Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
What‘s Included
Life jackets and headsets
Bottled water
Pickup points
Dusky Lodge & Backpackers
67 Beach Road, Kaikoura New Zealand
Kaikoura Airport
Kaikoura New Zealand
The White Morph Heritage Collection
92-94 Esplanade, post code: 7300 Kaikoura New Zealand
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses
State Highway 1, Station Road Hapuku New Zealand
Sudima Kaikoura
114 Esplanade, Kaikoura New Zealand
Options
Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari
Pickup included
Reviews
45 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
South Pacific Helicopters are First Class
Ianfunnell,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First class experience. The welcome is slick and efficient and Daniel was brilliant. Thank you to all the team for a wonderful, friendly and unforgettable experience.
Whales from the sky
Discover737132,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great helicopter whale watching experience, highly recommend seeing whales from the sky! We were fortunate to see two sperm whales and watched one descend. Daniel and his staff are kind, welcoming and very knowledgeable. A great learning experience!
Awesome, exciting and an experience to have.
4gavinn,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolute awesome trip. Was the girls 1st time in a helicopter 🚁. The whole experience was amazing start to finish and will definitely organise another on our next visit. Outstanding 👌👌.
Wonderful helicopter experience
petrapp1,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an unforgettable trip by helicopter out of the rain to the open sea. We were able to see a pottwas and a large group of dolphins. Despite the bad weather, I felt safe. Unfortunately, I felt a bit nauseous when I circled the whale several times. I highly recommend this trip. Super nice staff, very good organization, pilot with a lot of experience professional and nice!
A flight most memorable
330eileeno,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Most privileged to have Mr Daniel Stevenson to fly us for this helicopter ride with a mountain landing. The journey was not only scenic, tranguil but the landing view was beyond words can describe - partial glaciated grounds with majestic mountain ranges interlocking behind us. Blue skies and white clouds ☁️ adds to the picturesque breath taking view 😊✌️
Kaikoura Helicopter Highlight!
Stuart in Kifissia,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing experience - Dan the pilot was both informative and approachable as well as reassuring regarding all health & safety aspects of the flight. We saw a Sperm Whale and a school of Pilot Whales being tracked by a pair of Orcas - wow! With only two others on the trip the intimacy with the pilot added to the experience!
Fantastic
Jet46996622729,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic experience Dan was brilliant. We saw lots especially the orcas a great way to to see whales. A definite must if you are in the area.
Must do activity for a family - it’s amazing to see the whales from above.
Nina M,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We absolutely loved our helicopter flight! We were incredibly lucky to spot a sperm whale, and learning about the different types of whales made the experience even more special. Flying in a helicopter alone was already unforgettable, but you truly turned it into something extraordinary for us and the kids. We felt very well taken care of, valued, and completely safe throughout the whole experience. After the flight, it was wonderful to relax, watch other airplanes take off, enjoy a complimentary hot beverage, and see the kids happily treated to some candy. All in all, it was an amazing experience that we will always remember. Thank you so much!
Wings over the blue whale jan 2026
Y6483VLdannyb,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Perfect pilot. Nice weather. Good photo's from South Pacific Helicopters. Blue whale below the heli as a huge beest into the water
Unforgettable experience
Getaway24532910610,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An absolutely amazing trip with South Pacific Helicopters. Dan was a fantastic pilot and made the whole experience feel exciting and very safe. We were lucky enough to see a whale up close, along with dozens of seals and dolphins. Highly recommended. This was an unforgettable experience.
From NZ$825.00
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Operated by South Pacific Helicopters NZ