Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch: Scenic Flight and Marine Wildlife Tour
5.0
6 Ratings
Kaikōura
Experience the ultimate whale watching adventure with Kaikoura Helicopters. Take a scenic flight along the stunning Kaikoura Coast and get up close to Sperm Whales from head to tail. Explore the Seaward Kaikoura ranges and enjoy an Alpine landing with breathtaking views.
Duration:
1 hour
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- 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.
What's Included
- Headset with microphone for clear commentary and questions
- Scenic helicopter excursion to view sperm whales and wildlife
- Alpine landing on the Kaikoura Seaward Ranges
- View Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon and search for Giant Sperm Whales from above
- Explore the rugged Kaikoura Coastline
- Uninterrupted views of marine mammals from a luxury helicopter
- Live commentary from knowledgeable pilots
Additional Information
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.
- 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
Location
16 West End
West End
Across the road from Coopers Catch fish and chip restaurant. Under the railway bridge.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Bradley_d
Nov 24, 2023
Very enjoyable flight - 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.
Review provided by Viator
James_l
Aug 7, 2023
Captures What Is Great About New Zealand - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Markus_e
Aug 5, 2023
Remarkable experience for our family - … 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!
Review provided by Viator
Wanderer27536994447
May 24, 2023
Sunny Afternoon with Sperm Whale, Dolphins and Seals - 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 :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Timgina1
Oct 13, 2022
Highly recommend - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
More activities from this operator
