Kaikoura Map
Interactive map of Kaikoura with coordinates, nearby places, airports and travel highlights.
Summary
Kaikoura is a city in Canterbury. Kaikoura is known for whale watching where mountains meet sea. It has a population of about 2.200.
Right now it is 57°F (14°C) in Kaikoura with overcast. It feels like 55°F. Today runs from 41°F to 60°F. Chance of precipitation is 55%. Sightseeing conditions score 8.2/10 - good conditions.
The best time to visit Kaikoura is February, March and November. The climate is temperate. April, June and July tend to be the least comfortable months. February is the warmest month with average highs near 69°F, while August is the coldest with lows near 40°F.
The closest major airport is Queenstown Airport (ZQN), about 306 mi away. Nearby highlights include South Island, Aoraki / Mount Cook and Tongariro National Park.
In plain terms. Today is slightly warmer than average for August. The forecast high of 60°F is 5.8°F above the 54°F typical for this month. The best window to be outside is roughly 6 PM to 9 PM, when temperature, rain chance and wind line up best. fishing is the strongest bet in Kaikoura today at 9.7/10. No weather-related travel disruption is expected today. Roads and airports should run normally.
Compiled from this page's own data: atlas facts plus live Open-Meteo readings.
Map of Kaikoura
Interactive map with nearby places. Switch between street, terrain and satellite views.
Coordinates: 42°23′60″S 173°40′48″E (-42.4, 173.68)
Quick facts about Kaikoura
| Type | City |
|---|---|
| Region | Canterbury |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Continent | Oceania |
| Coordinates | 42°23′60″S 173°40′48″E (-42.4, 173.68) |
| Population | 2.200 |
| Known for | whale watching where mountains meet sea |
| Local time | 12:34 AM (UTC+12:00) |
| Best months | February, March and November |
| Climate | Temperate |
Neighboring cities in Canterbury
Sorted by distance from Kaikoura.
Getting to Kaikoura
- Queenstown Airport (ZQN) · 306 mi
- Nelson City · 81 mi · roughly 1.9 h driving
- Christchurch · 94 mi · roughly 2.2 h driving
- Wellington · 95 mi · roughly 2.2 h driving
Distances are straight-line; driving times assume a 70 km/h average and no traffic.
Airports near Kaikoura
Closest airports with IATA codes and distances.
| Airport | Code | Distance | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queenstown Airport | ZQN | 306 mi | Queenstown |
Things to do in Kaikoura
Attractions, parks and landmarks in and around Kaikoura.
Explore Kaikoura
Every topic we hold for this place, and the same topic for the places around it.
Map for related places
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kaikoura?
Kaikoura is a city in Canterbury. Its coordinates are -42.4, 173.68. It lies in Oceania.
What is the weather like in Kaikoura right now?
It is currently 57°F (14°C) with overcast. Humidity is 69% and wind is 4 mph.
When is the best time to visit Kaikoura?
February, March and November offer the most comfortable conditions in Kaikoura, which has a temperate climate. April, June and July are usually the hardest months for outdoor plans.
What time zone is Kaikoura in?
Kaikoura observes Pacific/Auckland (UTC+12:00). The local time is 12:34 AM.
How many people live in Kaikoura?
Kaikoura has a population of approximately 2.200.
What is the nearest airport to Kaikoura?
The closest airports are Queenstown Airport (ZQN), 306 mi away.
What are the top things to do in Kaikoura?
Popular options include South Island, Aoraki / Mount Cook and Tongariro National Park.
Related articles
Data sources and methodology
| Place data | USPOTUS Atlas dataset (cities-supported) - coordinates, hierarchy and facts. |
|---|---|
| Map tiles | OpenStreetMap contributors, CARTO and Esri. |
| Elevation | Open-Meteo digital elevation model where the dataset has no value. |
| Method | Scores, comparisons and advice on this page are computed from the inputs above. Distances are straight-line. Nothing is estimated where data is missing - the block is simply not shown. |
Last updated August 24, 2026 at 12:34 AM local time. Live blocks refresh every 15 minutes; climate averages monthly.
