Kaikoura Whale-Watching Flight Experience

Skybound escape

Feeling pressed for time, battling seasickness, or done with cruises? Say hello to your ultimate solution: A scenic flight over Kaikoura's serene marine environment. It's time to gain a unique perspective of the world's largest mammal at Kaikoura, home to Sperm whales year-round, some as long as 18m. Plus, you'll have the best seat in the house with a guaranteed window seat on your 30-minute flight, ensuring unobstructed views of these majestic creatures. If you want to stay longer, you can opt for a 45-minute whale-watching flight and enjoy a scenic mountain tour over the iconic Kaikoura range.

Safety soars, adventure calls

Leave your worries about safety behind as a thorough 15-minute pre-flight briefing by the experienced crew will ensure you are ready for this adventure. Plus, rest assured with emergency gear onboard, including life rafts and personal locator beacons. And when you've had your fill of whale-watching, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and birdlife in their natural environment amidst the stunning backdrop of Kaikoura's snowy peaks.

Kaikoura Whale-Watching Flight Experience

Discover the breathtaking marine life of Kaikoura on this whale-watching flight experience that includes a 15-minute safety briefing and necessary gear, ensuring a worry-free 30- or 45-minute journey. This tour covers the expansive waters off the coast of Kaikoura where you can witness humpback whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat. The flights depart from Kaikoura Airport, offering stunning aerial views of the ocean and the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains. With guided commentary available in English and Japanese, this tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers who want to see the giant sperm whales up close. Each flight can accommodate up to 13 passengers, providing ample space for everyone to enjoy uninterrupted views from their windows.

Witness Majestic Humpback Whales

Your tour stops at Kaikoura’s coastal waters where you will witness humpback whales breaching the ocean's surface. These majestic creatures can grow up to 16 meters in length, making them one of the largest animals on Earth. The humpbacks are known for their acrobatic displays and haunting songs that can be heard from miles away. During your flight, you will see these gentle giants swimming alongside playful dolphins, creating a truly unforgettable experience. This unique encounter with humpback whales is possible due to Kaikoura’s rich marine ecosystem, which supports an abundance of sea life year-round.

Marvel at Giant Sperm Whales

At Kaikoura’s coastal waters, guests can marvel at the giant sperm whales that inhabit these waters. These colossal creatures are known to match the size of four elephants, reaching lengths of up to 18 meters and weighing over 50 tons each. The sperm whale's teeth can weigh over a kilogram and reach lengths of up to 20 centimeters. Sperm whales have been observed in Kaikoura since at least the early 19th century when whalers first discovered this area’s rich marine life. Today, visitors come from around the world to see these magnificent creatures breaching the surface alongside humpback whales and other sea mammals. The sperm whale's unique behavior of diving deep into the ocean makes them a fascinating subject for wildlife enthusiasts.

Tour Highlights

• Soar above Kaikoura’s waters for an uninterrupted view of marine life
• 15-minute safety briefing with necessary gear provided onboard
• English and Japanese guided commentary available throughout the flight
• Witness humpback whales breaching alongside playful dolphins
• Marvel at giant sperm whales, matching four elephants in size
• Capture memorable shots of snow-capped Kaikoura peaks rising behind the ocean
• Experience worry-free travel with safety measures onboard

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and marine biologists, this whale-watching flight experience provides an unparalleled opportunity to see humpback whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat. The 30- or 45-minute journey allows you to witness the majestic humpbacks breaching alongside playful dolphins, marvel at giant sperm whales matching four elephants in size, and capture stunning aerial views of Kaikoura’s snow-capped peaks rising behind the ocean.