Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour

Mobile ticket

Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from head to tail, offering you a unique and uninterrupted vantage point of these magnificent marine mammals. Enjoy the true Kaikoura 'where the mountains meet the sea' experience by further exploring the Seaward Kaikoura ranges and a Alpine landing with magnificent views.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A headset is provided with a microphone for communicating with your pilot

Please call 24 hours in advance to reconfirm your booking +64 3 319 6609

We recommend wearing covered shoes and bringing a warm jacket

We recommend bringing your camera and sunglasses

All passengers will be weighed before departure

Your pilot in command will load helicopter based on weight and balance

All flights are subject to weather conditions and minimum numbers. Please see our website for full terms and conditions

If the weather does not allow you to fly, we will be happy to rebook you for a later time if your travel schedule allows. Alternatively your voucher can be used at one of our other helicopter bases in Wellington or Christchurch

Please bring any medication that you may need on the flight

You are welcome to bring a facemask to wear

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Headset with microphone to clearly hear your commentary and ask questions on your journey

Scenic helicopter excursion to view sperm whales and wildlife

Alpine landing on the extraordinary Kaikoura Seaward Ranges.

View from above Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon while searching for a Giant Sperm Whale

Explore the unique and rugged Kaikoura Coastline

Unique and uninterrupted views of magnificent marine mammals from above in your luxury helicopter

Live commentary from our pilots who are flying encyclopedias on the local area.

What To Expect

Kaikoura

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.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Incredible experience
Jordan M,
Dec 21, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Our experience was 11/10. Our pilot was so knowledgeable of the local marine life and we saw so many whales/dolphins. I think we had a rare day as we saw sperm whale, orcas, blue whales, dusky dolphins and hectors dolphins in one go! Our pilot made sure we got to see as much as we could by giving us the option to either do the landing in the mountains or staying out over the sea (which we opted for). We felt so safe our entire flight and the scenery was so beautiful even if you don’t get to see any wildlife. Highly recommend booking with this crew, they’re the best!!
Very enjoyable flight
Bradley D,
Nov 24, 2023
- Viator
5.00
It’s absolutely worth going to Kaikoura to do this whale watching flight. Our guide was great and made the trip very enjoyable. He was very knowledgeable about the whales and the surrounding areas. We did see a couple pods of dolphins which was cool, but we got a little unlucky with the whale because it stayed under longer than usual. We chose to go land on a mountain instead and it was so worth it. The pilot gave us the option so had we rather stayed out to watch for the whale he would have let us. We landed on an area where we were totally surrounded by mountains. It was one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been, and he didn’t make us feel rushed allowing us to take plenty of pictures and videos of the beautiful views. It was an awesome experience.
Captures What Is Great About New Zealand
James L,
Aug 7, 2023
- Viator
5.00
Seeing sperm whales up close and then hitting the summit of a snow-capped mountain within minutes captures what is excellent about visiting New Zealand. Our pilot was very polite and helpful and really made sure my seven year old daughter loved our trip.
Remarkable experience for our family
Markus E,
Aug 5, 2023
- Viator
5.00
… it has been a remarkable experience. Aron - our pilot - was an amazing guy! He explained us the whole whale biology. It was for all of us the first time flying on a helicopter and we felt perfectly save at all times!