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
221 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Again and again!
Cynthia E,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I can fully recommend the tour and the organizer. On the one hand, unfortunately, we missed our tour due to the weather and traffic (we didn’t consider the half-hour briefing before) and the team still made everything possible to offer us alternate times. That was very nice and accommodating and especially not a given. Thanks again for that. On the other hand, unfortunately, we did not see any whales, but the pilot was very anxious to discover some. We came across a dolphin school. For me, this flight was absolutely worth it just by looking at the landscape from above. My daughter flew at another time and they saw whales. So all in all an absolutely perfect and unforgettable experience. Thanks to the great team.
Perfect day, no whales
Shane E,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00We had a perfect day for our flight, unfortunately didnt see any Whales just a few dolphins. Was a little concerned to see the young pilot on his personal phone between his legs rather than looking for whales during our flight. Have done this flight before and saw two Sperm Whales with a keen eyed pilot. Learnt that the boat tuours run a hydrophone and have a good idea when the whales will come up so will do that next time.
Kaikoura whale watching
FarAway23920620205,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dan was awesome, located the sperm whale and extended the flight to ensure we saw it. Dan was very knowledgeable, awesome
Do it at least once.
916sabr,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience. We were highly rewarded with the sighting of a blue and a sperm whale as well as a school of dusky dolphins 🐬. The captain was very knowledgeable when it came to predicting the movements of the animals in the water.
Well Run
Richard S,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Appears to be well run with well maintained Cesnas. Pilot did a very good job with flying and narrating. Only saw 1 whale, but that is the luck of the draw (the flight before mine saw 3). Location is easy to reach with ample parking.
Life changing experience
stuarthK5279OR,,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time. The whales were busy diving but Ben got us a great view of a sperm whale and a humpback whale. It’s quite a spectacular flight with great views and our pilot Ben was not just a good pilot but knowledgeable about the marine environment
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
From NZ$275.00
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