Top 4 Whale Watching Tours

1.Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $223Our pick

Fly from Kaikōura’s beachfront helipad with live pilot commentary, searching for sperm whales year-round and humpbacks from May to November. Expect a small-group flight, headset communication, mountain and coastal views, and a chance to spot Hector’s dolphins or fur seals without a boat ride.

“Excellent service, we arrived early & wasn’t an issue taking us earlier than our scheduled time. Seen a whale and dolphins during our flight! Highly recommend this company. Thank you”

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2.Kaikoura Helicopters Extended Whale Watch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · from $313

From Kaikōura’s beachfront helipads, you fly offshore with a pilot’s live commentary while searching for sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and passing baleen whales. The 40-minute flight gives you extra time in the whale area, with a maximum of six passengers and a headset for clear communication.

“What an amazing experience!! We were lucky enough to see 2 whales, a pod of dolphins, and a lot of seals. Being able to view these creatures from this perspective is so cool! Highly recommend!”

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3.Kaikoura: 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 1 hour · from $792

From Kaikōura Airport, fly over the Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve to spot sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and fur seals. Your English-speaking pilot, including guides such as Daniel and Peter, then lands among the Seaward Kaikōura Range, sometimes on snow. The six-seat flight lasts one hour.

“Outstanding way to see the whales! Also, what we learned is the least invasive way to observe them without disturbing them. Daniel was our pilot and guide. He was very thorough in explaining all the safety features (including showing and amusing video) He was not only a very experienced pilot but had a wealth of information about the local wildlife. We loved the fact that all the other pilots and boat operators shared their spotting with each other so you were sure to see whales and dolphins at some point. We were able to watch several different sperm whales for a long period of time before they dove. A bonus…”

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4.Kaikōura: 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 45 min · from $493

Join a small group of up to six for a 45-minute flight from Kaikōura Airport. Your English-speaking pilot-guide points out sperm whales, dolphins, seals, and other marine life before landing at an exclusive mountain site for wide views over the coast and snow-capped ranges.

“Great family business. Made to feel welcome from outset and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Would highly recommend.”

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