8 Scenic Flights in Kaikoura That Repay the Detour

1.Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 823 reviews · 40 min · from $131Our pick

Fly above Kaikoura with Air Kaikoura for a 30-minute whale-watching flight, plus briefing and photo time. Every passenger gets a window seat and an English commentary headset. Pilots such as Ben, Alex, Dan, and Tom share sightings and adjust the route when whales are reported. Expect sperm whales, dolphins, and sometimes orcas, blue whales, or humpbacks.

“It was a once in a lifetime bucket list activity. Very well organised and the staff and pilot were friendly and professional Must give a big thanks to pilot who was super helpful”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · from $170Top rated

Fly from Kaikōura Airport in a small aircraft with no more than seven people, watching for sperm whales, dolphins, orcas, and humpbacks below. Every passenger gets a window seat and a headset for live commentary. Pilots such as Ben and Alex work with boats and other aircraft to time sightings, while the flight also delivers fine views of the coast and mountains.

“Friendly and very professional and thorough operation. Got me checked in, briefed and on the plane on schedule. Saw humpback whale surrounded by dolphins within a few minutes. Lots of opportunity to view sea life in the water from a completely different point of view and also the beautiful mountains nearby. Highly recommend the extended version as time flies by and don’t wear a jacket as it gets warm inside the plane.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 216 reviews · 30 min · from $164

From Kaikōura Airport, you’ll join a small group of up to six for a short wildlife briefing and 30-minute flight. Pilots such as Sam, Jo, Alexis, and Joanne share live commentary while you search for sperm whales, dolphins, and seasonal species. Every passenger has a window seat, with free tea, coffee, or hot chocolate afterward.

“Was a quick flight but thankfully we got to see a whale. After that, it was more of a scenic flight along the coast. Everyone gets a wind seat and the pilot alternates how the plane rotates around the whale to give everyone a good view. Flys a lot lower than I thought too!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Whale Watching Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews

Join Air Kaikoura at Kaikoura Airport for a 30-minute aerial search for whales and dolphins. Your pilot uses a headset to explain the wildlife and scenery below. Flights carry no more than seven people, and start times may shift within a one-hour window to suit weather and marine mammal conditions. Ben may be your pilot.

“Super friendly staff, amazing flight. Ben the pilot was really knowledgeable about the area and great info about the Whales that frequent the area...AND... *WOW* got to watch a Humpback whale jumping out of the water. Such a special flight. Recommend doing this, you won't regret it ever!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 25 min · from $104Best value

Fly from Kaikoura Airport with a small group of up to seven people, climbing to about 6,000 feet near Mount Fyffe before following Lake Hapuku, the Hapuku River mouth, black sand beaches, and Kaikoura Peninsula. Your pilot provides live English commentary, with pilots such as Ben and Tim adding local insight.

“Wow, wow and wow. Fantastic staff, pilot was awesome, trip faultless. An experience I will never forget. I was still buzzing in the evening. Can't say much more than that......”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Extended Flight Whale Watching & Mountain Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 45 min · from $236

Join Wings Over Whales for a 45-minute flight above Kaikōura’s ocean, peninsula, farmlands, and Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. Your pilot provides live commentary while you search for sperm whales, dolphins, blue whales, and migratory species. The flight carries up to six people, with window seats, headsets, and free hot drinks at the terminal.

“Very nice organisation and overall experience. While we did not get to see any whales, we saw hundreds of dolphins. The mountain part of the tour had to be canceled due to clouds, but was immediately refunded during check-in.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $108

Take a 25-minute scenic flight from Kaikoura with pilot Tim or another Air Kaikoura crew member. Climb to about 6,000 feet, pass Mount Fyffe and snowy peaks, view earthquake-formed Lake Hapuku, then follow the coast to the seal-dotted Kaikoura Peninsula. Groups are limited to seven passengers.

“Great operation, and very reasonable priced. We were able to see the coast from the air. Even though it was cloudy it was still worth it. The were even nice enough to take us back to the ship tender area after our flight. Thanks Rob and Eileen”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · from $415

Take off from Kaikōura’s beachfront helipad, search the Hikurangi Marine Reserve for sperm whales, humpbacks, dolphins, and orca, then land in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. Your pilot provides live commentary, and the six-person maximum helps you get a clear view. Aron is one pilot named in the tour information.

“It’s absolutely worth going to Kaikoura to do this whale watching flight. Our guide was great and made the trip very enjoyable. He was very knowledgeable about the whales and the surrounding areas. We did see a couple pods of dolphiRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review