The Lookout - A Sanctuary with Fabulous Views is a lookout in Kaikōura, on the South Island's east coast, holding a perfect 5.0 rating from eight Google reviews.
A good lookout rewards a little timing. Kaikōura's viewpoints look out over deep water close to shore, where sperm whales, dusky dolphins and fur seals pass regularly, so calm seas and a pair of binoculars make all the difference. Early morning and evening give the best light, when the Seaward Kaikōura Range appears to rise straight from the sea. Most spots along this coast are free to reach on foot, though the wind is a year-round fact of life here and a windproof layer is worth packing.
For a quiet place to take in the mountain-meets-sea scenery Kaikōura is famous for, this little sanctuary's flawless rating suggests it lives up to its name.