Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight

1 hour
Flight time: 48 minutes
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Take off and within minutes view the mighty sperm whales. Climb high above Kaikōura to land among the rugged Seaward Kaikōura Ranges to enjoy views of the ranges, flats and peninsula. See the different colors of water along the coastline. Weather permitting, fly to the head of the Kowhai River to see the effects of the 2016 earthquake.

1-hour experience (approximately)
Fly over one of only two remaining Hutton's Shearwater bird colonies
Live commentary from pilots on local area
Uninterrupted views of marine mammals from helicopter

What's Included

Scenic helicopter excursion to view sperm whales and wildlife
View from above Kaikoura’s deep-sea canyon while searching for a Giant Sperm Whale
Explore the unique and rugged Kaikoura Coastline
Live commentary from our pilots who are flying encyclopedias on the local area.
Headset with microphone to clearly hear your commentary and ask questions on your journey
Unique and uninterrupted views of magnificent marine mammals from above in your luxury helicopter
Alpine landing on the extraordinary Kaikoura Seaward Ranges.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

16 West End, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand
Across the road from Coopers Catch fish and chip restaurant. Under the railway bridge.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Kaikoura

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
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
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

6 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

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Showing 1-3 of 6 reviews

Very enjoyable flight

Bradley_D, Nov 2023

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.

Captures What Is Great About New Zealand

James_L, Aug 2023

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.

Remarkable experience for our family

Markus_E, Aug 2023

… 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!

From $375.52

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight

Explore our promoted experiences

Overview

What's Included

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

End point

What To Expect

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

Traveler Photos

Reviews

From $375.52

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