Kaikōura is a South Island coastal town where towering mountains meet deep blue ocean, and the main draw is its wild, untouched environment rather than any “cute town” aesthetic. The steep Kaikōura Canyon sits right offshore, pulling in massive amounts of marine life, which is why the place is famous for year-round sperm whales, pods of dolphins, seals, and seasonal humpbacks or orcas. It’s one of the best wildlife destinations in New Zealand, whether you’re driving the coastline, walking the peninsula, or heading out on a whale-watching tour.