Whale watching in Kaikoura with Kaikoura Helicopter tours

Kaikoura Helicopters

Whale Watching and Scenic Heli Adventures

Come and see the entire whale from ‘head to tail’ with Kaikoura Helicopters – the most experienced aerial whale watching company in the world.

As we lift off from our centrally located helicopter pads you will immediately experience spectacular views of the Kaikoura Peninsula. Within minutes you will be flying above the Kaikoura Canyon in search of the magnificent Sperm Whale. From the comfort of our helicopter, you can view the entire Whale, as we fly slow orbits above them.

Fly with us and put yourself in the ultimate vantage point for exploring Kaikoura and its many natural wonders. As well as whale-watching, we also offer alpine and scenic flights.

Kaikoura Helicopters Scenic Flight Options:

Kaikoura Helicopters – Whale Watching Flights.

Price: From $350 per person
Departs: 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Flight Time: 30 minutes

We offer a number of whale-watching flight options, including flights with coastal and alpine landings.

Our whale watch tours start with a short brief to gain knowledge of the ‘Sperm Whale’ before departing from our beachfront heli-pads. As we lift off you will be treated to 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 plays host to an abundance of wildlife, including one of the worlds 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 Kaikoura Peninsula
See the seal colonies along the rocks at the end of 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

Kaikoura Helicopters – Extended Whale Watching Flight.

Price: From $480 per person
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 plays host to one of the world’s largest marine mammals, the magnificent Sperm Whale.

This heli-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 off shore 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 under water (often 2-5 minutes). The longer flight time gives us longer wait for them.

A better option for when the whales are feeding further off shore 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 under water (often 2-5 minutes), the longer flight time gives us longer wait for them.
Depending on the location of the Sperm whales, gives us more time to search for dolphin and /or fly along the Kaikoura southern coastline on our way back to land.

Kaikoura Helicopters – Coastal Whale Watching Flight.

Price: From $555 per person
Departs: 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Flight Time: 50 minutes

?This flight combines the best of both worlds. Only by helicopter can you aerial whale watch one minute then be landing on a hilltop high above Kaikoura’s unique and rugged coastline in the next.
Lift off over the township and experience the natural beauty of Kaikoura in style. Be treated to spectacular views of the peninsula, coastline, lush green farmlands, mountain rivers and the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Ranges.

Within minutes you’ll be flying above Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon, searching for a Giant Sperm Whale. A helicopter offers a remarkable view of the entire whale from head to tail, as we fly slow orbits uninterruptedly above. Then we’ll head towards the coastline in search of a pod of Dusky Dolphins.

We’ll land above Goose Bay at our exclusive landing site overlooking Hikurangi Marine Reserve and Kaikoura Canyon. From here you will see north along the coast to the Kaikoura Peninsula, south to the Haumuri Bluff, and west to the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges.

Approx 50 minutes, (including hilltop landing, flight approx 40 mins).

Land above Goose Bay at our exclusive landing site over looking Hikurangi Marine Reserve and Kaikoura Canyon
From the landing site you will see north along the coast to the peninsula, South to the Haumuri Bluff, West past the rolling green hills to Seaward Kaikouras
When the whales are close to shore, it is possible to spot their spouts as they breathe and the splashing from dolphins jumping.

Kaikoura Helicopters – Kaikoura Explorer Heli Tour

Price: From $250 per person
Departs: 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Flight Time: approx 20 minutes

For those who may be pushed for 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 peninsula, the coastline, 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 peninsula and coastline before returning to the heli-pad.

Kaikoura Helicopters – Scenic Heli Flight & Picnic at Altitude

Price: From $485 per person
Departs: 10:00 am & 1:00 pm
Flight Time: 75 minutes

Perfect for a romantic getaway, family adventure or group of friends, a unique experience to remember forever. 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 weather conditions are best and the views are finest.

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 or large schools of fish.

Approx 30 minute flight with a 45 minute landing.

- 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 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.

Kaikoura Helicopters – Scenic Heli Flight Top N Tail

Price: From $630 per person
Departs: 1:00 pm
Flight Time: 60 minutes

The name says it all. Take off from our centrally located helipads and within minutes be viewing the mighty Sperm whales. 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 colours of water along the coastline where fresh, silty water comes out of the rivers and mixes in 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 Kaikoura flats and the peninsula stretching out like a Whales Fluke
- See the different colours of water along the coastline where the fresh, silty water comes out of the rivers and mixes in the salty seawater
- Weather permitting fly to the head of the Kowhai River where we can see land slides and large cracks along the hill sides from the November 2016 earthquake.
- Fly over one of only two remaining Hutton’s Shearwater colonies

Kaikoura Helicopters – Scenic Flight Mt. Fyffe Summit

Price: From $405 per person
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 the effort

Please bring sturdy, enclosed shoes and a warm jacket for your alpine landing. Approx 45 minutes including alpine landing.

Kaikoura Helicopters – The Grand Alpine

Price: From $785 per person
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.

Approx 70 minutes including alpine landings.