Kaikōura Whale Watching - Whales and Cray Tails
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
PRIVATE TOUR – Price is for up to 5 passengers, not per person.
This exclusive helicopter experience is the only one of its kind in New Zealand, developed in collaboration with a local Marine Mammal Biologist from the Kaikōura Marine Mammal Foundation. You'll journey over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where whales reside close to the Kaikōura coast. Throughout the flight, your onboard marine biologist will share expert insights into the region’s marine life and ecosystem, offering a deeply educational and engaging experience.
Next, we land to pick up a fresh crayfish lunch from the famous Karaka Lobster Café, which you'll enjoy at a remote mountain location with panoramic views of the ocean and the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.
To conclude the tour, your pilot will guide you over dramatic landscapes shaped by the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake, highlighting fault lines, diverted rivers, and massive landslides—bringing both natural beauty and geological history to life.
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Kaikoura
Take your whale watching experience to new heights on this unforgettable Kaikōura helicopter tour. Soar above the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and the deep Kaikōura Canyon, guided by a knowledgeable marine biologist who provides fascinating insights into the region’s rich marine ecosystem. Spot majestic whales—including Sperm, Humpback, Orca, and even Blue whales—as well as Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals from the air. After your wildlife encounter, land at a stunning alpine location in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges for a gourmet crayfish lunch (a local delicacy), served with breathtaking mountain and ocean views. This premium experience blends aerial adventure, marine education, and fine local cuisine into one unforgettable New Zealand eco-tour. Perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and photographers, this is Kaikōura’s most exclusive and immersive helicopter experience.
Options
Kaikōura Whale Watching - Whales and Cray Tails
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Life jackets and head sets
Bottled Water on request
Crayfish lunch included
Marine Biologist - Dr Krista Van Der Linde
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome experience :-)
541simonag,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nick was really helpful finding a space for me last minute and organising to pick me up and drop me off. Everything went very smoothly and our pilot Daniel was very knowledgeable and got us to see many angle of the blue whale and humpback whale that we spitted. Everyone was very friendly and it was overall a great experience.
Up close and personal (very personal)!
112augied,Oct 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The pilot flew our small group right over a humpback whale that was putting on quite a display trying to impress a female or a male. He/she turned stomach side up on the surface slapping its pectoral fins (arms) on the top of the water. It turned back upright and then did it some more! The helicopter was able to circle over the whale clockwise and then reverse so people on each side of the ‘copter could get clear views and snap some once-in-a-lifetime images. It was a fantastic experience!
Related Experiences
Operated by South Pacific Helicopters NZ