Point Kean Viewpoint — Attraction in Kaikōura

Kean Point is a great place to go and I would recommend it as the main place to go if you were visiting Kaikoura for a short time. There is adequate parking. You can either access the rocks down a short flight of stairs and walk the coast to the Seagull colony or walk the stairs onto the cliff tops to walk a track along a the coast.

From the cliff there is a path down onto the coast. You can make this a round trip or walk around to South bay if you have a spare few hours.

Be aware of the tide if you go straight out onto the rocks from the carpark, if the tide is full you can become stranded if you do not pay attention to the tide.

It's very common to see Seals at Kean Point. Make sure you don't get to close as they can be unpredictable and are more mobile than...

There has been an huge change in this area since our last visit. The amount of uplift in the rocks has to be seen to be believed. When the tide goes out an enormous amount of bare rock is exposed which can be very dangerous. On two consecutive days we saw a woman tourist caught out by the incoming tide. She was encouraged to wade in to reach dry rocks. Next day a male tourist did the same but the sea was very rough and the water much deeper. He was rescued by a kayaker in the area at the same time. Never turn your back on an incoming tide! There are two lookout points on the cliff which have been very well made with well formed tracks leading up to them. Picnic spots, plenty of parking and toilets are available. Don't...

Point Kean Viewpoint is a stunning highlight on the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, just a short 5-minute walk from the Point Kean car park. The elevated lookout offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding coastline. During our visit, we also spotted a lone male seal along with several seabirds. The location is easily accessible from Kaikōura town centre and is suitable for visitors of all ages. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy New Zealand’s dramatic coastal landscape and observe local wildlife in their natural habitat. Point Kean Viewpoint is a must-visit for anyone exploring Kaikōura, offering spectacular views, fascinating wildlife encounters, and a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and...