Audio Guides
30 minutes
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$330
per adult
Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd
Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd
Kaikoura Helicopters Ltd
4.5
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
Audio Guides
40 minutes
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$455
per adult
Audio Guides
1 hour
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$610
per adult
Audio Guides
1–2 hours
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$720
per adult
Sports Lessons
45 minutes
Taking safety measures
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$470
per adult
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4.5
178 reviews
Excellent
153
Very good
15
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Chris T
Isle of Wight, UK8 contributions
Feb 2020
Aaron our enthusiastic and friendly pilot did everything he could to find the sperm whale which he did - about 26 miles out.
Then he made the effort to locate some killer whales closer to land which was the icing on the cake
Then he made the effort to locate some killer whales closer to land which was the icing on the cake
Written 25 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.
katarina5609
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Feb 2020
amazing!!! loved every minute. No Whales but the customer service we received from Aaron was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and made us feel comfort flying around the Kaikoura coastline and landing on a hill. Thank you for a great flight that we will always remember.
Written 15 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.
Esme Whiskin
9 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.
Joansu
Barcelona, Spain3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Top experience in Kaikoura! Lovely team, especially our pilot Aaron! The really know how to find the whales.
Written 22 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.
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.
mimiJ6215FA
Ottawa, Canada4 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
We had planned to take a cruise to see the whales, however, due to high waves, my child was not allowed on the boat. Therefore, we looked for other options and found this company.
We called at the last minute and they still had a spot left. The pilot arrived within 10 minutes at the heliport and provided us with a safety briefing and a lots of explanation on sperm whales.
The pilot already knew the exact time and location the whales had been seen and tried to time our 30 minute flight with the possibility of the whale to surface. The timing was right on and we were able to see one of the two whales (it's nature, so we cannot control). Without Kaikoura, we could not have been able to see whales due to the cancellation of our boat trip.
Great experience and great company.
We called at the last minute and they still had a spot left. The pilot arrived within 10 minutes at the heliport and provided us with a safety briefing and a lots of explanation on sperm whales.
The pilot already knew the exact time and location the whales had been seen and tried to time our 30 minute flight with the possibility of the whale to surface. The timing was right on and we were able to see one of the two whales (it's nature, so we cannot control). Without Kaikoura, we could not have been able to see whales due to the cancellation of our boat trip.
Great experience and great company.
Written 8 December 2019
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.
Bas V
Amsterdam, The Netherlands5 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Last November we (me and my girlfriend) went to see whales from a helicopter. The people at Kaikoura helicopters were very friendly and helpful, and go out of their way to make this activity a great experience. As opposed to some of the 'bigger' whale-watch companies in the company, they really want their customers to have a great experience, instead of just going up in the air no matter whether there are actually whales around or not. This might also mean that if whales are not around during the time of your trip, they will discuss options with you.
When we got there the sperm whales were showing unpredictable behaviour, and were swimming quite far from the coast. We were advised to go see a humpback whale instead, to enhance our chances of seeing one and being able to spend more time with the whale. Indeed we saw a very nice humpback while (it was playing with dolphins) and we got very nice views on the whale. Our pilot/guide was very knowledgeable as well, and was able to tell a lot of interesting things about both the whales and the Kaikoura region.
In addition to this, I proposed to my girlfriend during this activity, and the staff (Fiona, Jordan) went out of their way to make this special day even more special for us. They were able to make some special arrangements as well.
If you're looking for a great whale-watching experience in Kaikoura, go for Kaikoura Helicopters!
When we got there the sperm whales were showing unpredictable behaviour, and were swimming quite far from the coast. We were advised to go see a humpback whale instead, to enhance our chances of seeing one and being able to spend more time with the whale. Indeed we saw a very nice humpback while (it was playing with dolphins) and we got very nice views on the whale. Our pilot/guide was very knowledgeable as well, and was able to tell a lot of interesting things about both the whales and the Kaikoura region.
In addition to this, I proposed to my girlfriend during this activity, and the staff (Fiona, Jordan) went out of their way to make this special day even more special for us. They were able to make some special arrangements as well.
If you're looking for a great whale-watching experience in Kaikoura, go for Kaikoura Helicopters!
Written 8 December 2019
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.
Venture61235044828
Singapore, Singapore2 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
The pilot (Aaron) was fantastic! His explanation was great and we got to watch a whale surfacing for air and finally diving.
Written 6 December 2019
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.
AnnekeBerlicum
Berlicum39 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We had bad luck with the hard wind on the day we were booked. But they made it happen for us the next morning. They called the weather and stopped the wind for a couple of hours. Our guide was great: did not talk to much but gave us all the information we needed and liked to know. We saw a whale and had plenty of photo opportunities but also put the camera away and just enjoyed this wonderful creature of nature. Just WOW.
Written 1 December 2019
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.
freddy884
Burwash, UK1 contribution
Nov 2019 • Couples
We had a fantastic time see whales and also the experience of flying in a helicopter.The knowledge of the guys was great . I would suggest it to anyone .
Written 1 December 2019
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.
Heather F
Bexley North, Australia8 contributions
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
DaredevilMick
Middlesbrough, UK48 contributions
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!
Irene S
Chatburn, null, United Kingdom
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
Kaikoura Helicopters
Kaikoura, New Zealand1 contribution
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.