South Pacific Helicopters
South Pacific Helicopters
5
Helicopter ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife ToursAir Tours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
South Pacific Helicopters is New Zealand's premier whale watching excursion and the only locally owned and operated helicopter company in Kaikoura. Offering unparalleled whale watching experiences. Soar above it all, explore nature with us, and have an unforgettable one-of-a-kind unique adventure in New Zealand. South Pacific Whale Watch offer a quality experience orbiting the resident sperm whales and the playful dusky dolphins and curious New Zealand fur seals. Not only can we show you the whales, but within minutes we can also have you landing high in the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges that tower straight out of the Pacific Ocean, for amazing views of the local area. South Pacific Helicopters, also provides services such as charter and scenic flights, mountain biking, rafting, hunting, photography, engagement, skiing and snowboarding in season, wedding, special occasions, plus commercial work specialising in precision lifting. And - 100% No Sea Sickness!
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Meets animal welfare guidelines

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Tours and Tickets by South Pacific Helicopters
Travellers talk about
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(4 reviews)
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(3 reviews)
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(7 reviews)

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles179 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
1
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0

Simonthomas171
15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was possibly the best experience of our whole holiday in NZ. What a special family firm this is. From the moment we entered the office, having just had our boat trip cancelled, Monique was so helpful and friendly. Her husband, Dan, took the trouble to greet each of us individually, by name. The trip itself was totally awesome (we saw two blue whales and then we only landed on top of a mountain!). Put aside the superlatives, I genuinely cannot recommend this firm and this trip highly enough. A massive thank you to Dan and Monique for providing such a brilliant memory.
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kelly T
Napier, New Zealand2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 ā€¢ Couples
OMG what can I say about this trip! From the moment of stepping into their Kaikoura office and meeting Monique, I cannot fault them. We were beaked last minute after disappointments at both Franz Josef and on the whale watching boat trip from Kaikoura due to bad weather. With the minimum of fuss Monique had us booked and ready to go on a fabulous trip, Dan was brilliant, welcoming, friendly and informative, making sure we got to see the rare blue whales and taking us on an unforgettable helicopter trip. Thank you all for making our holiday!
Written 6 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ruthieb02
Ely, UK15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
What a fantastic experience. Our boat trip was cancelled 2 days running due to high winds and rough seas so we looked for an alternate experience. From booking at the shop in the town to the flight itself, it was excellent. The pilot, Daniel was superb - friendly and informative. He made sure that all of us were given equal opportunities to witness the fin whales and blue whales. Having done whale boat trips previously, this is a completely different experience. Seeing the blue whale from a helicopter gives you a true idea of the scale and beauty of these magnificent creatures. After seeing the whales, we were treated to a huge pod of dusky dolphins. Leaving the sea behind, we flew through the mountains, landing on Mount Fyffe. Here you are afforded great views of the bays below. It was interesting to learn how the landscape was changed following earthquakes and watch red deer run through the mountains. A definite recommendation if you want an experience in Kaikoura.
Written 5 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rachel C
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Once (or twice) in a lifetime experience to see whales from above. Fantastic facility outside of town with super experienced pilot / guide who was great at supporting one of our group with a touch of anxiety. Whole experience was spot on. Donā€™t hesitate.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robin M
Playa del Carmen, Mexico5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 ā€¢ Family
Our whale watch tour was cancelled the day before due to rough sea conditions and seeing a Sperm whale was on our bucket list. We found South Pacific Helicopter 1 hr whale watching tour and said what the heck we are here and we definitely want to see these giant whales. I am prone to ait sickness but did fine on this tour and we were rewarded with seeing a Sperm whale on the surface for longer than usual. Daniel our pilot was informative and an excellent pilot. After the whale we went into the Kaikoura mountain range for some beautiful scenery rarely seen. The entire trip was spectacular and well worth the cost. Having previously seen whales from boats, the aerial views give you an entirely different perspective. I highly recommend it!
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We really appreciate you taking the time to leave a lovely review. So pleased to hear that you not only just seen a whale but were treated to a scenic landing as well! Thanks again for choosing South Pacific Helicopters and we look forward to hopefully flying you again in the future.
Written 25 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Morten T
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Awesome experience - Very easy guidance, smooth ride and fabulous views Happy to recommend this to everyone itā€™s a MUST do šŸ™
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a great review. We are so pleased to hear you really enjoyed your flight with South Pacific Helicopters and we look forward to having you back onboard in the future.
Written 25 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Stuart P
Hamilton, New Zealand69 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 ā€¢ Couples
If you can afford it, do it! Super professional and willing to delay the flight to boost the chances of a sighting. Plan for delays if you want to help them with this, it's worth it. Absolutely loved it, highly recommended.
Written 17 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your awesome review Shane! We greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with others and are so pleased to hear you got to experience the marine life of Kaikoura. Thanks for choosing South Pacific Helicopters and we hope to fly you again one day in the future.
Written 20 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rob_Ribovic
Vienna, Austria9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 ā€¢ Couples
It was the perfect experience from A to Z. Team friendly and swift, intro nice and funny and the flight itself stunning. Thanks to our pilot/owner Daniel - very well done ā€¦!!!
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a lovely review. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your Valentine's Day Flight! Wishing you safe onward travels and we look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Written 18 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Cruiser51406861353
5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 ā€¢ Couples
Brilliant experience from start to finish. The girl in the office when we booked was so friendly & helpful & Daniel, the pilot, gave a personalised service. He genuinely wanted the trip to be a success & was disappointed he couldn't find sperm whales; that's nature for you! Would strongly recommend making a booking if in Kaikoura
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review for South Pacific Helicopters and are sorry to hear you didn't see any whales on your flight. As these are wild animals that are not tracked, unfortunately sightings are not always guaranteed. We are pleased to hear you enjoyed your flight anyway. Thanks again for flying with us.
Written 20 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rebecca U
Mount Pleasant, SC10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 ā€¢ Couples
Amazing experience! Wonderful views and opportunity see whales, dolphins, wildlife. Pilot (Daniel) was great. Very committed to ensuring everyone enjoyed the flight and saw what we came for. Would highly recommend if anywhere near Kaikoura!
Written 8 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, we are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your experience and look forward to having you back on board with South Pacific helicopters in the future.
Written 18 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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SOUTH PACIFIC HELICOPTERS (Kaikoura) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go