Kaikōura Helicopter Whale Watching Tour with Crayfish Lunch

Spot whales from the air, then eat them fresh at altitude

This private helicopter tour flies up to five passengers over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve near Kaikōura, where a marine biologist narrates sightings of sperm, humpback, orca and blue whales, plus dolphins and fur seals. The flight lands at an alpine location in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges for a crayfish lunch with ocean views, then returns over the 2016 earthquake's geological aftermath: fault lines, diverted rivers and landslides reshaping the landscape. The tour runs 2.5 hours and includes the biologist guide, life jackets, headsets and the meal. Minimum age is 13.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter whale watching and lunch

• Fly over Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary
• Spot whales and marine animals
• Land at alpine location
• Enjoy gourmet crayfish lunch
• Fly over earthquake-shaped landscapes

The experience

The helicopter lifts from Kaikōura and climbs over the Kaikōura Canyon and Whale Sanctuary, where sperm whales, humpbacks, orcas and blue whales feed in deep water close to shore. Your onboard marine biologist, Dr Krista Van Der Linde, identifies what you're seeing and explains the ecosystem that draws them here: the cold currents, the prey, the migration routes. Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals move through the same waters. The biologist's narration turns the flight into something more than sightseeing. You're learning why this stretch of coast concentrates marine life that most visitors never see.

The helicopter descends into the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges and lands at a remote alpine location. A fresh crayfish lunch waits (sourced from the famous Karaka Lobster Café), and you eat it at altitude with panoramic views of the ocean and the mountains. This is the local delicacy, and the setting makes it the centerpiece of the day rather than a side arrangement.

On the return flight, the pilot guides you over the landscape the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake reshaped: visible fault lines, rivers diverted from their courses, massive landslides that still mark the hillsides. The geological story unfolds beneath you, a different kind of natural history than the marine one you saw on the way out.

What’s included

• Helicopter flight over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve and Kaikōura Canyon.
• marine biologist guide narrating whale and marine life sightings.
• crayfish lunch at an alpine location in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.
• life jackets and headsets.
• bottled water on request.
• return flight over the 2016 earthquake's geological features.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by South Pacific Helicopters NZ

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so you control the group and the pace without sharing the helicopter or the guide's attention. Choose it if you want marine education woven through the sightseeing (the biologist explains what you're seeing rather than just pointing), and if a crayfish lunch at altitude matters more than a standard meal stop on the ground.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What whales can I actually see on this Kaikōura helicopter tour?

Sperm whales, humpback whales, orca and blue whales all feed in the deep Kaikōura Canyon and Whale Sanctuary close to shore. Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals also move through the same waters. Sightings depend on the season and the day's conditions, but the marine biologist aboard will explain what you encounter and why they're in this particular area.

Is the crayfish lunch included, or do I pay extra?

The crayfish lunch is included in the tour price. It's sourced fresh from Karaka Lobster Café and served at the alpine landing site in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, with ocean and mountain views.

How many people can fit on the helicopter?

The tour is private and accommodates up to five passengers. The price quoted covers the whole group, not per person.

Who is the guide, and what makes them qualified?

Your onboard guide is a marine biologist from the Kaikōura Marine Mammal Foundation, developed in collaboration with the operator. They provide expert insights into the region's marine life, ecosystem and the whales you encounter during the flight.

What happens on the return flight after lunch?

The pilot guides you over the landscape shaped by the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake, pointing out visible fault lines, diverted rivers and massive landslides that reshaped the terrain: bringing both geological history and natural beauty into view.

What's the minimum age to go on this helicopter tour?

The minimum age is 13 years old. Life jackets and headsets are provided for all passengers.