Kaikōura Whale Watching - 1hr 20min Ultimate Adventure
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter whale watching tour for a unique wildlife and scenic adventure. Fly over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where you’ll spot majestic marine life including sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and other migratory species. The helicopter’s manoeuvrability offers incredible views of the whales and dolphins, with close-up photo opportunities you can’t get from boats. Keep an eye out for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals near the shore.
Continue the adventure north along the rugged Kaikōura coastline and land in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. From this exclusive mountaintop location, enjoy 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains—an unforgettable experience for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Life Jacket & Head Phones
Bottled water
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Embark on the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter whale watching tour for a unique wildlife and scenic adventure. Fly over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where you’ll spot majestic marine life including sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and other migratory species. The helicopter’s manoeuvrability offers incredible views of the whales and dolphins, with close-up photo opportunities you can’t get from boats. Keep an eye out for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals near the shore. Continue the adventure north along the rugged Kaikōura coastline and land in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. From this exclusive mountaintop location, enjoy 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains—an unforgettable experience for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
Options
Kaikōura Whale Watching - 1hr 20min Ultimate Adventure
Pickup included
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wings over Whales - wow!❤️🐳
Dream671845,
Jul 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A totally fantastic flight with Alexis at Wings over Whales today. Got to see a whale and hundreds of dolphins - stunning scenery. Highly recommended tourist activity in Kaikoura. Loved it.
Awesome
Relax19503302946,
May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience. Very professional and knowledgeable. Strongly recommend this tour if you are on the area. Mountain landing and whale sightings a real highlight.
Whales and more!
Andrew F,
Apr 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was amazing! We saw multiple animals! Seals, sperm whale, humpback whale, and dolphins! Daniel is awesome!! We had a perfect trip!
Fantastic! Sperm whale and a landing for 360 degree views. Awesome.
RBonTheLake,
Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow! We did the 80 minute Ultimate Adventure (it was 70 minutes in the air). We saw a whale within 10 minutes of the flight – we watched him until he returned to the sea. We also saw dolphin and fur seals. Then we landed WAY up on a snow covered mountain with a gorgeous 360 degree view. Words, and certainly pictures, can’t even come close to describing this experience. We felt like we were on top of the world when we landed. And to see the Sperm Whale from above is a completely different experience than on a boat. Daniel was our pilot and did an excellent job narrating and informing us of everything and welcomed questions. He also genuinely seemed interested in us. Asked us questions. Fabulous experience.
Fantastic Heli Experience
craigadam2017,
Apr 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dan took us on an incredible Whale/Dolphin - Heli Hike combo experience. After seeing a sperm whale hanging out and ultimately diving as well as hundred of dolphins on a feeding frenzy, he dropped us off at the Mt Fyffe hut and we hiked 90 minutes to the top. He met us there with an amazing hamper and bottle of champagne. We had the best time!
Brilliant!
patrickfP2885GH,
Mar 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I heartily recommend The Ultimate Adventure Tour. Daniel our pilot was knowledgeable, very helpful and the whole experience was quite stunning!
A must do
ruthieb02,
Mar 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic experience. Our boat trip was cancelled 2 days running due to high winds and rough seas so we looked for an alternate experience. From booking at the shop in the town to the flight itself, it was excellent. The pilot, Daniel was superb - friendly and informative. He made sure that all of us were given equal opportunities to witness the fin whales and blue whales. Having done whale boat trips previously, this is a completely different experience. Seeing the blue whale from a helicopter gives you a true idea of the scale and beauty of these magnificent creatures. After seeing the whales, we were treated to a huge pod of dusky dolphins. Leaving the sea behind, we flew through the mountains, landing on Mount Fyffe. Here you are afforded great views of the bays below. It was interesting to learn how the landscape was changed following earthquakes and watch red deer run through the mountains. A definite recommendation if you want an experience in Kaikoura.
From NZ$1,575.00
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Operated by South Pacific Helicopters NZ