Downtown Kaikoura, New Zealand

Hotels

Hotel Tips

Not all online booking systems are fully integrated with hotel reservations systems so there is a chance that smaller hotels are hand entering your stay from a fax machine which leaves room for errors. Book directly with hotel to avoid any problems and ask for a price match if you find a better price online.

Always tip staff when you feel the service was great and don't forget the housekeeping staff which you may never see. You should tip every day if you are staying multiple days as the staff may rotate out and miss the bounty at the end.

Avoid booking poolside for kids playing during the day and gatherings at night. Sound bounces off of the water and voices carry so ask for a room away from the pool either on the opposite side of the hotel or in higher floors.

Things To Do

Kaikoura has a great collection of barber shops to choose from if you want to take a little off the top, get a clean shave or to trim your moustache or beard. Take a moment to consider buying some styling gel, beard oil or wax and always tip well.

Kaikoura has the perfect game shop for both young and old. Your friends and family will enjoy hours of entertainment with a wide selection of board games, card games and games of skill. A perfect stop for travellers with kids and those seeking a new adventure for game night.

Kaikoura is the place to go when you want to freshen up or replace your nails. Call ahead to schedule an appointment, pick your colors and style and let the transformation begin. Some salons offer hair styling and coloring as well as lashes and eyebrow coloring.

Why Do You Love Downtown?

Dawnmarie Hatfield
We love supporting local businesses wherever we visit.

Jennifer Moranda
Planning my first trip.

Liisa Shunn
We love going downtown, because we like to support our local economy. The shops and restaurants we visit -- we have gotten to know the owners, so when our money is spent downtown, we know who benefits. Also? We live only a mile from downtown, so we walk or ride our bikes. No worries about a designated driver or looking for parking. We chose to live in Medford, so of course we want our money to stay in Medford, not going off to some corporate office of a chain store.

Kristin Miller
Things you can't find anywhere else

Catherine Payne
Great vibe! Low key. Feels like old time Hawaii.

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