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Kaikōura Whale Watching - Whales and Cray Tails

1 Review 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 1 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Canterbury, New Zealand
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from $4,730.02 per person

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2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

PRIVATE TOUR – Price is for up to 5 passengers, not per person.

This exclusive helicopter experience is the only one of its kind in New Zealand, developed in collaboration with a local Marine Mammal Biologist from the Kaikōura Marine Mammal Foundation. You'll journey over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where whales reside close to the Kaikōura coast. Throughout the flight, your onboard marine biologist will share expert insights into the region’s marine life and ecosystem, offering a deeply educational and engaging experience.

Next, we land to pick up a fresh crayfish lunch from the famous Karaka Lobster Café, which you'll enjoy at a remote mountain location with panoramic views of the ocean and the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.

To conclude the tour, your pilot will guide you over dramatic landscapes shaped by the 2016 Kaikōura Earthquake, highlighting fault lines, diverted rivers, and massive landslides—bringing both natural beauty and geological history to life.

What's Included

  • Lunch Crayfish lunch included
  • Life jackets and head sets
  • Bottled Water on request

    Meeting and Pickup

    Pickup point
    Pickup details

    We can arrange a pick up and drop off service (free of charge) from anywhere in Kaikoura. Please either mention in the booking notes or you can call or email us directly to arrange this.

    OR
    Meeting point

    State Highway 1
    Peketā 7374, New Zealand

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    What To Expect

    Kaikoura (Pass By)

    Take your whale watching experience to new heights on this unforgettable Kaikōura helicopter tour. Soar above the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and the deep Kaikōura Canyon, guided by a knowledgeable marine biologist who provides fascinating insights into the region’s rich marine ecosystem. Spot majestic whales—including Sperm, Humpback, Orca, and even Blue whales—as well as Dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals from the air.After your wildlife encounter, land at a stunning alpine location in the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges for a gourmet crayfish lunch (a local delicacy), served with breathtaking mountain and ocean views. This premium experience blends aerial adventure, marine education, and fine local cuisine into one unforgettable New Zealand eco-tour.Perfect for nature lovers, foodies, and photographers, this is Kaikōura’s most exclusive and immersive helicopter experience.
    Read more

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

    Frequently Asked Questions

    (7)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Kaikōura Whale Watching – Whales and Cray Tails?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-61327P6

    Reviews

    5.00
    1 reviews

    Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 1 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    1
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    0
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0

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    Frequently Asked Questions (7)

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

    Filter by:

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Kaikōura Whale Watching – Whales and Cray Tails?
    A:
    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What's included in the price?
    A:
    The following is included:
    • Lunch. Crayfish lunch included.
    • Life jackets and head sets.
    • Bottled Water on request.
    • Marine Biologist - Dr Krista Van Der Linde.
    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
    A:

    This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

    Apr 2025
    Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
    A:

    The minimum age to participate is 13..

    Apr 2025
    Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
    A:

    If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

    If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

    Apr 2025
    Q: Is this an accessible tour?
    A:

    Accessibility information for the Kaikōura Whale Watching - Whales and Cray Tails is as follows:

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    Apr 2025
    Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
    A:

    Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Kaikōura Whale Watching - Whales and Cray Tails will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

     

     

    Mar 2024

    What's Included

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • LunchCrayfish lunch included
    • Life jackets and head sets
    • Bottled Water on request
    • Marine Biologist - Dr Krista Van Der Linde

    Additional Info

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

    Report Product Issue

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    Language

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    Lowest Price Guarantee

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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    • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on City Boat Tours and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
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    • City Boat Tours reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
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    Free Cancellation

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

    100% refund
    No refund

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
    • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
    • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
    • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZST).
    • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
    • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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