Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)
Overview
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.
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
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
-Meet for check in and a pre flight briefing on Kaikoura's Whales and other marine life. -Depart from the airport to the whale watching area just off the coast to see Kaikoura's whales from above. -Enjoy the dramatic alpine and coastal scenery before returning to land.
What‘s Included
40-minute scenic flight
Headset with live pilot commentary
Window seat for every passenger
Hotel pickup/drop-off
Food & drinks
Options
Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)
Reviews
214 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fantastic whale/ dolphin watching experience with Air Kaikoura
euphoricindian,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Right from checking in, till we leave the premise after the flight, the experience was splendid and well managed by the boys at the Air Kaikoura office. Our pilot was a young 20 something boy who did fantastic job(s) of piloting the glider, spotting whales/ dolphins/ seals etc as well as communicating with the other flights around. Felt 1000% secure as well as satified, since the flight also included some scenic path around the Kaikoura bay area. Had a generous time viewing the whales berthing on surface for catcihing some air, then loads of dolphins, seals etc.
Fantastic
Santosh1403,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was lovely experience. The pilot, Ben was very frindly, professional and informative. Will recommend to try it out once :)
Speechless
Ernie M,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Captain Ben flew us over Hikurangi Marine Reserve, searching for whales and finding many while providing fantastic information about the locale and the marine life. He professionally and effortlessly delivered a five star memorable experience. Highly recommended.
Great flight with Alex
Michaela K,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Was fun to see a whale and dolphins from a bird's-eye view. Smooth start and landing. We felt safe the whole time
Promised flying time not kept
KarlGuenter A,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Ot was a great fligt. Observing a whale and dolphins from above. Just the advertised and paid 40 minutes came just to 31 minutes if flight time!
The sightseeing flight was nice...
Christian M,,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The sightseeing flight was nice but unfortunately no whales seen 😞 although the pilot tried very hard and kept making his circles.
Bad experience
gurpreetkG7541HL,,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00We were booked at 1 pm, by the time we reached there they said flight is cancelled. No communication. However booked on the later available time but they could have informed us so we could have planned our day and trip. Very old and terrible plane. Booked for whale watching- could not see a single whale. Extremely boring, noisy and not worth the money we paid.
Need to try this when in Kaikoura. A++ for Air Kaikoura Aero Club
Maps59191262119,,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The young Captain was very cool and knowledgeable. It was a sunny day, and we got lucky to sight the whales. The flight experience itself was worth it. Would recommend
Short trip due to weather but was worth it.
KKMTga,,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Short trip due to weather, but was the most amazing experience. the views were breathtaking, watching that storm come in was a bit frightening but at the same time beautiful. Will come back and do the full experience. staff were wonderful and welcoming, made sure we were set and comfy.
Short trip due to weather but was sooo worth it.
Karhyu M,,Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the short trip we had, amazing views but was cut short due to weather. We still absolutely loved it and was a great experience. We were just happy we got squeeze in that little trip. Thank you very much
From NZ$249.00
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