Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight
Overview
Available languages
30 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
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
Aerial Whale and Dolphin watching - for a 30 minute flight, please allocate a full hour to allow us to adjust your start time to give you the best chance of seeing marine mammals
What‘s Included
Children & infants welcome
Use of a head set.
Options
Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight
Reviews
100 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience and such a helpful team
G210JVharryg,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day started with a 10:00 pickup from our hotel and a quick transfer to the airfield. Then bad news - there was low cloud over the bay and flights were temporarily grounded. They offered to transfer us to a later flight at the end of the day when conditions improved. But we had to leave just after lunch and so couldn't wait that long. No problem! They arranged a special flight for us in a 4-seater plane at lunch time when the cloud had cleared. We had great flight and saw a sperm whale at close range. Ethan our pilot was great and very knowledgeable. He even gave us a lift back to Kaikoura so we could catch our afternoon train. Thanks to all the team.
30 minute whale watching flight
gideonb469,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience for the whole family including the young kids. Thoroughly enjoyed the flight and definitely well worth the money. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Got some cool views of a big sperm whale. Well done guys !! 👍
Just Brillant Experience
seanmN4125OQ,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely brilliant saw dolphins, sperm whale and humpback whale. Staff were excellent very knowledgeable, friendly and professional.
Great experience highly recommend.
Resort40433591142,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic. We were lucky to see two Sperm Whales. We had took a morning flight which was rescheduled from the previous day due to bad weather conditions. The team were very helpful and accommodating. Nice waiting room with small gift store and clean toilets. The plane experience was lovely with good commentary from the pilot.
Amazing!
347yifath,,Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Alex (the pilot) and the entire crew were extremely professional (Be sure to clean the windows before the flight. I really appreciated that) Alex explain what we saw, flew patiently while we saw dolphins, And most importantly, locate a whale Thank you, I enjoyed it very much Highly recommend
A holiday high-point, literally!!!
CrustyLE,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely brilliant!!!! We arrived in Kaikoura and made a whale watching enquiry at the local booking office. No sailings available but a flight was suggested, at a discounted price. A booking hiccup ensued (no fault Air Kaikoura) but they were so keen to ensure we got a flight they laid on an extra one just for us. Our pilot Ben wheeled out a little 4-seater for us and in no time we were over the sea and seeing hump-backed whales, followed by numerous dusky dolphin pods. Skies were blue, the sea flat calm, the commentary well informed and the flight was smooth. An absolute high to finish our holiday on. Thank you so much guys.
🔥AMAZING Experience 🔥
Carolyn H,,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Super friendly staff, amazing flight. Ben the pilot was really knowledgeable about the area and great info about the Whales that frequent the area...AND... *WOW* got to watch a Humpback whale jumping out of the water. Such a special flight. Recommend doing this, you won't regret it ever!!
What an experience
242charmainer,,Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best experience, the pilot was great and talked to us throughout the flight. We were lucky enough to see 3 different whales and they all gave us a tail flip as they dived down. Spectacular views. We had 2 children aged 5 and 9 with us who loved the whole experience.
Wonderful Experience- Sperm whale sighting
444janettel,,Jun 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved this experience! We had an amazing view of a Sperm Whale, who stayed on the surface for 10 minutes before diving below the surface. Lots of dolphins hanging about too and stunning views of the local landscape. Our pilot was friendly and knowledgeable, we'd definitely recommend this trip.
Highly recommended
susanhT1026TL,,May 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly , helpful and wanting you to have a pleasant experience. Great pilot who does his best to find a whale. Would highly recommend . All funds go back Into the club and community .
From NZ$220.00
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