Kaikoura: 40-Minute Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

4.6484847 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.6484847 out of 5 stars
660 reviews
Activity provider:Air Kaikoura
Kaikoura: 40-Minute Whale Watching Flight with Commentary
4.6484847 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.6484847 out of 5 stars
660 reviews

Take to the skies for a unique view on a whale-watching flight over Kaikoura. With a guaranteed window seat, all passengers get great views of the coastline and its marine life below.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 40 minutes
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Audio guide included
English
Wheelchair accessible
Small group
Limited to 7 participants

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

D
David – Ireland

Beautiful flight on a lovely day. Got to see a sperm whale and lots of dolphins. Guide was very good

N
Nicky – United Kingdom

A wonderful experience , Alex our pilot gave a running commentary throughout the flight which was very informative.

Select participants and date

Highlights

  • Cover large ocean distances to maximize whale-watching opportunities by plane
  • Enjoy spectacular aerial views of sperm whales and dusky dolphins in Kaikoura
  • Take fantastic, unimpeded photos from your guaranteed window seat on the flight
  • Search for playful humpback whales, imposing orcas and mighty blue whales
  • Take in panoramic views of stunning NZ alpine and coastal scenery from the air

Full description

Enjoy a panoramic whale-watching flight, with stunning scenic views along the spectacular Kaikoura coastline. Only from the air can you appreciate the huge size of the mighty sperm whale, a frequent visitor to the waters off Kaikoura.


After a safety briefing and overview of your scenic flight, hop onboard for your whale-watching adventure in the skies. Every passenger gets a guaranteed window seat to enjoy maximum viewing of the ocean and its inhabitants below.


On your 40-minute whale-watching flight, you may see sperm whales, dusky dolphins, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and other marine life. After finding whales enjoy a scenic flight of Kaikoura and the dramatic surrounding scenery, including snow-clad mountain ranges and turquoise ocean reefs.

Whales are wild animals and sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, with over 30 years of experience and extensive local knowledge, the activity provider aims to give the best chance of sightings. Honest information on the likelihood of spotting a whale will be provided before the flight.

Includes

  • 40-minute flight
  • Listening headsets for commentary
  • Window seat for every passenger
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Tips

Not suitable for

  • People over 264 lbs (120 kg)

Meeting point

When turning into Kaikoura Airport (10 minutes South of the town) make a right towards the black building and hangar.

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Important information

Know before you go

  • Check in is 30minutes prior to your flight time. Flight times may be adjusted to align with whale diving patterns, which can result in earlier departures. If you are not present at the check-in time, the flight may depart without you.
  • The activity requires minimum numbers in order to operate.
  • 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.
  • Flights are weather dependent. A full refund will be given if the flight cannot operate due to poor weather conditions
  • While we do everything possible to locate whales, they are wild animals, and 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 and the unique opportunity to experience Kaikōura’s incredible landscapes and marine environment from above.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 660 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.6/5

Customer photos

+57
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D
David – IrelandMay 8, 2025 – Verified booking
Beautiful flight on a lovely day. Got to see a sperm whale and lots of dolphins. Guide was very good

Response from provider

May 8, 2025

Thanks for flying with! Glad you had a great flight with some amazing weather!

N
Nicky – United KingdomApril 6, 2025 – Verified booking
A wonderful experience , Alex our pilot gave a running commentary throughout the flight which was very informative.

Response from provider

April 22, 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled you had a wonderful experience with us. Alex will be so pleased to hear you enjoyed his commentary, he loves sharing his knowledge and passion for Kaikōura from the skies. Thanks again for choosing Air Kaikoura, and we hope to see you again someday!

K
Krithika – IndiaApril 1, 2025 – Verified booking
we saw a blue whale we had booked the boat but they cancelled and this was a great alternative

Response from provider

April 22, 2025

Thanks so much for your review! We’re sorry to hear your boat tour was cancelled, but so glad you chose to join us in the air, and even happier you weren’t disappointed! Spotting a blue whale is such a rare and incredible experience, and we’re thrilled you got to witness it. Thanks again for flying with Air Kaikoura!

Product ID: 410475

Activity provider:Air Kaikoura

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