List of historic places in Kaikōura District

The Kaikōura District is a territorial authority of New Zealand located along the eastern coast of the South Island in northern Canterbury. The region was historically an important Māori settlement area from the earliest period of inhabitation. European inhabitation began in the 1840s with the establishment of whaling stations. Following the decline of the industry, the region shifted towards fishing. The eponymous district centre of Kaikōura was historically a small and isolated fishing village. Road connections were limited to bridle paths prior to 1900, and no rail access was available until the opening of the Main North Line in 1945. Tourism has become an important industry in the area today, alongside agriculture and cheesemaking.

Heritage New Zealand classification of sites on the New Zealand Heritage List / Rārangi Kōrero, in accordance with the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014, distinguishes between Category 1 ("places of special or outstanding historical or cultural significance") and Category 2 ("places of historic or cultural significance"). Sites containing a number of related significant places are listed as Historic Areas. Additionally, sites important to Māori communities are given special classifications, including wāhi tapu for sites of spiritual, traditional, or ritual importance. Ten places located within the Kaikōura District are included on the New Zealand Heritage List, including seven listed as Category 2, one as Category 1, as well as a Historic Area and a wāhi tapu. Two more sites, the former Magistrate's Court and Pine Terrace, were formerly listed as Category 2 places, but have since been destroyed.

Former sites
These sites were formerly listed on the New Zealand Heritage List, but are no longer extant.