Kaikoura is one of the only places on earth where a deep sea canyon runs so close to shore that giant sperm whales feed here year round, no long ocean crossing required. Add in dusky dolphins, fur seals and the odd humpback or blue whale passing through, and it is easy to see why this small coastal town is a must stop for families chasing a genuine wildlife encounter. Whether you would rather watch from the deck of a boat or from above in a helicopter, here is how to see the whales with the whole crew.
See sperm whales from the water
The Whale Watch Kaikoura boat tour is New Zealand's only vessel based whale watching experience, heading out into the Kaikoura Canyon in search of resident sperm whales along with seasonal visitors like humpback, blue and southern right whales. Sightings are backed by a partial refund guarantee if no whale is spotted, and the minimum age to join is 3 years old, making it a solid pick for young families wanting their first whale encounter without leaving the ground.
A quick introduction from the air
The Whale Watch Explorer Helicopter Flight, 30 Minutes is a short scenic flight over the Kaikoura Peninsula with exclusive landing sites overlooking the whale sanctuary, so you can see a sperm whale tip to tail from above. Infants under 2 years old fly free if they sit on a parent's lap and weigh under 18kg, though every flight needs a minimum of 2 adults booked in.
Longer time over the canyon
The Whale Watching Heli Flight, Extended stretches the aerial adventure out to 40 minutes over Kaikoura's deep sea canyon for more time spotting marine wildlife before you land. Child pricing applies for ages 3 to 11, and little ones under 3 or under 18kg travel free on an adult's lap, so it is an easy step up once the kids are keen for a longer look.
The premium splurge, with an alpine landing
The Kaikoura Premier Whale Watching Helicopter Flight, 1 Hour tracks the coastline up to the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges for a rare alpine landing among mountains that rise over 2000 metres straight out of the ocean, alongside sightings of sperm whales, fur seals and dusky dolphins. It is the big ticket family splurge, and the team notes that parents are responsible for car seats and child restraints for infants and young children on the shuttle transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for whale watching in Kaikoura?
The Whale Watch Kaikoura boat tour has a minimum age of 3 years old, making it the most accessible option for young families wanting to see whales up close.
Do babies fly free on the whale watching helicopter flights?
Yes, on both helicopter flights infants under 2 to 3 years old and under 18kg can fly free while sitting on a parent's lap, limited to one infant per flight.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No sighting can ever be guaranteed since whales are wild animals, though the boat tour offers a partial refund if no whale is seen, and the resident sperm whales are present in the canyon year round.
Which option suits families on a tighter budget?
The boat tour and the 30 minute helicopter flight are the more affordable starting points, while the extended flight and the 1 hour premier flight suit families wanting a longer or more exclusive experience.
Do we need to book transfers for the helicopter flights?
Complimentary shuttle transfers from Kaikoura township are available for the helicopter flights and should be arranged in advance directly with the operator.
Local tip: book your whale watching for earlier in your Kaikoura stay, all options are weather dependent and having a spare day up your sleeve makes rescheduling painless.
Book your Kaikoura whale watching experience above and give the whole family a wildlife encounter they will talk about for years.