We were so lucky to have a perfect clear day with a fresh coating of snow on the surrounding mountains.
Why not go Whale watching by air? Not only will you see the stunning scenic views along the spectacular Kaikoura coastline you could also likely get to view the magnificent Sperm whales in their natural environment too!
You will also have an opportunity to see the playful dusky dolphins and other marine life on your flight. Among the sights are orcas and several seabird species that thrive in Kaikoura’s rich marine environment.
Each flight offers a chance to witness these creatures in their natural surroundings. After you’ve got to see the whales you’ll get a scenic flight of Kaikoura and the stunning surrounds that include the high Alpine snow-clad Seaward Kaikoura mountain range, and to the east, the deep blue Pacific Ocean.
Air Kaikoura is a small friendly Aero Club which also provides flight training. The pilots are also flight instructors and the team is enthusiastic about providing their customers with an experience of a lifetime.
Although no guarantees that the whales are there, they do have a very high success rate on finding the whales and the team are honest on the success rate for the day as they do flight by flight.
For the best whale watching experience, plan your visit between June and August when whale activity peaks.
Blue whales can be spotted around winter months, adding another majestic spectacle to your flight.
Flight duration is: 30 minutes (be there early for your booking) The Aircraft is: a Gipps Aero GA8 or Cessna 172 – which is at the pilots discretion, dependent on numbers Location: Flights depart from Kaikoura Airport, 627 Main South Road, Peketa, which is a 10 min drive south of Kaikoura township on State Highway 1.
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Shelly Leahair
in the last weekAwesome experience very knowledgeable staff
Tristan Poupard
in the last weekI'm still trying to figure out the point of whale watching from the air, to be honest. I felt uneasy once we were circling above the whale, with helicopters rotating below us and boats even further down! It was like something out of a Hollywood movie! Nevertheless, I'll give it a good rating for the tour organization and, despite everything, the magnificent view of the seafront and the surrounding mountain ranges!
Klaudia Matyjas
in the last weekExperience of a lifetime
J L
in the last weekStill a great ride over kaikoura although we couldn’t spot any whales that day, pilot was on the lookout and tried to give us as much time as possible
Howard Grimberg
a week agoWe had an amazing time whale watching with the crew of air kaikoura. Highly recommend if you are visiting the area.