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Kaikoura Whales

5.01 review

  • 3 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

Soar Above Kaikoura – Whale Watching by Helicopter from Christchurch. Experience the thrill of flight and the wonder of marine wildlife in one unforgettable journey. Fly from Christchurch to Kaikoura for a breathtaking adventure with stunning views of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. The scenic flight shortens travel time, making it perfect for day trips. Arriving at our beachfront helipad, you’ll join Kaikoura Helicopters Whale Watch for a unique aerial perspective of whales, dolphins, and more. Why choose helicopter whale watching? • Spot entire whales and pods of dolphins from above • Enjoy wide viewing angles and greater coverage • Capture epic images of marine life and the dramatic coastline • Watch whales dive and dolphins play beneath you Complete your trip with a seaside lunch or local wine tasting (optional). This is more than sightseeing — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with nature from above.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Local pilots
  • Live commentary on board

What's not

  • Lunch not included in price

Itinerary

  1. Check in at reception. You will be given a safety briefing and, meet your pilot. Toilets available before departure.

    15 minAdmission included

  2. On take off you will have a great birds eye view as you fly north to Kaikoura. See the pristine coastline with magnificent views of the Canterbury Plains and in the distance the spectacular Southern Alps. After landing take to the air with our Kaikoura Helicopters to view the spectacular whales.

    Passes by

  3. View the mighty Sperm Whale as he rests on the surface of the ocean, catching his breath in between deep dives foraging for food. Kaikoura is also a migratory route for a variety of different whale and dolphin species such as the Humpback Whale, Blue Whale, Southern Right Whale and Orca, so we never know from flight to flight when we might spot something different! After viewing magnificent marine life, you will fly high above Kaikoura and land amongst the towering Seaward Kaikoura range. From here you will take in some of the most breath-taking views that New Zealand has to offer. (Snow Landings in winter!) With views to the west of the mountainous Seaward Kaikoura Range, east over the Kaikoura township to the iconic Kaikoura Peninsula stretching out like a whale’s fluke and south down a coastline that stretches for miles. On a clear day you can even see the North Island on the horizon!

    1 h

  4. On landing back at Kaikoura after your whale watching flight, there will be time to walk the main street or grab some lunch.

    45 min

  5. Depart Kaikoura to Christchurch.

    Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

  • 51
  • 40
  • 30
  • 20
  • 10

Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 4 travellers
Operated by
Garden City Helicopters
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • All passenger weights MUST be advised at time of booking. You will be weighed at check in
  • ,Please dress appropriately for casual attire
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • We see whales 97% of the time. Occasionally, despite our very best efforts and flight planning, you may not see a whale. This is rare and unfortunate, but can happen. No refund for this instance

How it compares in Christchurch

  • Its from-price is 636% above the median of the 343 experiences we list in Christchurch.
  • It is shorter than most of them.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 210 of 343.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Christchurch

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, a flat, green city on the Avon River with the Southern Alps and Banks Peninsula close by.

Christchurch was planned by English settlers in 1850 around a central square and the Avon River, which winds through the city past willows and lawns. Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens cover a large green area beside the centre, and punts glide along the river. The Gothic Revival Arts Centre, built for the university, houses studios and cafés, and Canterbury Museum stands beside the gardens.

Top-ranked sights in Christchurch: Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, TranzAlpine Train.

See all 343 experiences in Christchurch

Special offers in Christchurch

Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

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