Extended Whale Watch Flight Kaikoura: Experience Majestic Sperm Whales and Dolphins
4.6
11 Ratings
Kaikōura
Embark on an extended whale watch flight in Kaikoura and witness the majestic Sperm Whales and playful dolphins. Enjoy more time in the whale area and increase your chances of spotting baleen whales. Fly along the stunning Kaikoura coastline on your return journey.
Duration: 40 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kaikoura - Embark on a helicopter journey from our coastal launch pads, soaring into the breathtaking realm that is home to the colossal Sperm Whale, one of the ocean’s largest inhabitants.

This aerial tour grants you additional observation time in the vicinity of these oceanic giants, an ideal choice when the whales are dining further from the coast or are submerged for extended durations. The extended duration of the flight also enhances your chances of encountering dolphins.

Moreover, it increases your likelihood of spotting the elusive baleen whales, which are known for their brief appearances at the surface (taking 1-4 breaths) before diving for lengthy spells (typically 2-5 minutes). The prolonged flight duration allows for an extended anticipation period for these sightings.

What's Included
  • Scenic helicopter excursion to view sperm whales and wildlife
  • Exploration of the unique and rugged Kaikoura Coastline
  • Uninterrupted aerial views of marine mammals from a luxury helicopter
  • Headsets with microphones for clear commentary and Q&A with expert pilots
  • Viewing the deep-sea canyon near Kaikoura from above while searching for Giant Sperm Whales
  • Live commentary from pilots with extensive knowledge of the area
Additional Information

Within a matter of minutes after ascending from our beach helipads, you will find yourself in the breathtaking habitat that is home to one of the most colossal marine animals on Earth - the mighty Sperm Whale. This air tour grants you additional time in the vicinity of the whales to marvel at these astonishing behemoths of the ocean deep. It also provides an opportunity to potentially observe dolphins, for a slight supplemental fee.

  • An optimal choice when the whales venture further out to sea to feed or when they remain submerged longer than anticipated.

  • Improved odds of viewing transient baleen whales - these whales typically come up for air between one to 4 times before plunging underwater for lengthy stretches (typically 2-5 minutes). The extended flight duration allows us more time to wait for them.

  • Depending on the disposition of the Sperm whales, we have added time to search for dolphins and/or course along the southern shoreline of Kaikoura on our return journey to the mainland.

  • 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.
  • Options to fly to the whales from our other helicopter bases in Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington.
  • Weight limitations apply. We require your weight on booking
  • Please make sure to bring along any medication that you may need.
  • You are welcome to bring along a facemask if you wish.
Location
16 West End
West End
Across the road from Coopers Catch fish and chip restaurant and below the railway bridge.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.6
(11 Ratings)
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Craig_t
Mar 6, 2024
Whales from the sky! - 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!
Review provided by Viator
Erica055
Mar 4, 2024
New Zealand Highlight - Our pilot Arron gave us a magnificent flight. His expertise in spotting and locating the whales was a marvel. His knowledge of the whale behaviour added to our enjoyment. We saw 2 separate sperm whale plus a pod of pilot whales with dolphins and albatrosses.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sabinemarieloiuseb
Feb 5, 2024
Perfect flight over the Kaikoura peninsula with Whaleand dolphine spotting - The day was perect for a flight over the Kaikoura peninsula and out to the sea for searching of whales. As there was no Whale spotted this morning, we were happy to find a sperm Whale, just coming up for taking air. Our pilot was very knowledgeable and gave us very good opportunities for taking photos of the Whale, of the schools of dolphines as well as the peninsula and the coast. Would do it again, any time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F4254qhjohnl
Dec 9, 2023
Sperm whale near kaikoura - The flight was mind blowing! Saw hectors dolphins before we even left the helipad! Our pilot was super knowledgeable and super confident. He did an amazing job. Found a sperm whale within minutes. Amazing experience having never seen one before and after he found a huge pod of dusky dolphins!! Scenery was amazing as well. Best wildlife flight ever!! Highly recommend doing this flight
Review provided by Tripadvisor
911bernadettek
Oct 6, 2023
fantastic - Arron thank you. You made the trip magic from start to finish, from your commentary to your amazing gift of spotting :) Arron, went above and beyond the call of duty to making sure that we had the best experience ever. Professional, knowledgeable and an absolute 'good bugger' Bernadette, Shea.Molly, Lulu, Daisy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mabcemaes
Feb 22, 2023
Exceeded expectation! - As first time helicopter passengers this trip far exceeded our expectations! From the start Aaron was professional, knowledgable and reassuring. The flight was smooth and right on time for the sperm whale to be seen on the surface - a real highlght of our holiday in New Zealand. Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Spenceeey
Jan 27, 2023
Professional, safe and totally worth the experience! - Booked late the night before and managed to get a slot the next morning. We understand that whale watching is weather permitting and depends on a little luck as well so we had fingers crossed. The next morning, reached at the mentioned time but it was closed. Turns out I had missed multiple calls from the office informing me that my flight was delayed. Robin was extremely professional and apologetic even though she tried multiple times to reach me. Aaron the pilot was very professional. He rushed straight back from another flight and met with us. There in the office we planned the best time to see a whale which had been spotted. I love the professionalism and the way they liaised with different operators just to maximise the chance of catching a whale. We saw the whale, dolphins pods, seals and an unmatched view of Kaikoura. Will definitely return again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y5406ahjoew
May 13, 2022
Whales - Don’t hesitate. Just book it. Jordan was great, informative, down to earth. Managed to see both humpback and sperm whales and flew up the side of a mountain. Not your average afternoon..
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Louisek431
Mar 22, 2024
Fantastic helicopter tour - Fantastic excursion out over the ocean to view a sperm whale offshore. Also got to see some dusky dolphins on the flight out. Our pilot was exceptional. He coordinated well with the whale watching boats and scenic planes to help locate at least one whale in the vicinity.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Y1305hhmartinw
Dec 19, 2023
Disappointing - Our departure time was brought forward and so our flight missed out on spotting the one whale that was in the area. Flight was a failure, no refund nor extended flight, nor anything. Very disappointing considering the cost
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 6 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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