Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 15 minutes

Mobile ticket

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above.

Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback, Southern Right, Orca, or even Blue whales, depending on the season.

This extended scenic flight gives you more time to enjoy whale sightings and coastal views. Spot Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals as you cruise along the shoreline. Land at a remote site only accessible by South Pacific Helicopters, where you'll take in breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean.

This unforgettable whale watching and wildlife experience is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

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

All areas and surfaces 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 jackets and headsets

Bottled water

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Kaikoura

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kaikoura, New Zealand on this unforgettable 45-minute whale watching helicopter tour. Soar high above the Pacific Ocean to witness the incredible sight of Sperm whales from head to tail — a perspective only possible from the air. Your journey also includes a spectacular landing on remote coastal hilltops, offering stunning panoramic views of the Kaikoura Ranges, rolling hills, and turquoise waters below. This exclusive experience combines aerial wildlife viewing, coastal sightseeing, and a unique off-the-beaten-path landing for the ultimate adventure. Keep an eye out for dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, and other marine life. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a truly unique and premium New Zealand experience.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari

Pickup included

Reviews

4.97

30 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Must Do when visiting Kaikoura
H2451DGjanar,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The helicopter whale watching tour was an unforgettable experience! Our pilot was incredibly friendly and entertaining, and he shared lots of interesting information throughout the flight. I really appreciated how much effort he put into making sure every passenger had the same great views, very thoughtful and professional. Seeing whales and dolphins from above was absolutely magical, something you don’t forget anytime soon. I can 100% recommend this tour! A truly unique and amazing experience!
Bird’s eye view!
65francesj,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was my very first helicopter ride and I had a fabulous time. My husband and I flew with Dan and got to see a sperm whale in open water. So exciting. We also landed on a plateau for a scenic view of Kaikōura, what a treat. Thanks South Pacific Helicopters!
Amazing
kimchic2025,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Awesome and amazing, lucky when we were saw the whale on time explore, the pilot’s so friendly and professional, 🍀🍀🍀
A once in a lifetime opportunity
BeverleyW575,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A great experience with an interesting pilot. His conversation made the trip enjoyable for us both. The flight was great, the helicopter was great, the views were great.
#mustdo
lucygF9282BU,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Most incredible experience! Amazing to see a humpback whale breaching and Jo was great explaining everything and making sure everyone in the plane got a great view and pics! Thank you!
The one thing you need to do in Kaikoura!
Becs99,
Aug 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Oh my gosh that was the most amazing trip! Jo our pilot saw the whales as soon as we got into the air and we got to hang out with them for the duration of the flight!! Absolutely unreal - such beautiful creatures!!
Unreal views, 10/10 experience
Trek54255079458,
Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely amazing experience, informative and unreal views. Saw a few whales & dolphins, super stoked!! Must do when in NZ, a 10/10 experience
Perfect day in Kaikōura
Aucklandandbeyond,
Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such an amazing experience, thank you to Dani, Tania and the lovely team for everything you do! We saw Sperm Whales, Hump Back Whales, Dusky Dolphins and landed on a beautiful mountain for some amazing views. Our pilot was vvery informative and taught us allot about the local region and the marine life ecosystem. Perfect day!
Once in a lifetime!!!
Y5301KUisabellah,
May 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had the most amazing time! Experience and guide was top notch. Views were incredible. Absolutely breathtaking. Highly recommend
A must do for anyone and everyone!
anchorinnkaikoura,
May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The whole experience from start to finish was very professional but lighthearted. You instantly felt you were in good hands. The flight and whale watching was just extraordinary. We get to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat going about their normal life. No walls, no "keepers", nothing foreign to interfere with nature. The pilot Dan was very knowledgeable and with a great sense of humor to help ease any flying concerns. Do yourself a favor and book a flight and experience something not many others get to enjoy, the beautiful waters and mountains Kaikoura has to offer and the lives that inhabit them.