Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘s Included

40-minute scenic flight

Headset with live pilot commentary

Window seat for every passenger

Hotel pickup/drop-off

Food & drinks

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.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

Reviews

4.87

208 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

192

The sightseeing flight was nice...
Christian M,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
The 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
1.00
We 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
5.00
The 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
5.00
Short 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
5.00
We 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
Fantastic
nigelc658,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was fantastic, what an experience, worth every penny. Pilot, a young English girl, was brilliant, very safe, experienced, managed to see a sperm whale and dolphins, fantastic views. This is a must do
Great way to see Kaikoura!
W684OGnigelc,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great experience, getting to go on a propeller plane, seeing a whale and a pod of dolphins! Just our luck that on that day we only got to see 1 whale. Ben, our pilot, was very nice and knowledgeable. Landing and take off were smooth, we felt completely safe the entire time.
A bucket list experience!
Departure59462181307,
Jun 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A brilliant experience, the weather was perfect too, we can highly recommend. Seeing whales from the air gives a great view in their size.
Whale watch 🫶
H3741ODjaded,
May 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent service, didn’t see a whale from my side of the plane initially sighting 1 .. got to go on again and saw a sperm whale in the front seat 🫶🫶 was amazing !
See the whales from above
602lubad,
May 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour - pilot was great with smooth take off and landing. Staff were all friendly and tour well organized. Small plane and goes around things on both sides so everyone has a good view. Much easier to spot the whales from the air and got to see sperm whale and humpback whale.