Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch
Overview
Available languages
30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Kaikoura Helicopter Whale Watching – The Ultimate Shore Excursion
Take your Kaikoura visit to new heights with our unforgettable helicopter whale watching experience. Soar over the stunning Kaikoura coastline as you search for majestic sperm whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and fur seals. From above, enjoy the breathtaking scale of these incredible marine giants in their natural habitat—an experience that’s truly once-in-a-lifetime.
Perfectly timed for cruise ship visitors, this adventure makes an exceptional Kaikoura shore excursion to fit your ship’s schedule. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a premium way to explore Kaikoura, our helicopter tours offer unmatched aerial views and a thrilling perspective of New Zealand’s wildlife and landscapes.
Dramatic aerial views of whales
Scenic and mountain landscapes unique to Kaikoura
Ideal for cruise ship shore excursions with convenient timing
Experienced pilots and a professional, friendly crew
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kaikoura
Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch is a whale watching adventure in Kaikōura from above. Take off from our beachfront helipad in Kaikōura and soar over the region’s world-famous deep-sea canyon, home to the magnificent Sperm Whale. From the comfort of your helicopter, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of these incredible marine mammals alongside the stunning Kaikōura coastline, Seaward Kaikōura mountain range, and the iconic Kaikōura Peninsula. This unique aerial perspective gives you the best chance to see whales in their natural habitat, the possibility of spotting migrating Humpback Whales (May–November), playful Hector’s Dolphins, and New Zealand Fur Seals basking on the rocks. Enjoy breathtaking scenery, world-class whale watching, and unforgettable memories—all in one incredible Kaikōura Helicopters experience. We operate under the strict guidelines of our whale watching concession from the Department of Conservation, whilst also abiding to the Marine Mammals Protection Act
What‘s Included
An unforgettable bucket-list New Zealand experience.
Headset with microphone to clearly hear your commentary and ask questions on your journey
Explore the unique and rugged Kaikoura Coastline
View from above Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon while searching for a Giant Sperm Whale
Scenic helicopter excursion to view whales and wildlife
Unique and uninterrupted views of magnificent marine mammals from above in your luxury helicopter
Live commentary from our pilots who are flying encyclopedias on the local area.
Depart from Kaikōura’s convenient beachfront helipad in the township.
Options
Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch
Reviews
40 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
These guys are brilliant!
Dobbo10,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was awesome. Aaron was extremely generous with his time and with this experience. He made sure we got what we wanted (seeing whales) and went further than was needed to do so. His knowledge of whales and his commentary was petfect. This was, by far, the most generous experience I have ever had on any tour. Thank you Aaron.
Incredible and fun experience!
summerg532,,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a terrific experience! Our pilot was Aaron, and we felt very safe with him. It was the first helicopter trip for both of us! We signed up for the 30-minute trip and Aaron went out of his way to try to find a whale for us -- including going a little over 30-minutes. Just as we were about to give up and we were heading back, we saw a humpback!! It was an adolescent playing with dolphins and it was so FUN to watch! Aaron circled around and then went the other way so that all four of us in the helicopter had a good view and could get a good picture. We would totally do this again!
Kaikoura whale wactcing
Seaside48363695253,,Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this company. Very professional with a wealth of knowledge. Kelly was our pilot and gave a very informative talk along the way. We saw 8 or 9 orcas plus a sperms whale, it was so awesome. Not to mention the seals . This is a must do trip if visiting Kaikoura. Thanks for a great flight I'm still buzzing hours after.
Seeing whales from the air!
908ellenb,,Mar 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guy we talked with on the phone arranging the flight was knowledgeable and helpful. The pilot, Kel, was fantastic. A huge plus is they know the whales' general behaviors, and they stay in touch with boat captains and one another to increase the chance of spotting whales. But . . . luck is involved. We didn't see any whales. But then, there were two seats on the next flight and Kel asked us if we wanted to try again, for free. Yes.! And on that second flight we saw both a sperm whale and a baleen whale . . . with a calf! We highly recommend this company for their competence, knowledge, skills and generosity!
Humpback
GrandTour39068396887,,Feb 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fortunately the sea was too rough for our booked boat trip to see the whales. As we had traveled from the UK didn’t want to miss out, so managed to get the helicopter trip instead. Would definitely recommend. The aerial view looking down on a humpback was fantastic.
An a amazing experience
jenifer k,,Feb 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Brilliant 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.
Amazing Experience
686jennyk,,Feb 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience. An helicopter ride was on my bucket list to do but I have always been a little timid however I am so glad I did this. My husband and I totally loved it and the trained staff are very experienced and made us feel safe and secure. The views are amazing and we saw a sperms whale and 2 Orcas in the matter of 20 minutes. Kel our pilot was so helpful and friendly and the helicopter was so clean and comfortable. I would definitely recommend the experience. Thank you for the opportunity
Absolutely Outstanding!
MJB13,,Jan 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We adored our helicopter experience. Cal was a superb pilot — friendly, experienced and enchanting. We all communicated together through our headphones and microphones. Once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommend!
Super whale watch flight
Ron A,,Dec 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great flight looking for the whales. Our pilot Cal took all the time to show us the whales and we even saw a pod of killer whales which seems to be quite exceptional. We advise everyone to fly with these guys because everything is top arranged.
Wonderful whale watching heli flight
Meikegrantz,,Dec 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We've had a wonderful whale watching and helicopter flight experience with Kaikoura Helicopters; saw a sperm whale and grind whales. The flight itself was an amazing experience too. Super friendly pilot, we felt very safe.
From NZ$360.00
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