Whale Watching Kaikōura

Extended Whale Watch – Kaikōura Helicopters

Take your whale watching adventure to the next level with our Extended Whale Watch flight. An enhanced version of our Classic Whale Watch, this tour gives you more time above Kaikōura’s deep-sea canyon, increasing your chances of unforgettable whale encounters.
With the longer flight time, we can venture further offshore into deeper waters—home to the resident Sperm Whales and a migratory path for baleen whales such as Humpbacks, Blue Whales, and Fin Whales as they journey between Antarctica and the warm Pacific Islands.
On the return journey, enjoy breathtaking views of the Kaikōura coastline, the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, and the Kaikōura Peninsula, while keeping an eye out for pods of playful Dusky Dolphins, rare Hector’s Dolphins, and colonies of New Zealand Fur Seals basking on the rocks.
The Extended Whale Watch is the ultimate choice for those wanting a longer, more immersive experience with Kaikōura’s world-renowned marine wildlife.
Highlights
An extended helicopter whale watch for more time in the air
Chance to spot Sperm Whales, Humpbacks, Blue & Fin Whales
See Dusky Dolphins, Hector’s Dolphins, and NZ Fur Seals
Panoramic coastal and mountain views
Depart from Kaikōura’s convenient beachfront helipad
If you cannot see the departure time you would prefer, please email info@kaikourahelicopters.com or call us on +64 3 319 6609. ​
Approx. 40 minutes flight
The aircraft used is at the discretion of Kaikōura Helicopters.
Weather dependent
Minimum per-person fares are required for flights to depart, or why not choose to private charter the helicopter for guaranteed departure.
Infants aged 0 to 2 years old fly free of charge and must be seated on a paying adult's lap.
Kaikōura Helicopters supports Project Jonah, a registered charity that exists for one simple reason – to help marine mammals in desperate
need. Kaikoura Helicopters actively supports Project Jonah with funding and welcomes our guests to have the option to donate. Thank you.
https://www.projectjonah.org.nz/
Prices increase yearly on the 1st September until the 31st August

Top ’n’ T ail Whale Watching- Kaikoura Helicopters
From whale tail to mountain top, this tour showcases the very best of Kaikōura in one unforgettable flight.
Lift off from our beachfront helipad and fly over the Kaikōura Peninsula into the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, where the search begins for the incredible marine life that makes Kaikōura world-famous. Spot the mighty Sperm Whale as he surfaces between deep dives, and keep watch for Humpbacks, Blue Whales, Orca, and Dusky Dolphins along their migratory route. Every flight is unique – you never know what you might see!
After your time above the ocean, soar high into the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges for a spectacular alpine landing (snow landings in winter). From here, enjoy panoramic views west to the rugged mountains, east across the Kaikōura Peninsula, and south along the endless coastline – with the North Island visible on a clear day.
Your return journey takes you around Mt Fyffe, where your pilot will point out dramatic landslides and fault lines created by the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. Keep an eye out for wild deer before following the Hapuku River back down to the coast for a smooth landing at our heli base.
An incredible combination of whale watching and alpine adventure, this is one of our most popular tours – and for good reason.
Highlights
Whale watching from the ultimate aerial perspective.
Chance to spot Sperm Whales, Humpbacks, Orca, Blue Whales, Dolphins and more.
Alpine landing in the Seaward Kaikōura Range (snow landings in winter).
Panoramic views over mountains, ocean, and coastline.
Scenic flight around Mt Fyffe with insights into the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake.
Unique combination of marine and mountain adventure.
Approx 60-minute flight.
If you cannot see the departure time you would prefer, please email info@kaikourahelicopters.com or call us on +64 3 319 6609.
The aircraft used is at the discretion of Kaikōura Helicopters.
Weather dependent
Minimum per-person fares are required for flights to depart, or why not choose to private charter the helicopter for guaranteed departure.
Infants aged 0 to 2 years old fly free of charge and must be seated on a paying adult's lap.
Kaikōura Helicopters supports Project Jonah, a registered charity that exists for one simple reason – to help marine mammals in desperate
need. Kaikoura Helicopters actively supports Project Jonah with funding and welcomes our guests to have the option to donate. Thank you.
https://www.projectjonah.org.nz/
Prices increase yearly on the 1st September until the 31st August