching for the best things to do in Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs, you’ll find experiences shaped by contrast rather than intensity. Early-morning coastal walks, whale sightings and cliff-hugging viewpoints give way to warm pools, pine-scented trails and unhurried afternoons. The journey between them is part of the story too – braided rivers, wide valleys and small towns that encourage you to slow down and breathe a little deeper.
 
Beyond the headline highlights, this region rewards lingering. Gentle hikes, wildlife encounters, scenic drives and simple food stops create days that feel full without feeling busy. Whether you’re watching the ocean from Kaikōura’s shoreline, soaking beneath the stars in Hanmer, or drifting through the Hurunui and Waimakariri countryside, everything here unfolds at a calmer, more grounded pace.
 
This is your essential guide to the best things to do in Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs – bringing together coastal icons, alpine calm and quietly memorable moments that make this part of the South Island feel like a true reset.