Available languages
40 minutes
Mobile ticket
Discover Kaikōura’s world renowned sperm whales & marine life with an unforgettable Whale Watching Flight.
From above, you’ll have the ultimate vantage point to admire these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, fully appreciating their incredible size & beauty.
Along the way, we may also spot dolphins, humpback whales, blue whales, orca, & other passing cetaceans. Your flight will also treat you to breathtaking views of Kaikōura’s dramatic mountains meeting the vibrant seas- a truly unforgettable sight.
For over 30 years, Air Kaikōura’s friendly team has been providing high quality experiences, combining expert knowledge with exceptional service.
While we do everything possible to locate whales, they are wild animals, & sightings cannot be guaranteed. Refunds or rescheduling are not available if whales are not sighted, but we’re confident you’ll love the stunning scenery & the unique opportunity to experience Kaikōura’s incredible landscapes & marine environment from above.
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
Please check in 30 minutes prior to your flight time.
If you are over 120kg, please contact us. Unfortunately we are unable to provide refunds if you arrive and exceed our weight limits, please call us in advance to discuss if you have any concerns.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Headsets with live commentary from the pilot
198 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dawn D,
Apr 6, 2025
- Viator
Fabulous! Loved this trip. We saw two sperm whales and a humpback whale as well as lots of dolphins. Our original flight time was 11am, but the weather was bad so it was cancelled, but luckily the weather opened up and we managed to re-arrange the flight for 2pm (in the meantime we went to see the Kaikoura seal colony and had lunch in town!). The plane doesn’t fly far out to sea and circles above the whales when the pilot spots one. The pilot also gives a great running commentary. My daughter found the circling made her feel sick, but she suffers with motion sickness on boats and planes anyway! We were out over the sea for nearly 40 minutes and it was an amazing experience. Highly recommended.
Ian B,
Mar 12, 2025
- Viator
😀-nice plane, good value, great staff from check in to pilot, good communication, staff keen to get us in air as sperm whale spotted 🙁-nothing
Richard M,
Mar 1, 2025
- Viator
Awesome experience, great pilot. Whale sightings well coordinated with ships also seeking whales. Made sure both sides of plane got great views
Judit G,
Feb 17, 2025
- Viator
5-star experience, we got to see 3 whales, the first one just a few minutes after take-off. Crew were amazing too.
Kate V,
Feb 13, 2025
- Viator
Extraordinary experience ever on the plan. We saw 2 whales, blue whale and sperm whale. Nice flight and safe. So much fun.
4.44
4.26
4.89
4.82
4.96
4.73
4.57
4.76
5.00
4.99
4.98
Operated by Air Kaikoura