Helicopter Tours
30 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travellers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$345
per adult
Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd
Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd
Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd
4.7
Helicopter ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife ToursAir Tours
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Kaikoura is world renowned for its whale watching – it also boasts some of the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer. Helping you experience this is Kaikoura Helicopters, the most experienced aerial whale watching company in the world. We can have you lifting off from our centrally located heli – pads and within minutes be in the spectacular environment that plays host to the magnificent Sperm Whale. From the comfort of our helicopter, experience this ultimate vantage point, viewing the entire whale from head to tail. Our exclusive alpine flights allow you to get up close and personal with some of the highest mountains in New Zealand. Land at altitude amongst the stunning Kaikoura Seaward Ranges and encounter 360 - degree views of this unique and rugged coastline. We also offer scenic flights, Seasonal snow landings, heli picnics, heli rafting, heli biking, charters, nationwide transfers, weddings, hunting, film and photography, gift vouchers, and more! Flying everyday!
Kaikoura, New Zealand
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Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd
Helicopter Tours
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$640
per adult
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40 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$385
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Eco Tours
40 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 90% of travellers
90% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$480
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.7
201 reviews
Excellent
170
Very good
19
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
4
JandD1607
1 contribution
Oct 2021
My Wife and I recently had the pleasure of a short stopover in Kaikoura. The wheather was great so made an inpromptu decision to take a helecoptor flight. The office is centrally located in the town centre. An extremely welcoming young lady welcomed us and were able to book and be flying within an hour, amaizing! The pilot was brilliant, friendly, welcoming and full of information about the area. We landed on Mt Fyffe to take in the stunning views of the area then headed off following the Hapuku River to the newly formed lake, amaizing in itself. Back to base via South Bay and round the peninsula. A great experience I would absolutely recommend should you have time to kill in Kaikoura.
Written 6 October 2021
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 are glad to hear you had such a great time in Kaikoura. Thankyou for your kind review and I hope to welcome you on board again in the future.
Written 22 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linda P
Nelson12 contributions
Jun 2022
we booked an hour's ride to see whales - thrilled to have seen a sperm whale reoxygenating then diving with great view of fluke (magnificent creature) and five humpbacks, including three swimming along together, one of them being a juvenile. We felt very privileged. Besides the whales we enjoyed watching a huge pod of dolphins having fun around a humpback, seals on rocks and in the water, and an Albatross flying over the water. Time went very quickly, we were glad to have chosen an hour long flight. Loved our experience.
Written 26 June 2022
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 are so glad to her you enjoyed your trip. Thanks for the review!
Written 1 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CactusRose
New Zealand433 contributions
May 2020
Our family scenic trip was a spur of the moment decision - and we are all so pleased we did it! We booked a brief scenic flight but were then told Mt Fyffe was looking pretty good and we could extend our trip and have a brief landing up top. Amazing views and such a great experience.
Our pilot Aaron was super friendly and we really appreciated his service and knowledge.
Can't recommend this trip highly enough.
Our pilot Aaron was super friendly and we really appreciated his service and knowledge.
Can't recommend this trip highly enough.
Written 1 June 2020
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.
Ruth S
12 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This guys are awesome. Unbelievably awesome. Really awesome. Safe, knowledgeable, and anything to help you get the right view. Took the door off...
After ringing around they started off head and shoulders above the competition, and ended up gold medal winners Best In Show. Fabulous. Safe, Brilliant value, and genuinely care about the whales. Don’t go anywhere else. 🤩🤩🤩 Thank you Aaron and Jordon and Fiona. Very, very much.
After ringing around they started off head and shoulders above the competition, and ended up gold medal winners Best In Show. Fabulous. Safe, Brilliant value, and genuinely care about the whales. Don’t go anywhere else. 🤩🤩🤩 Thank you Aaron and Jordon and Fiona. Very, very much.
Written 2 January 2020
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.
cmillerc999
Auckland Central, New Zealand1 contribution
Oct 2020
The flight was designed for our wishes to fly up the coast and inland to see the effects of the earthquake on the countryside. The pilot was very informative. The trip included spectacular scenery, and always felt safe and well organised. The highlight of our trip.
Written 14 October 2020
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.
grantphilipnz
Oxford, New Zealand1 contribution
Nov 2021
Couldn’t fault these guys.
Being a wheelchair user wasn’t an issue. They assisted with lifting me into and out of the helicopter.
Very knowledgeable about the area and the sea life.
Safety with them was paramount and explained very well prior to boarding the helicopter.
I would recommend Kaikoura Helicopters for an excellent experience.
Being a wheelchair user wasn’t an issue. They assisted with lifting me into and out of the helicopter.
Very knowledgeable about the area and the sea life.
Safety with them was paramount and explained very well prior to boarding the helicopter.
I would recommend Kaikoura Helicopters for an excellent experience.
Written 22 November 2021
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.
Thank you for your review and we will go above and beyond to help all see our amazing region. Please do share your images on our social pages, we would love to see your memories captured with #kaikourahelicopters
Written 13 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Esme Whiskin
8 contributions
Feb 2020
Evan shared many interesting facts about whales and was lovely and enthusiastic. Came and picked us up for free. Jack the pilot was lovely. Very fun going in a small plane. Saw one sperm whale quite close.
Written 14 February 2020
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.
Helena F
5 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Absolutely fantastic experience flying a helicopter! Aaron was friendly, clear and incredibly knowledgeable. We saw loads of dolphins, seals and even a blue whale! Perfect Birthday present and once in a lifetime activity.
Written 14 April 2023
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.
Alexander P
Vienna, Austria96 contributions
Jan 2012
We have been flying with this company January 2012. They tell you you have a 97% guarantee to see whales. Well we had two extended flights (40 min) and we didn't see any. Of course a 1 in a 30 thing can happen even twice although it is extremely bad luck but it is not okay that the actual flight times were not the full 40 mins but 32 and 33 mins. When I pointed it out after the flight I was just told it had been 40 mins.
Also there is a flaw in the companies business model. The Whale Watch Kaikoura via boat cruises 20 meters from your station gives people 80% of the money back if you don't see any whales on their trips. People go flying with you to see whales not to have a look on the sea. If it's really the 97% likely to see whales that you extensively state before the fligtht - sorry I doubt that greatly - price the trip 5 dollars higher and give the 3% a free trip or an extra trip.. And if you don't do that and someone walks in and pays two extended trips for a total of more than 1.500 NZD and gets out with nothing just don't claim you flew more time than you did. That's very lame.
Also there is a flaw in the companies business model. The Whale Watch Kaikoura via boat cruises 20 meters from your station gives people 80% of the money back if you don't see any whales on their trips. People go flying with you to see whales not to have a look on the sea. If it's really the 97% likely to see whales that you extensively state before the fligtht - sorry I doubt that greatly - price the trip 5 dollars higher and give the 3% a free trip or an extra trip.. And if you don't do that and someone walks in and pays two extended trips for a total of more than 1.500 NZD and gets out with nothing just don't claim you flew more time than you did. That's very lame.
Written 13 January 2012
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.
Nathsut
Southampton, UK27 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
I feel very disappointed by our experience. We booked a flight directly from their seafront office to take a 30 minute helicopter flight to view whales. There was no mention of the possibility of not seeing whales. Granted, I could have asked if there was such a possibility and I am annoyed at myself for not asking. I accept they are wild animals and the company cannot control when they surface, but this should be brought to people's attention before they part with their cash. No refunds (even partial) are offered if no whales are spotted. I felt conned. I accept the majority of the cost is to cover the helicopter, but it simply proved to be an expensive opportunity to hover over water looking at waves.
Only once booked and paid did they state they had been fairly unsuccessful in the whale spotting with their previous flights already that day.
They boast about being able to see the whole whale, compared to the boat ride, however, the boat ride is a cheaper, longer experience, and whilst no guarantee of whale spotting either, other wildlife (dolphins & albatross) are often seen. In addition, the boats use sonar to detect whale location and patterns and can wait for the whale to surface.
By contrast, the helicopters simply go by where the whale was last spotted and base the timing of when they set off for the 30 minute round trip upon how long the whales are normally underwater (30-45 minutes).
They had the nerve to ask if we wanted to pay extra for a further 10 minutes.
If you choose to part with your cash for this experience, I hope you can afford to be disappointed, if you do not see whales.
Only once booked and paid did they state they had been fairly unsuccessful in the whale spotting with their previous flights already that day.
They boast about being able to see the whole whale, compared to the boat ride, however, the boat ride is a cheaper, longer experience, and whilst no guarantee of whale spotting either, other wildlife (dolphins & albatross) are often seen. In addition, the boats use sonar to detect whale location and patterns and can wait for the whale to surface.
By contrast, the helicopters simply go by where the whale was last spotted and base the timing of when they set off for the 30 minute round trip upon how long the whales are normally underwater (30-45 minutes).
They had the nerve to ask if we wanted to pay extra for a further 10 minutes.
If you choose to part with your cash for this experience, I hope you can afford to be disappointed, if you do not see whales.
Written 5 January 2014
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.
Thank you for your feedback. We are also disappointed that you did not get to see a whale. We do our upmost to show everyone a whale, but unfortunately nature doesn't always go as planned. Here in Kaikoura we are lucky to have the whales living here all year around, doing such consistent dive times, but every now and then they will do something out of the ordinary, resulting in a miss. As you said, we did tell you about the unsuccessful flight prior to. We are always honest, as we would rather have someone pull out, than be bitterly disappointed. We feel terrible that you felt conned. That is not our intension at all. We would feel unreasonable if we did not ask our passengers if they would like to extend. If the whale has done a longer dive, it is often the difference between seeing him or not. Once again, we are sorry for your disappointment. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your holiday in New Zealand.
Written 21 January 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, is there snow on the mountain range in Early December ?
Also, can you book in advance to be on a flight with other people,
as this is cheaper or only on the day you want to go ?
Thanks
Written 21 September 2016
Hi, it is cheaper if the helicopter is full as the flight price is split 3 ways rather then two. They are very helpful and I'm sure if you contact them in advance with flexibility for date and time they will do their best to match you up with other passengers. Unfortunately As we were only in Kaikoura for 24 hours and I only contacted them at 7 pm they were unable to get another passenger to join us at such short notice. We still went ahead and it was amazing and worth every penny!
Written 22 September 2016
Hi I would like to do the mountain views :- Does this include the Franz Josef Pass and Arthur's Pass, how long does it take' are we likely to get clear weather in the first week of Feb. and what is the price
Kind Regards
Irene Xx
Written 20 January 2015
Hi Irene,
Thank you for your enquiry.
As commented above, our flights do not include Franz Josef or Arthurs Pass, although we do have an array of Whale Watching flight options, as well as Coastal or Alpine flight options that include landings in spectacular locations. Kaikoura is very unique because the Mountains are so close to the Sea. You can experience an alpine landing and see a whale all within 60 minutes. The weather is generally very good in February. If you have the opportunity to stay in Kaikoura for a couple of days, you can select the best time to fly based on the weather. If you visit our website (sorry i can not put address as TA restricts) you will see all of our flight options and prices. Also feel free to email us direct to arrange a flight.
Kind Regards
Chelsea
P.S. we can fly you to Franz or Arthurs Pass, although you would be best to fly with a local operator at those locations to keep your costs down. We are happy to refer you on to them.
Written 21 January 2015
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