Kaikoura Classic Whale-Watching Helicopter Tour

Elevate your whale-watching experience—literally—with an exhilarating helicopter tour that offers unparalleled views of magnificent sperm whales against the backdrop of Kaikoura's stunning coastline and mountains.

Getting started

Arrive at the helipad 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. After checking in, you'll receive a safety briefing and be fitted with noise-canceling headsets for clear communication during the flight. Your pilot will introduce themselves and escort you to the helicopter, ensuring you're comfortably seated with optimal viewing positions.

What to expect

Kaikoura's unique underwater canyon creates a perfect habitat for sperm whales year-round, allowing for incredible aerial viewing opportunities just minutes from shore.

Take off over the stunning Kaikoura Peninsula, quickly gaining altitude for spectacular panoramic views. Your pilot will navigate directly to known whale locations, using their expertise and communication with spotters to find these magnificent creatures. Experience the thrill of hovering above a whale, observing its full size and movements from a perspective impossible from boats.

Witness behaviors are rarely seen from other vantage points, such as the whale's complete outline, blow patterns, and diving sequences. Capture extraordinary photographs with the whale's full body visible in crystal-clear waters, with the dramatic backdrop of mountains and coastline. Enjoy informative commentary from your pilot throughout the flight, explaining whale behavior, the unique Kaikoura ecosystem, and conservation efforts.

For Extended and Top 'n' Tail tours, experience additional whale spotting time or the breathtaking bonus of a mountain landing with 360° panoramic views.

Wrapping up

Upon landing, you'll have the opportunity to view and purchase professional photos taken during your flight, providing lasting memories of this extraordinary experience. Your pilot will be available to answer any questions about the whales and the unique Kaikoura marine environment.

Upgrades

Choose from three exceptional tour options:

• Classic (30 minutes): Focused whale-watching experience perfect for first-time helicopter adventurers
• Extended (40 minutes): Additional time for spotting diverse marine life including baleen whales and dolphins
• Top 'n' Tail (60 minutes): Ultimate experience combining whale watching with a spectacular mountain landing

Kaikoura Classic Whale-Watching Helicopter Tour

The Kaikoura Classic Whale-Watching Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe sperm whales in their natural habitat from a unique aerial perspective, providing breathtaking views of these ocean giants against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This 45-minute guided tour is available in English and includes a comprehensive briefing on whale behavior, the Kaikoura ecosystem, and conservation efforts. During your flight, you will cover an area stretching from the coastal cliffs to the deep waters off the coast of Kaikoura, with the chance to spot other marine life such as dolphins and seabirds. The tour is suitable for all ages and provides a rare glimpse into the world of these majestic creatures. With a focus on sustainability and education, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that combines adventure with environmental awareness.

Witness Sperm Whales in Their Natural Habitat

Your tour stops at Kaikoura's deep waters where sperm whales are often spotted, providing you with the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures from above. The area is known for its rich marine life and attracts visitors from around the world due to its unique ecosystem. Established as a prime whale-watching location in 1985, this tour offers a closer look at the whales than any other ground-based activity can provide. During your flight, you will cover approximately 20 square miles of ocean, with an average sighting rate of over 90%, ensuring that every participant has a chance to see these giants up close. The tour includes detailed commentary from experienced pilots who share insights about whale behavior and the importance of conservation efforts in this region.

Hover Over Snow-Capped Mountains

At Kaikoura's coastal cliffs, guests can marvel at the stunning scenery that sets the stage for an incredible whale-watching experience. The cliffs rise to a height of over 150 meters above sea level and offer panoramic views of both land and sea. With a history dating back thousands of years, these cliffs have been a significant part of Maori culture and are believed to hold spiritual significance. During your flight, you will spend approximately 10 minutes hovering over the cliffs, capturing breathtaking images that showcase the unique blend of mountains and ocean. This perspective is impossible from ground level, making it a highlight for photography enthusiasts.

Tour Highlights

• Hover directly above sperm whales in their natural habitat.
• Choose from three tours tailored to your preferences: 30-minute Classic tour, 40-minute Extended tour, or 60-minute Top 'n' Tail tour with a mountain landing.
• Benefit from your pilot's knowledge as they navigate to prime whale locations.
• Capture incredible photographs of whales against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains meeting the Pacific Ocean.
• Learn about conservation efforts and the unique Kaikoura ecosystem.
• Enjoy panoramic views from above coastal cliffs and deep waters off the coast of Kaikoura.
• Experience a comprehensive briefing in English on whale behavior, marine life, and environmental protection.
• Receive detailed commentary throughout the flight with insights into local conservation efforts.

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and adventure seekers, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe sperm whales and other marine life from above. The guided experience allows you to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat while learning about the unique ecosystem of Kaikoura. With options ranging from 30-minute to 60-minute tours, you can tailor your experience to fit your interests and schedule.