Kaikōura Helicopters Top‘n’Tail Whale Watching

If you cannot see the departure time you would prefer, please email info@kaikourahelicopters.com or call us on +64 3 319 6609 for more availability.

From whale tail to mountain top, this flight has it all covered and is one of our favorites!

Our tour will begin with lifting off from our beachfront helipad and flying out over the Kaikōura Peninsula into the Hikurangi Marine Reserve to search for the incredible wildlife found in Kaikōura’s waters. 

View the mighty Sperm Whale as he rests on the surface of the ocean, catching his breath in between deep dives foraging for food. 

Kaikōura is also a migratory route for a variety of different whale and dolphin species such as the Humpback Whale, Blue Whale, Southern Right Whale and Orca, so we never know from flight to flight when we might spot something different!

After viewing magnificent marine life, you will fly high above Kaikōura and land amongst the towering Seaward Kaikōura range. 

From here you will take in some of the most breath-taking views that New Zealand has to offer. (Snow Landings in winter!)

With views to the west of the mountainous Seaward Kaikōura Range, east over the Kaikoura township to the iconic Kaikōura Peninsula, stretching out like a whale’s fluke and south down a coastline that stretches for miles. On a clear day you can even glimpse the North Island on the horizon!

Lift off and fly around the Western Face of Mt Fyffe where your pilot will point out landslides and large cracks along the hill sides created by the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. 

Keep an eye out for wild deer as we fly around the remote mountain range before descending back down the Hapuku River to land back at our beachfront heli pads. 

Approx 60 minute flight. 

Aircraft used is at the discretion of Kaikōura Helicopters

Minimum per person fares are required for flights to depart or why not private choose to private charter the helicopter to yourselves

Infants aged 0 to 2 years old  fly free of charge and are seated on a paying adults lap.

Prices increase yearly on the 1st September until the 31st August

Kaikōura Helicopters supports Project Jonah, a registered charity existing for one simple reason – to help marine mammals in desperate need. Their vision is to create a world where these animals are respected and protected. Project Jonah has pioneered whale rescue techniques, and has shared this technology and expertise with the rest of the world. Kaikoura Helicopters actively support Project Jonah with funding and welcome our guests to have the option to donate as well when paying for their helicopter trip. Thank you. https://www.projectjonah.org.nz/

Te reo Māori words 

Waka Topatopa - Helicopter

Tohorā - Whale

Rere - To Fly

Moana - Sea

Whenua - Land

Hīra - Seal

Ahoaho - Hectors Dolphin

Tiro - View

Raenga Kūiti - Peninsula

Aotearoa - New Zealand

Maunga - Mountain