Fyffe House was literally built on the back of whaling – the initial single-storey cottage rests on piles made from the vertebrae of a mighty Tohorā (Southern right whale). Kaikōura’s pink heritage building, and the land it occupies, has a history that is centuries deep, dating from the arrival of tangata whenua.
Have the freedom to explore a setting just minutes away the from Point Kean seal colony.
Opening Hours
October – April: Wednesday to Monday
10.00am - 5.00pm
Closed Good Friday, Anzac Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
May - September
Thursday - Monday
10.00am. - 4.00pm.
Entry
Member Free
Adult $10.00
Student (tertiary) $5.00
Under 18 years Free
* Surcharges may apply for special events
Parking
There is free on-street parking outside Fyffe House and six parking spaces on site. Visitors are welcome to use the lawn to drop-off and pick-up visitors for easy access, however, please do not park on the lawn in front of the house.
Accessibility
Fyffe House is a two-storey building with high steps and uneven surfaces. The second floor may not be suitable for people with mobility issues due to the steep angle of the stairs between floors. There is access for people with wheelchairs to reception, shop and dining room. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair access to the second floor. Visitors with limited mobility can be dropped off at the front gate to the house.
Please note wheelchair users may find it difficult to navigate within the house due to the width of the doorframes and narrow passages. If you find this to be the case, our visitor hosts can share the history of our site with you from the comfort of the veranda.
Food and Drink
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic with them to enjoy in our grounds. Our lawns are the perfect spot to setup a picnic rug, we also have several picnic tables available. Please take all food and rubbish with you. There is also a great selection of local cafés and eateries located in the Kaikōura township.
This is a smoke and vape free site.
Venue Hire
Fyffe House grounds make a great location for weddings receptions, small gatherings and other events.
Please note portaloos would need to be hired for events as Fyffe House doesn’t have toilet facilities available.
To enquire about hosting an event or organising a school visit to Fyffe House
More info
Children and whānau
Both inside and out, there are things for kids to do. Inside, you can explore the house, follow the clues and discover stories gifted by Kāti Kuri (local iwi) through the touch screen. Outside, there’s a huge lawn area for little legs to enjoy and lawn games to keep them entertained.
Things to remember
We care for some important taonga (treasures) in our collection and our heritage buildings have lived a long life, so some rooms or items in the house may be off limits at times for conservation and maintenance.
Some rooms may be dimly lit depending on the weather and time of year.
Safe Space
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is proud to be part of the Safe Space Alliance, offering safe and inclusive spaces that welcome and support the LGBTQI+ community.
A safe space is a space where the LGBTQI+ community can freely express themselves without fear. It is a space that doesn’t tolerate violence, bullying, or hate speech towards the LGBTQI+ community.
