Sperm Whales 101
A deep dive into the life of the mighty sperm whale—seen best from the skies above Kaikōura.
The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is one of the ocean’s most remarkable creatures—and lucky for us, it’s a year-round resident of Kaikōura. These whales are the largest toothed predators on Earth, with males reaching up to 18 metres long and weighing as much as 57,000 kilograms.
One of their most impressive traits? Their ability to dive—and stay there. Sperm whales can plunge to depths of over 3,000 metres in search of their favourite meal: giant and colossal squid. They can hold their breath for up to 90 minutes, using echolocation clicks to navigate the pitch-black deep.
Their massive heads house the largest brain of any animal on Earth and are filled with a substance called spermaceti, which helps regulate buoyancy and may play a role in sound production. Scientists still don’t fully understand how all of it works—another mystery that makes these animals so fascinating.
Despite their size and power, sperm whales were once heavily targeted during the whaling era. Today, they are protected, and Kaikōura offers one of the few places in the world where they can reliably be seen close to shore—thanks to the nearby Hikurangi Trench, which drops off steeply just a few kilometres from the coast.
At Wings Over Whales, we’re lucky to witness these giants from a unique perspective. Our scenic flights offer an incredible view of sperm whales at the surface—giving you a chance to watch them rest, breathe, and dive, all while appreciating the scale and beauty of their ocean home.