Whale Watching Kaikōura

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. ​
An extended option of our Classic Whale Watch, this flight gives you more time above Kaikōura’s unique deep-sea canyon, searching for whales and other
migrating marine life!
The longer flight time allows us to search further offshore in the deeper waters, not only for the Sperm Whales but also for any migrating baleen whales such as the Humpback, Blue and Fin Whales, as they travel between their feeding grounds in Antarctica and the warm waters of the South Pacific.
On the way back to the beachfront heli pads keep an eye out for pods of our resident playful Dusky Dolphins, the NZ Fur Seals basking along the rocks and the small Hector Dolphins swimming along the coastline.
Approx. 40 minutes flight
Aircraft used is at the discretion of Kaikōura Helicopters
Minimum per person fares are required for flights to depart or why not 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.


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. Kaikōura Helicopters actively support Project Jonah with funding and welcome our guests to have the option to donate when paying for their helicopter trip. Thank you. https://www.projectjonah.org.nz/
Prices increase yearly on the 1st September until the 31st August

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

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 to fly over the Kaikōura Peninsula into the Hikurangi Marine Reserve. The search begins for sighting 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. 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.
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.
The aircraft used is at the discretion of Kaikōura Helicopters.
Weather dependent
Minimum per person fares is required for flights to depart, or why not choose to private charter the helicopter for guaranteed departure.
Infants aged 0 to 2 years old fly free of charge and must be seated on a paying adult's lap.
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 supports Project Jonah with funding and welcomes our guests to have the option to donate as well when paying for their helicopter trip. Thank you. https://www.projectjonah.org.nz/
Prices increase yearly on the 1st September until the 31st August

Kaikōura Helicopters is a division of GCH Aviation - A New Zealand family-owned and operated premier aviation operator serving all aspects of luxury tourism transfers, private jet charters, air ambulance, and helicopter rescue services.