Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch
Recommended by 96% of travelers
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Kaikoura, New Zealand
- 30 minutes (approx.)
- Flight time: 30 minutes
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Lift off from Kaikōura's beachfront helipad on a scenic helicopter tour over the deep-sea canyon and coastline. Look out for sperm whales, humpbacks, Hector's dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat while enjoying panoramic views of the Seaward Kaikōura mountain range and Kaikōura Peninsula. Headsets with microphones provide live commentary and the chance to ask questions during this unforgettable aerial whale-watching experience.
- Look for sperm whales year-round and migrating humpbacks May–November
- Enjoy whale-watching without the risk of getting seasick, as on a boat
- Small-group flight ensures personalized attention from your guide
- Ideal for travelers short on time in Kaikōura, such as day-trippers
What's Included
- Scenic helicopter excursion to view whales and wildlife
- View from above Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon while searching for a Giant Sperm Whale
- Explore the unique and rugged Kaikoura Coastline
- Live commentary from our pilots who are flying encyclopedias on the local area.
- Headset with microphone to clearly hear your commentary and ask questions on your journey
- Unique and uninterrupted views of magnificent marine mammals from above in your luxury helicopter
- Depart from Kaikōura’s convenient beachfront helipad in the township.
- An unforgettable bucket-list New Zealand experience.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 16 West End, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand
Kaikoura Helicopters is situated under the rail bridge on the main street of Kaikoura. Look for the whales on the windows and the smiling staff on the reception.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Kaikoura
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Total weight per passenger: 55 lbs
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- A headset is provided with a microphone for communicating with your pilot
- We recommend wearing covered shoes and bringing a warm jacket
- We recommend bringing your camera and sunglasses
- All passengers will be weighed before departure
- Your pilot in command will load helicopter based on weight and balance
- All flights are subject to weather conditions and minimum numbers. Please see our website for full terms and conditions
- If the weather does not allow you to fly, we will be happy to rebook you for a later time if your travel schedule allows. Alternatively your voucher can be used at one of our other helicopter bases in Wellington or Christchurch
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Sharon_S
Wow Aaron was great making you feel very safe yet allowing you to enjoy this amazing experience. We got to see a sperm whale, some cheeky humpbacks and lots of dolphins and seals. This was a big birthday treat and something I’ll remember for ever. The beautiful coastline the gorgeous blue sea. What a trip! Thank you for the memories.
Reviews
4.8
based on 47 reviews
Samantha_T, Apr 2026
Fantastic experience and would highly recommend. Our pilot Aaron was brilliant with his knowledge and commentary. Seeing the whales was an awesome experience and Kaikoura is stunning from up above.
Sharon_S, Mar 2026
Wow Aaron was great making you feel very safe yet allowing you to enjoy this amazing experience. We got to see a sperm whale, some cheeky humpbacks and lots of dolphins and seals. This was a big birthday treat and something I’ll remember for ever. The beautiful coastline the gorgeous blue sea. What a trip! Thank you for the memories.
Hemi_T, Feb 2026
Awesome flight good friendly pilot unfortunately no whales but stayed a little longer to keep looking flew around massive pod of dolphins
Angela_P, Feb 2026
Very experienced pilot who knew how to find Whales. Great over head views. Would liked to have got closer though.
Martin_K, Feb 2026
Booked at short notice and staff were very helpful. Great views from the helicopter and a really smooth flight. Really knowledgeable pilot who was able to fly quickly to enable us to see three whales as they surfaced. Would highly recommend the helicopter for best chance to see the whales close up.
Lucy_R, Feb 2026
Our pilot was informative and ensured we were all comfortable and safe. He found two whales and spent as much time as possible trying to find more .
Donna_G, Feb 2026
Pilot had very good communication with others to spot whales 🐋 we saw 2! Great flight! Great service! Excellent experience 👏
jenifer_k, Feb 2025
Brilliant amazing experience. We saw 1 sperm whale and 2 Orcas within 20 minute.Wjat an amazing sight. The staff are totally commited and experienced and very helpful. Kel our pilot was just great and so was Aaron at the office. The helicopter was so clean and comfortable, beloved every minute of it. I would definitely recommend this experience.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you for your review of our Kaikoura helicopters Classic Whale Watch
Tania_S, Jun 2024
Excellent service, we arrived early & wasn’t an issue taking us earlier than our scheduled time. Seen a whale and dolphins during our flight! Highly recommend this company. Thank you
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your review.
Catherine_L, Mar 2023
What a very professional safe operation this is. We were so well prepared pre flight.
saw 2 sperm whales and a very large pod of dolphins, plus a lovely view of the coast. Helicopter carries 3 passengers plus pilot.
Really can’t recommend this trip enough.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Thanks for your review. Please share you images on our social pages #kaikourahelicopters
From $213.32
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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