Whale Watch is located in the small coastal town of Kaikōura on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island a scenic two and a half-hour drive north from Christchurch and two hour drive south from Picton. Kaikōura is a special place of lush pastures and towering, snow covered peaks that fall to the sea. This rare magic continues just offshore where a deep undersea canyon combines with unusual sea currents to attract an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the Giant Sperm Whale. 

Whale Watch is New Zealand's only vessel-based whale watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment at all times of the year. Whale Watch scheduled tours operate daily. Our 95% success rate means we guarantee an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Whale Watch tours are extremely popular so we recommend booking early.

Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998
Celebrating over 25 years of operation!
New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales.
Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins, Whales and Seals.
New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing.
Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering.
Qualified New Zealand Guides.
100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours.
Family Friendly - operating year round.
The Wildlife Kayaking tour is the real deal!



Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

This tour offers 2 different kayaking options for you to choose from: Seal Kayak tour and the Sunset Kayak Tour. It is the first kayak tour in New Zealand to offer hands free kayaking. Now with the largest human muscle group in play, kayaking becomes easier and more efficient than ever.

Come get up close and personal with the New Zealand fur seal as they play around and under your hands free pedal kayak. Taking photos/selfies have never been easier now you can capture all your moments without stopping!

Seal Kayaking Adventure in Kaikoura

A half day of adventure in nature awaits you in Kaikōura, with five zipline flights, totalling 2.2km, above lush rolling farmland, native forest, an interpretive walk through a private 3,000-acre station, and a ride on custom-built 4X4 Unimog. Departing from central Kaikōura township, your journey will begin with a scenic drive, with a breathtaking backdrop of the Seaward Range and views over South Bay, this is an eco adventure not to be missed!

Half Day Zipline Adventure in Kaikoura

Discover Kaikōura’s world renowned sperm whales & marine life with an unforgettable Whale Watching Flight.
From above, you’ll have the ultimate vantage point to admire these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, fully appreciating their incredible size & beauty.

Along the way, we may also spot dolphins, humpback whales, blue whales, orca, & other passing cetaceans. Your flight will also treat you to breathtaking views of Kaikōura’s dramatic mountains meeting the vibrant seas- a truly unforgettable sight.

For over 30 years, Air Kaikōura’s friendly team has been providing high quality experiences, combining expert knowledge with exceptional service. 

While we do everything possible to locate whales, they are wild animals, & sightings cannot be guaranteed. Refunds or rescheduling are not available if whales are not sighted, but we’re confident you’ll love the stunning scenery & the unique opportunity to experience Kaikōura’s incredible landscapes & marine environment from above.

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight (Extended)

Experience the thrill of whale watching from the sky with Wings Over Whales! This unique activity offers unparalleled views of the resident sperm whales, the largest toothed whales in the world. From above, you’ll have the chance to see the full scale of these majestic creatures, offering you epic aerial views of both the whales and the stunning surrounding scenery. Flying over the Kaikoura Whale Sanctuary allows you to cover vast areas, increasing your chances of spotting even more marine wildlife, including dusky dolphins.

As the longest-operating aerial whale watching company in Kaikoura, we’re committed to both safety and comfort. Our aircraft meet the highest safety standards, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy the ride.

At Wings Over Whales, we provide not only an adventure, but a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Book your whale watching flight today for a truly unforgettable experience in the skies above Kaikoura!

Whale Watching in Kaikoura - Ultimate Experience 

Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a whale-watching cruise from the picturesque town of Kaikoura. Look for the mighty Sperm Whales that live in these waters along with Dusky Dolphins, New Zealand Fur Seals and Seabirds. Admire breathtaking views of the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges during your free time in Kaikoura's township and visit a seal colony on land. Wrap up the day with a scenic drive back to Christchurch and a wine tasting at a vineyard in North Canterbury (time permitting). Your experienced guide shares informative commentary throughout the day on this fun and fascinating tour.

Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch

Spend quality time with one of the world's most exotic animals. You trek with your own llama, who walks on a lead, at your side, while carrying your belongings in saddle bags.
Llama are highly intelligent, clever animals = requiring that you get to know them (and work with them) to successfully complete your trek. The subtle 'bond' you form with your llama companion is highly rewarding.
You experienced guide will help you get to know your woolly companion.
Your guide will also share a range of local Kaikoura history and information, including the extraordinary effects of the 2016 earthquake (the largest ever recorded in New Zealand)
You do not ride your llama.

Llama Trek (Half-day) - Kaikoura Bay, Beaches & Seal Colony

Air Whale Watching in Kaikoura

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998
Celebrating over 25 years of operation!
100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours.
Family Friendly - operating year round.
New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales.
Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins, Seals and Whales.
New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing.
Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering.
Qualified New Zealand guides.
The Sunset Evening Kayaking tour is the real deal!



Sunset Evening Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

Enjoy a 1hr Taster Llama Trek - along the Kowhai River banks and riverbed. Surrounded throughout by protected native woodland, and abundant wildlife.

 Llama Trek (Taster) - Kowhai River Valley and Native Woodland Tour

Kaikoura's Original Kayak Operator - Est 1998
Celebrating over 25 years of operation!
New Zealand's only Sea Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Whales.
Kaikoura's only Kayak operator that holds a marine mammal permit to view Dolphins and Seals.
New Zealand's 1st Friend of the Sea sustainable operator for Dolphin and Whale viewing.
Traditional double sea kayaks with cockpits and spray skirts for a dry ride and rudders for easy steering.
Qualified New Zealand guides.
100% guaranteed to view Fur Seals on all tours.
Family Friendly - operating year round.
The Wildlife Kayaking tour is the real deal!



Private Wildlife Kayaking Tour - Kaikoura

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.

Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch

Experience the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter tour and witness New Zealand’s incredible marine life from above. 

Fly over the renowned Kaikōura Canyon to spot Sperm, Humpback, Southern Right, Orca, or even Blue whales, depending on the season. 

This extended scenic flight gives you more time to enjoy whale sightings and coastal views. Spot Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals as you cruise along the shoreline. Land at a remote site only accessible by South Pacific Helicopters, where you'll take in breathtaking views of the mountains and ocean. 

This unforgettable whale watching and wildlife experience is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Kaikoura Whale Watching - 45 Minute Ocean Safari 

Discover magnificent marine wildlife out on the South Pacific Ocean during this 12-hour Kaikoura dolphin swim from Christchurch. Travel through the rolling hills of North Canterbury to the rugged coastline of Kaikoura — the perfect place to view New Zealand’s dolphins, seals and birdlife in the wild. With warm wetsuit on, hop aboard your boat and learn from your guide the tricks used to encourage interaction with the graceful and curious dolphins. Dive to the depths below, snorkel over the waves and savor the joy of sharing the dolphins’ natural habitat.

Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch

Experience Kaikōura’s longest and most immersive helicopter whale watching tour. This one-hour adventure begins with an unforgettable aerial journey over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and the underwater Kaikōura Canyon, a marine hotspot rich with wildlife due to nutrient-filled upwellings. 

Spot a variety of whales, including Humpback whales, Blue whales, Southern Right whales, and the resident Sperm whales—the largest toothed whale in the world. Along the way, watch for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals along the coastline. 

The experience concludes with a breathtaking alpine landing atop the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, where you'll enjoy panoramic mountain and ocean views. Perfect for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, this Kaikōura helicopter tour offers the ultimate New Zealand nature experience.

Kaikōura Whale Watching and Scenic Landing - 1hr Premier Tour 

Within minutes of taking off from our beach from helipads, you will be in the spectacular environment that plays host to one of the worlds largest marine mammals, the magnificent Sperm Whale.
This flight allows you extra time in the whale area to view these majestic creatures of the deep. This also gives you the possibility of viewing dolphins for just a little extra.

- A better option for when the whales are feeding further off shore or are holding their breath for longer than expected.

- More chance to view any transient baleen whales - these whales typically spend short surface intervals (one to 4 breaths) followed by long periods under water (often 2-5 minutes), the longer flight time gives us longer wait for them.

- Depending on the location of the Sperm whales, gives us more time to search for dolphin and /or fly along the Kaikoura southern coastline on our way back to land.

Kaikoura Helicopters Extended Whale Watch flight

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. Enjoy the true Kaikoura 'where the mountains meet the sea' experience by further exploring the Seaward Kaikoura ranges and a Alpine landing with magnificent views.

Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight

Embark on the ultimate Kaikōura helicopter whale watching tour for a unique wildlife and scenic adventure. Fly over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where you’ll spot majestic marine life including sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orcas, and other migratory species. The helicopter’s manoeuvrability offers incredible views of the whales and dolphins, with close-up photo opportunities you can’t get from boats. Keep an eye out for playful Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals near the shore.

Continue the adventure north along the rugged Kaikōura coastline and land in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. From this exclusive mountaintop location, enjoy 360-degree views of Kaikōura Peninsula, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains—an unforgettable experience for photographers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.

Kaikōura Whale Watching - 1hr 20min Ultimate Adventure 

Enjoy a 25 minute panoramic scenic flight, with stunning scenic views of the Seaward Kaikoura ranges and a birds eye view of the Kaikoura Peninsula. After take-off, we will climb to approximately 6000 feet to fly past the back of Mount Fyffe for some true mountain flying. Experience views of snowy mountain peaks, a waterfalls or a wild deer if you have sharp vision.

Next, overfly Lake Hapuku, which is a direct result of the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. Your pilot will then descend towards the Hapuku river mouth and fly along the black sand beach towards the Kaikoura peninsula. Flying around the peninsula, you get to see that it is dotted with resident seals next to the turquoise ocean.

Kaikoura: Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

An intimate privately guided wildlife experience around the Kaikoura peninsula on hands free pedal kayaks, allowing for the ultimate kayaking experience. Let us take you and your group around the rugged coastline encountering seals, penguins and seabirds with the jaw-dropping mountains as a backdrop. With expert local commentary along the way on indigenous local history, post colonial sealing and whaling and everything in between This immersive experience can be tailored to suit any traveller. Whether your special private tour is for a honeymooning couple, avid wildlife group or just a special family adventure, the team at Seal Kayak Kaikoura will make sure you create memories that last a lifetime

Private Seal Kayaking and Wildlife Tour in Kaikoura

Indulge in a truly exclusive Kaikōura helicopter tour that combines breathtaking aerial views with a premium gin tasting experience. Relax and enjoy a scenic flight around the Kaikōura Peninsula and the stunning Seaward Kaikōura mountain ranges, taking in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged coastline from above.

Your pilot will guide you through the Kaikoura landscape before landing at our exclusive hilltop location. There, you'll meet Justine Schroder, owner of Mt Fyffe Distillery, who will pour you a tasting of her award-winning small batch London dry gin. Hear the story behind the creation of her distinctive blends, crafted using botanicals sourced from their family farm and the local Kaikōura environment.

This Kaikōura gin tasting tour includes a complimentary 375ml bottle of Woolshed Gin or Shearwater Gin, perfect for continuing the experience at home.

Please note: PRICE IS PER TRIP – Up to 5 passengers, not per adult.

Kaikōura Scenic Heli-Gin Experience 

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.

Kaikōura Whale Watching - Whales and Cray Tails 

Cruise down the Kaikoura coastline to our exclusive hill top landing site where an ATV ( All-Terrain Vehicle) will be waiting to take you on a guided tour through a private farm. This adventure will take you to the Haumiri bluffs (Spyglass point) where you will get the opportunity to take in the incredible scenery. Upon completion of your trip you will return to Kaikoura via vehicle.

Kaikoura Helicopters ATV Adventure

Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. Experience a birds eye view of the dramatic landscape .Allowing for great photo opportunities.

Travel up the stunning Hurunui River gorge on a 30 minute return trip with Energy Jet

On completion of your jet boat experience, board your helicopter for the return flight north via the Hurunui river mouth and along the coast to Kaikoura.

Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet

Departing from our centrally located beachfront pads, skirting the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, before climbing over 8000 feet into the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges where you get to experience the vast, rugged mountain ranges and seaward views. All from the comfort of your luxury helicopter. Take the opportunity to stand on the highest mountain outside of the Southern Alps and soak in the magnificent views of the East Coast of the South Island and Pacific Ocean.

Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour

This tour is perfect for a romantic getaway, family adventure or group of friends. We are sure that you will enjoy this unique experience and remember it forever.

Fly with Kaikoura Helicopters and enjoy a delicious picnic at altitude amongst the stunning Kaikoura Seaward Ranges with 360-degree views of this unique and rugged coastline. The pilot will choose the best location on the day, where weather conditions are best and the views are finest.

After a scenic flight around the lower levels of the seaward Kaikoura ranges, land at a secluded landing site. Our picnic offers spectacular views of the Kaikoura township and Peninsula. On a fine day, you can look North along the coastline to spot Wellington and South to Banks Peninsula.

1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic Mountain top tour in Kaikoura 

Experience the true beauty of Kaikoura and mountain top experience without the 4 hour hike. On a clear day the view stretches from the North Island to Banks Peninsula. During Winter there is often an abundance of snow to play in, take pictures and build a snowman!

Experiences in Kaikoura, New Zealand