Free Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation
September 10100% refund
September 11No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch
2 Adults x $201.36
$402.72
Approx Total
$402.72
Inclusions / Exclusions
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Headset with microphone to clearly hear your commentary and ask questions on your journey
Scenic helicopter excursion to view sperm whales and wildlife
Explore the unique and rugged Kaikoura Coastline
View from above Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon while searching for a Giant Sperm Whale
Unique and uninterrupted views of magnificent marine mammals from above in your luxury helicopter
Live commentary from our pilots who are flying encyclopedias on the local area.
Overview
Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from head to tail, offering you a unique and uninterrupted vantage point of these magnificent marine mammals.
Meeting points
Kaikoura Helicopters is situated under the rail bridge on the main street of Kaikoura. Look for the whales on the windows and the smiling staff on the reception.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Itinerary
Kaikoura
This helicopter tour departs from our beachfront heli-pads and within minutes you'll be in the spectacular environment that plays host to one of the world's largest marine mammals, the magnificent Sperm Whale. From the comfort of our helicopter, you will enjoy the ultimate whale-spotting experience.
Enjoy spectacular, panoramic views of Kaikoura Peninsula.
See the seal colonies along the rocks at the end of Kaikoura Peninsula.
There is a possibility of seeing dolphins, baleen whales migrating through, and humpback whales on their way back and forth from their feeding grounds down near Antarctica, to their birthing and breeding grounds in Tonga/Niue in May/Nov
We operate under the strict guidelines of our whale watching concession from the Department of Conservation whilst also abiding to the Marine Mammals Protection Act
30 minutes
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A headset is provided with a microphone for communicating with your pilot
Please call 24 hours in advance to reconfirm your booking +64 3 319 6609
We recommend wearing covered shoes and bringing a warm jacket
We recommend bringing your camera and sunglasses
All passengers will be weighed before departure
Your pilot in command will load helicopter based on weight and balance
All flights are subject to weather conditions and minimum numbers. Please see our website for full terms and conditions
If the weather does not allow you to fly, we will be happy to rebook you for a later time if your travel schedule allows. Alternatively your voucher can be used at one of our other helicopter bases in Wellington or Christchurch
Free Cancellation
September 10100% refund
September 11No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
5 stars
28
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
1
We perform checks on reviews
We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
Reviews by TravelOne travelers
Showing 1-5 of 28 reviews with 5 stars
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Humpback
Published on Feb, 2025
Fortunately the sea was too rough for our booked boat trip to see the whales. As we had traveled from the UK didn’t want to miss out, so managed to get the helicopter trip instead. Would definitely recommend. The aerial view looking down on a humpback was fantastic.
An a amazing experience
Published on Feb, 2025
Brilliant amazing experience. We saw 1 sperm whale and 2 Orcas within 20 minute.Wjat an amazing sight. The staff are totally commited and experienced and very helpful. Kel our pilot was just great and so was Aaron at the office. The helicopter was so clean and comfortable, beloved every minute of it. I would definitely recommend this experience.
Amazing Experience
Published on Feb, 2025
What an amazing experience. An helicopter ride was on my bucket list to do but I have always been a little timid however I am so glad I did this. My husband and I totally loved it and the trained staff are very experienced and made us feel safe and secure. The views are amazing and we saw a sperms whale and 2 Orcas in the matter of 20 minutes. Kel our pilot was so helpful and friendly and the helicopter was so clean and comfortable. I would definitely recommend the experience. Thank you for the opportunity
Absolutely Outstanding!
Published on Jan, 2025
We adored our helicopter experience. Cal was a superb pilot — friendly, experienced and enchanting. We all communicated together through our headphones and microphones. Once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommend!
Wonderful whale watching heli flight
Published on Dec, 2024
We've had a wonderful whale watching and helicopter flight experience with Kaikoura Helicopters; saw a sperm whale and grind whales. The flight itself was an amazing experience too. Super friendly pilot, we felt very safe.
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