Kaikoura Helicopters vs Wings Over Whales
Two whale watching operators in Kaikoura, New Zealand. Kaikoura Helicopters starts at NZ$220 and Wings Over Whales at NZ$265. Here is how their options line up on length, group size, age rules and cancellation.
Kaikoura Helicopters
- Hovers and flies slow orbits so the whole whale can be seen
- Flights run on demand daily from 8am
- Also sells Extended Whalewatch (about 10 more minutes), Coastal Whalewatch (with a 1500 ft landing) and Top 'n' Tail flights
Classic Whalewatch
- From
- NZ$220 per person
- Length
- 30 mins
- Group
- 2 to 4 passengers
- Min age
- All ages; children 3 and under fly free on an adult's lap, 4+ pay a full seat
- Cancellation
- No charge if weather stops the flight (rescheduled); contact in advance to change or cancel without penalty.
Wings Over Whales
- Two GA8 Airvans with large dome windows
- Tourism New Zealand listing cites a 95% success rate
- Extended Whale Flight and Mountain Scenic Tour listed from NZD 415
Whale Watching Flight
- From
- NZ$265 per adult
- Length
- 30-minute flight; allow 60 minutes including check-in
- Min age
- Suitable for all ages; ages 0 to 2 fly free on an adult's lap
- Cancellation
- Cancel by 4pm the day before or pay in full; operator cancellations for weather are fully refunded or rescheduled free.
Private Whale Flight
- From
- NZ$1,900 per group
- Length
- Allow 30 minutes
Both checked against the operators' own pages on 2026-10-21. See every operator in Kaikoura, New Zealand.