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

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

Kaikoura Helicopters Top ’n’ Tail Whale Watching. From whale tail to mountain top this tour showcases the very best of Kaikōura in one unforgettable flight. Lift off from our beachfront helipad into the Hikurangi Marine Reserve. The search begins for the incredible marine life that makes Kaikōura world-famous. Spot a Sperm Whale as he surfaces between deep dives. Keep watch for Humpbacks, Blue Whales, Orca, and Dusky Dolphins. Every flight is unique; you never know what you might see! After your time above the ocean, soar high into the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges for a spectacular alpine landing (winter snow landing). Enjoy panoramic views of mountains, the Kaikōura Peninsula and endless coastline. The North Island visible on a clear day. Your return journey takes you around Mt Fyffe. Keep an eye out for wild deer before following the Hapuku River down to the coast to our helipad. An incredible combination of whale watching and alpine adventure.

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
- Review from 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!!
Highly recommended!
carolab539,
Jan 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked the helicopter flight to finish off our New Zealand trip and were thrilled. As the mountain landing was not possible due to persistent clouds, we spent more time over the sea and saw various dolphins and whales. The team was very nice and the communication was consistently positive.
Very enjoyable flight
Bradley D,
Nov 24, 2023
- Review from 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
- Review from 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
- Review from 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!
Sunny Afternoon with Sperm Whale, Dolphins and Seals
Wanderer27536994447,
May 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing sunny afternoon flight with Aaron. Thanks to Aaron’s flexibility we started an afternoon earlier to use the incredible weather. Spotted a Sperm Whale, a huge group of dolphins and seals sleeping on the coastal rocks. Great experience, thank you so much for this excellent whale experience :)
Highly recommend
timgina1,
Oct 13, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We thoroughly enjoyed a top n tail tour. We saw a sperm whale and some lovely scenery in the mountains including a lot of deer. We did this ride with a 3 year old, who loved every minute of it. Our pilot Aaron was super friendly and gave commentary along the way so we new what we were looking for/at. I highly recommend doing this helicopter ride in Kaikoura, seeing the massive sperm whale then the stunning mountain scenery is a must.