Fly Kaikoura helicopters whale watching and scenic flights.

Kaikoura Helicopters

Whale Watching and Scenic Helicopter Adventures

Kaikoura Helicopters, the company with the best experience in airborne whale-watching, will allow you to observe the complete Whale from “head to tail.”

As soon as we lift off from our centrally located helipads, you’ll fly over the stunning views of the Kaikoura Peninsula. Within minutes, you will soar above the Kaikoura Canyon in search of the magnificent Sperm Whale. As our helicopter glides in leisurely orbits over the Whale, you can observe the entire Whale from the comfort of your seat.

If you fly with us, you’ll be in the most excellent position to enjoy Kaikoura’s many natural wonders. Besides whale viewing, we also offer alpine landings and scenic flights.

Kaikoura Helicopters Flight Options:

Classic Whale Watching Flight.

Price: From $330 per person -child $265 pp
Departs: 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Flight Time: 30 minutes

Our whale watch tours start with a short brief to gain knowledge of the ‘Sperm Whale’ before departing from our beachfront helipads. As we lift off, you will experience panoramic views of the Kaikoura township and its rugged coastline with the magnificent Kaikoura Ranges as a backdrop.

Within minutes you will be flying above Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon, which provides a unique and spectacular marine environment that hosts an abundance of wildlife, including one of the world’s largest marine mammals – the magnificent Sperm Whale.

As they break the surface, the view is incredible, and photo opportunities are plentiful as we fly slow orbits above. From the comfort of our helicopter, enjoy the ultimate whale-watching experience.

Enjoy spectacular, panoramic views of the Kaikoura Peninsula.
See the seal colonies along the rocks at the end of the Kaikoura Peninsula.
If the whales are close to shore, the possibility of spotting dolphins.
The possibility of seeing baleen whales migrating through, and humpback whales on their way back and forth from their feeding grounds down near Antarctica, to their birthing and breeding grounds in Tonga/Niue in May/Nov

Extended Whale Watching Flight.

Price: From $455 per person – Child $365
Departs: 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Flight Time: 40 minutes

This helicopter flight departs from our beachfront helipads and whisks you to the spectacular environment that hosts one of the world’s largest marine mammals, the magnificent Sperm Whale.

This helicopter flight allows you extra time in the whale area to view these majestic creatures of the deep, a better option for when the whales are feeding further offshore or are holding their breath for longer than expected.

The longer flight time also gives you the possibility of viewing dolphins. You’ll also have a better chance to view any transient baleen whales, which typically have short surface intervals (1-4 breaths) followed by long periods underwater (often 2-5 minutes). The longer flight time gives us time to wait for them.

A better option for when whales are feeding further offshore or are holding their breath for longer than expected
More chance to view any transient baleen whales – these whales typically spend short surface intervals (one to 4 breaths) followed by long periods underwater (often 2-5 minutes), and the longer flight time gives us a long wait for them.
Depending on the location of the Sperm whales, it gives us more time to search for dolphins or fly along the Kaikoura southern coastline on our way back to land.

Kaikoura Alpine Landing

Price: From $225 per person
Departs: 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Flight Time: approx 20 minutes.

For those who may be short on time, you can experience the natural beauty of Kaikoura in style on this helicopter tour.

Take our Kaikoura Explorer Heli-Tour and enjoy spectacular views of the Kaikoura peninsula, the coastline, the township, and the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. Discover the wildlife and rugged landscapes of this unique location.

Lift off from our centrally located helipads and track west of the township, then south past the airfield. We head north along the coastline, keeping an eye out for dolphins playing in the water.

Fly past the South Bay Marina, then around the peninsula, spotting the seals bathing along the rocks. At the Northern tip of the peninsula, we climb high for the perfect photo opportunities of the Kaikoura peninsula and coastline before returning to the helipad.

The Grand Alpine Helicopter Flight

Price: From $720 per person – Child $576 pp
Departs: 1:00 pm
Flight Time: 70 minutes.

The Grand Alpine Heli-tour climbs high among the seaward Kaikoura ranges, flying past peaks that rise above 8000ft, with snow visible in winter.

Look west over the Clarence Valley to the inland Kaikoura ranges, home to Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku – the highest mountain outside the Southern Alps. Look east over the Kaikoura plains and peninsula out to the Pacific Ocean. Fly over Puhi Peaks Station – home of only two Hutton’s Shearwater colonies remaining.

Keep an eye out for chamois and deer, which run through the property.
Land at a select alpine site of your pilot’s choosing – all sites offer amazing views. See landslides, rock falls and faultlines caused by the November 2016 earthquake.
This flight includes alpine landings.

Scenic Flight & Picnic at Altitude

Price: From $390 per person – Child $312
Departs: 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Flight Time: 75 minutes.

Fly with Kaikoura Helicopters and enjoy a delicious picnic at altitude amongst the stunning Kaikoura Seaward Ranges with spectacular 360-degree views of this unique and rugged coastline.

The pilot will choose the best location on the day, where the best weather conditions and the finest views. Perfect for a romantic getaway, family adventure or group of friends, a unique experience to remember forever.

After a scenic flight around the lower levels of the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges, land at a secluded landing site, offering views of the Kaikoura township and Peninsula, east down to Hapuku river and north to Puhi Puhi Valley. Enjoy a delicious picnic at altitude and relax in the peaceful nature high above the township.

After your picnic, fly back to Kaikoura’s helipad, keeping an eye along the coast for the native Hector Dolphins and large schools of fish.

- After a scenic flight around the lower levels of the seaward Kaikoura ranges, land at a secluded landing site
- Our picnic offers views of the Kaikoura township and Peninsula, east down to Hapuku river and north to Puhi Puhi Valley.
- Enjoy a delicious picnic at the altitude.
- Relax in the peaceful nature
- After your picnic, fly back to the helipads, keeping an eye along the coast for the native Hector Dolphins and or large schools of fish.
- Please advise on booking any dietary requirements.
- Wear sturdy shoes and a warm jacket.
- Approx 30. Minutes flight with a 45-minute landing.

Scenic Heli Flight Top N Tail

Price: From $610 per person – Child $488 pp
Departs: 1:00 pm
Flight Time: 60 minutes.

The name says it all. Take off from our centrally located helipads and view the mighty Sperm whales within minutes. Then climb high above Kaikoura to land among the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Ranges, taking in some of the most breathtaking views that New Zealand has to offer.

Enjoy views of the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges, the Kaikoura flats and the peninsula stretching out like a whale’s Fluke. See the different water colours along the coastline where fresh, silty water comes out of the rivers and mixes in with the salty seawater.

Weather permitting, fly to the head of the Kowhai River to see landslides and large cracks along the hillsides from the November 2016 earthquake. Fly over one of only two remaining Hutton’s Shearwater colonies.

- Seasonal snow landing
- Views to the west of the Seaward Kaikoura Range, to the east of Kaikoura flats and the peninsula stretching out like a Whales Fluke
- See the different water colours along the coastline where the fresh, silty water comes out of the rivers and mixes in with the salty seawater.
- Weather permitting, fly to the head of the Kowhai River, where we can see landslides and large cracks along the hillsides from the November 2016 earthquake.
- Fly over one of only two remaining Hutton’s Shearwater colonies

Scenic Flight Mt. Fyffe Summit

Price: From $365 per person – Child $292 pp
Departs: All day available also 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Flight Time: approx 45 minutes.

Our Mountain Heli-Tour starts on the coast, flying over the Kaikoura Seaward Ranges & landing on Mount Fyffe (1602m/ 5200ft), where you’ll enjoy 360 degrees of mind-blowing, panoramic views overlooking the spectacular Kaikoura region. Includes snow during winter!

See landslips and huge cracks – evidence of the November 2016 Earthquake.
Weather permitting, fly over a Hutton Shearwater colony.
See the lower North Island and the Banks Peninsula on the horizon on a clear day.
Enjoy the views of a 4-hour mountain climb without effort.
- Please bring sturdy, enclosed shoes and a warm jacket for your alpine landing. Approx 45 minutes, including alpine landing