Kaikoura Whale Watching Tours

Sustainable whale viewing from a high-wing aircraft with clear views!

• Great for: Eco‑conscious travelers and families seeking expansive, high‑altitude whale sighting opportunities over vast distances.
• Everything you get: Choose between a 30‑minute flight or a 45‑minute flight with an added mountain tour; both include a guaranteed window seat, live pilot commentary, and full safety equipment.
• Why choose this: You'll get an unobstructed, sustainable aerial perspective that maximizes your chances to spot marine giants and Kaikoura from above.

Inclusions

• 30 or 45-minute Kaikoura whale-watching flight (based on option selected)
• Scenic mountain tour over Kaikoura Ranges (if option selected)
• 15-min pre-flight information and safety briefing
• Life jacket and safety equipment

• Tip: Bring polarized sunglasses to help reduce glare on the water's surface, making it easier to spot whales and other marine life beneath the surface.
• Each adult can accompany only 1 infant under 3 years old.
• Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests over the weight of 135kg (297.62lb).
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Flexible flight options for thrilling aerial whale encounters.

• Great for: Adventurers and photographers looking for a tailored flight experience over Kaikoura’s marine world, with options from quick viewings to mountain landings.
• Everything you get: A guided whale-watching flight with live commentary and window seats. Choose Classic (30 min), Extended (40 min) for extra sightings, or Top ‘n’ Tail (60 min) with a scenic mountain landing.
• Why choose this: Maximize your viewing time and customize your aerial adventure over whales and stunning landscapes.

Inclusions

• 30/40/60-minute Kaikoura whale-watching helicopter flight (based on option selected)
• Live commentary from pilot
• Headset with microphone for the helicopter flight
• Alpine landing on Kaikoura Seaward Ranges (if option selected)

• Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins – they sometimes join the whale-watching party.
• This experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• For the helicopter flight, the maximum permitted passenger weight is 136 kg (300 lbs).
• Flights may be affected by weather conditions and the need to meet minimum passenger numbers.
• For safety and compliance with aircraft specifications, weight restrictions apply to all passengers. The pilot has the authority to determine passenger seating based on the helicopter's weight and balance parameters.
• This experience requires a minimum of 2 guests and will have a maximum of 6 guests.
• Guests will receive a headset equipped with a microphone, enabling direct communication with the pilot.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Award-winning whale watch day trip with seamless transfers from Christchurch!

• Great for: Christchurch travelers wanting a complete, hassle‑free day trip that combines wildlife viewing with scenic rural drives and cultural stops.
• Everything you get: Round-trip hotel transfers, an award-winning whale watch tour with live animation sequences, a visit to a fur seal colony, and a vineyard stop for wine tasting.
• Why choose this: Enjoy a fully curated Kaikoura adventure where every detail is handled so you can focus on nature, culture, and unforgettable scenic experiences.

Inclusions

• Full-day trip to Kaikoura from Christchurch
• Round-trip hotel transfers in AC coach from Christchurch
• English-speaking guide
• Kaikoura whale-watching tour by boat
• Fur seal colony viewing
• Vineyard visit and wine tasting (if time permits)

Exclusions

• Lunch (available to purchase onsite)

• Tip: Watch for the "blow" (puff of air) before whales come to the surface. It's your cue to snap pics! The blow is V-shaped for sperm whales and heart-shaped for humpbacks.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
• While there is no lunch provided, the tour will stop at a cafe where you can purchase lunch.
• Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible.
• This trip accommodates 35 participants.
• Wineries close at 5pm daily and on some holidays as well. In such cases, a stop may not be possible.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Paddle with seals in their natural habitat for an intimate wildlife experience!

• Great for: Active travelers and families wanting a safe, hands-on marine wildlife experience without barriers.
• Everything you get: A 3-hour guided kayak tour with full gear, safety briefing, expert naturalist guide, and guaranteed seal encounters. Upgrades include tandem kayaks for families or sunset paddling.
• Why choose this: Intimate, low-impact adventure where seals swim right up to your kayak for a natural, respectful wildlife encounter that's more intimate than any boat tour can offer.

Inclusions

• 3-hour whale-watching kayaking experience in Kaikoura
• All kayaking equipment (paddle jackets, wet shoes, spray skirts, dry pants, gloves, and hats over the winter months)
• English-speaking guide and instructor
• Family-friendly kayaking with 1 guide for each family (if option selected)
• Sunset hours kayaking (if option selected)

• Tip: Even if you're not a morning person, join the 8:30am tour for the best interactions with marine life.
• The guided family kayaking tour requires a minimum of 2 guests.
• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Guests in this sea kayaking tour should understand that adventure activities carry inherent risks. These risks may include property damage, personal injury, weather-related illness, drowning, death, and environmental factors such as sunburn, dehydration, hyperthermia, and exhaustion.
• The sunset kayaking experience will accommodate a maximum of 24 guests.
• This is a weather-dependent activity. Cancellations due to poor weather result in rescheduling or a full refund.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.