Kaikōura Whale Watching - 1hr 20min Ultimate Adventure

5.0 (8 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

8 reviews

5.0

Embark on an aerial adventure exploring the very best of Kaikoura — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Our EC130 comfortably seats up to 6 passengers — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Embark on the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter whale watching tour for a unique wildlife and scenic adventure. Fly over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where you’ll spot majestic marine life including sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and other migratory species. The helicopter’s manoeuvrability offers incredible views of the whales and dolphins, with close-up photo opportunities you can’t get from boats. Keep an eye out for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals near the shore.

Continue the adventure north along the rugged Kaikōura coastline and land in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. From this exclusive mountaintop location, enjoy 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains—an unforgettable experience for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

Private and Luxury Helicopter Tours Likely to Sell Out Small Group Adventure Tours Likely To Sell Out Involves Animals Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 6 people
People per booking: 1–6
Guide: English
Operated by: South Pacific Helicopters NZ

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Adults (3–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Life Jacket & Head Phones

Not included

Not included: Bottled water

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing by

Embark on the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter whale watching tour for a unique wildlife and scenic adventure. Fly over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where you’ll spot majestic marine life including sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and other migratory species.

The helicopter’s manoeuvrability offers incredible views of the whales and dolphins, with close-up photo opportunities you can’t get from boats. Keep an eye out for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals near the shore.

Continue the adventure north along the rugged Kaikōura coastline and land in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. From this exclusive mountaintop location, enjoy 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains—an unforgettable experience for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

We are located in the Log Cabin terminal at the northern end of the airport car park. There is free parking available and plenty of space camper vans. The airport is a short 8 minute drive from the Kaikōura township.

End point

We are located in the Log Cabin terminal at the northern end of the airport car park. There is free parking available and plenty of space camper vans. The airport is a short 8 minute drive from the Kaikōura township.

Pickup points

Sierra Beachfront Motel
Dusky Lodge & Backpackers
Willowbank Motel
Clearwater Motel
Kaikoura Motor Inn
Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
Panorama Motel
Admiral Court Motel
Kaikoura Airport
Alpine View Motel
Sudima Kaikoura

and 12 more pickup points

We can arrange a pick up and drop off service (free of charge) from anywhere in Kaikoura. Please either mention in the booking notes or you can call or email us directly to arrange this.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.