Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and the underwater Kaikōura Canyon, a marine hotspot rich with wildlife due to nutrient-filled upwellings.
Spot a variety of whales, including Humpback whales, Blue whales, Southern Right whales, and the resident Sperm whales—the largest toothed whale in the world. Along the way, watch for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals along the coastline.
The experience concludes with a breathtaking alpine landing atop the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, where you'll enjoy panoramic mountain and ocean views. Perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, this Kaikōura helicopter tour offers the ultimate New Zealand nature experience.
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
Lifejackets and Headsets
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Kaikoura
A flight that showcases the very best of the beautiful coastal town, Kaikōura. Spot the wonderful marine creatures such as whales and dolphins to the towering peaks of the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.
Options
Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
22 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
South Pacific Helicopters - Best and Safest Experience
kaylynnl2022,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband (an amateur photographer) and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience with South Pacific's Helicopters. It's very obvious that their chief concern is for your safety and understanding of how everything works. The staff was helpful in not only ensuring your safety, but also in meeting your expectations. It was a beautiful day where you could see forever. Soon into our flight over 200 dolphins were spotted. The water was so clear you could even see the dolphins beneath the surface. Dan, our pilot, easily spotted different kind of whales, and also took us to a place where we could see a panaromic view of the mountains and the ocean. Also, impressive was the contact that was continuously made with other helicopters sharing location of things they had seen. It was a wonderful experience and another view of the beauty of New Zealand. We would highly recommend booking a flight with this company.
World class!!
Curiosity32849167845,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00World class experience with a friendly & professional team. Dan is an exceptional pilot who makes you feel 100% comfortable and is so personable, making the whole experience completely awesome. Loved it!!
Beautiful ride!
Sherpa19946714850,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great trip with Dan! It was a beautiful day and we got to see a few whales, the beautiful scenery and land on top of the mountain briefly. Dan was very knowledgeable and friendly. I would 10/10 do this again!
Whale watching tour
Seaside34554104290,
Sep 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From take off to landing , was a perfect day in the air , got to see a whale plenty of dolphins , seals and a wealth of local information from the pilot Dan , highly recommended would go up again in a heartbeat, couldn't be in safer hands
Up close, from way above — whale watching like never before.
GoPlaces13093139876,
Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The pilot, Daniel, was engaging, informative and fun, which made the whale watching by helicopter flight that much more special.
Whales and Tekapo
Sightseer48956184044,
May 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing trip! Daniel was an excellent pilot, whale spotter, and story teller. Our family loved our whale watch and flight down to Tekapo. Highly recommend!
Helicopter scenic flight @ Kaikoura
johnmL3578AW,
May 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The most epic trip ever! Recommend 200%, and Daniel was a great host & very experienced pilot. Make this a must on your next trip to NZ, and support a family owned business, as they are the only 1 left in this area.
An opportunity for a once-in—a-lifetime experience
LuvtrvlTucson,
Mar 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience with South Pacific, piloted by Daniel, the owner, was a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Daniel is an experienced and capable pilot, who handled his gorgeous helicopter expertly. He was an informative, conscientious trip leader. We saw a lone sperm whale and were even more impressed by a huge blue whale and calf, which we understand was a rare and exceptional experience. We would highly recommend. this adventure, as it is one of the highlights of our three week trip to New Zealand.
Highlight of our NZ holiday
suebV5286XF,
Feb 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was the highlight of our NZ holiday. The company is extremely professional and dealing with them was seamless. Monique picked up our group of four from our cruise ship jetty. We traveled to their office where all the safety procedures were discussed. It was an extremely busy day for them but they had plenty of staff on hand to help. We spent a spectacular 40mins viewing 4 different sperm whales followed by a landing up on the headland with amazing views. They took wonderful care of my elderly parents assisting them in and out of the helicopter. This is an experience not to be missed in Kaikoura.
AMAZING NEW YEAR DAY experience!!
wwhitehouse,
Jan 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Saw a whale feeding and dolphin pod, stopped at top of mountain for view and celebratory champagne💖 Truly special experience!!
From NZ$1,325.00
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Operated by South Pacific Helicopters NZ