Kaikōura Whale Watching - Whales and Cray Tails

5.0
(1 reviews)

2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

PRIVATE TOUR – Price is for up to 5 passengers, not per person.

This exclusive helicopter experience is the only one of its kind in New Zealand, developed in collaboration with a local Marine Mammal Biologist from the Kaikōura Marine Mammal Foundation. You'll journey over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where whales reside close to the Kaikōura coast. Throughout the flight, your onboard marine biologist will share expert insights into the region’s marine life and ecosystem, offering a deeply educational and engaging experience.

Next, we land to pick up a fresh crayfish lunch from the famous Karaka Lobster Café, which you'll enjoy at a remote mountain location with panoramic views of the ocean and the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.

To conclude the tour, your pilot will guide you over dramatic landscapes shaped by the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake, highlighting fault lines, diverted rivers, and massive landslides—bringing both natural beauty and geological history to life.

What's Included

Life jackets and head sets
Bottled Water on request
Crayfish lunch included
Marine Biologist - Dr Krista Van Der Linde

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We can arrange a pick up and drop off service (free of charge) from anywhere in Kaikoura. Please either mention in the booking notes or you can call or email us directly to arrange this.

OR
Meeting point

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Take your whale watching experience to new heights on this unforgettable Kaikōura helicopter tour. Soar above the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and the deep Kaikōura Canyon, guided by a knowledgeable marine biologist who provides fascinating insights into the region’s rich marine ecosystem. Spot majestic whales—including Sperm, Humpback, Orca, and even Blue whales—as well as Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals from the air. After your wildlife encounter, land at a stunning alpine location in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges for a gourmet crayfish lunch (a local delicacy), served with breathtaking mountain and ocean views. This premium experience blends aerial adventure, marine education, and fine local cuisine into one unforgettable New Zealand eco-tour. Perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and photographers, this is Kaikōura’s most exclusive and immersive helicopter experience.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by South Pacific Helicopters NZ

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Helicopter Tours
Adventure Tours
Involves Animals
Zombie
Zombie Slice
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more

Rating

5.0 Based on 1 1 review
5 stars
1
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}