Location: Kaikoura
Top Things to do in Kaikoura
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5 Helicopter Tours in Kaikoura That You Shouldn't Miss
In the Maori language, Kaikoura means "meal of crayfish," a nod to the New Zealand township's seafood-rich origins. Remnants of those early days can be found at Fyffe House, the oldest surviving building, and Kaikoura Museum. Today, the South Island settlement provides an ideal base camp for observing the abundant offshore wildlife (sperm whales, dusky dolphins, orcas and fur seals) and dining on fresh local catch. Numerous galleries showcase the knitting, pottery and jewelry of area artisans.
Restaurants in Kaikoura
1. Premier Helicopter Whale Watch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Soar above it all on our longest and most exclusive helicopter tour for an unforgettable adventure viewing amazing wildlife and scenery. This 60 minute trip over stunning Kaikoura takes in ocean and mountains in a one of a kind adventure that has you orbiting sperm whales and viewing marine life, then heading to the mountains for an alpine landing for the chance to walk around for incredible views in a remote and rugged location. Slowly orbit and view the entire whale on this extended tour with Kāikoura's only locally owned and operated helicopter company.
Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight to view whales and other wildlife, Alpine landing high in the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges, with snow landing during winter season, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly during your flight, Live commentary from our pilots, Round-trip transfer to and from town available, contact the reservations team to organise
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By janetd17
A wonderful trip to Mt Fyffe for the two boys. It was the highlight of their holiday. We went out over the ocean and spotted a pod of dolphins before flying over the hills. Beautiful views from the top
2. Kaikoura Helicopters Classic Whale Watch
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 12 reviews
Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from head to tail, offering you a unique and uninterrupted vantage point of these magnificent marine mammals.
Inclusions: 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
Exclusions:
Reviewed By alison b
To start....the booking team were great to deal with. We booked, then had to cancel (Covid lockdown), then thankfully got to booked again.... the company was very patient and accomodating. We arrived on a beautiful day, sunny, clear blue sky and got set up for the flight with our pilot Jordan, who was very knowledgeable on the local wildlife and surrounding landscape.... really interesting. The views from the helicopter were beautiful but the whale was stunning.....to see the whole whale from above was amazing! We circled above the whale for ages and got some wonderful photos. We also got to fly over the seal colony on our return. Thanks Jordan and the Team.....we had an amazing experience! Highly recommend!
3. Kaikoura Helicopters Extended Whale Watch flight
Within minutes of taking off from our beach from helipads, you will be in the spectacular environment that plays host to one of the worlds largest marine mammals, the magnificent Sperm Whale. This flight allows you extra time in the whale area to view these majestic creatures of the deep. This also gives you the possibility of viewing dolphins for just a little extra - A better option for when the whales are feeding further off shore or are holding their breath for longer than expected - More chance to view any transient baleen whales - these whales typically spend short surface intervals (one to 4 breaths) followed by long periods under water (often 2-5 minutes), the longer flight time gives us longer wait for them. - Depending on the location of the Sperm whales, gives us more time to search for dolphin and /or fly along the Kaikoura southern coastline on our way back to land.
Inclusions: 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
Exclusions:
Reviewed By KIWI-748
Had a wonderful flight experience that I would recommend to all who visit Kaikoura. Really good staff that make you feel welcome in all parts of the process. Gordon the pilot was very helpful and professional in all aspects of the flight. Unfortunately we did not see a whale as we only had 30 minutes and the whales can dive for up to 45 minutes. Still the flight out and back was magical. The views of the peninsula are spectacular as are the views of the Alps. I would recommend spending the time and money on this experience.
4. Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flight
Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from head to tail, offering you a unique and uninterrupted vantage point of these magnificent marine mammals. Enjoy the true Kaikoura 'where the mountains meet the sea' experience by further exploring the Seaward Kaikoura ranges and a Alpine landing with magnificent views.
Inclusions: 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.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By KIWI-748
Had a wonderful flight experience that I would recommend to all who visit Kaikoura. Really good staff that make you feel welcome in all parts of the process. Gordon the pilot was very helpful and professional in all aspects of the flight. Unfortunately we did not see a whale as we only had 30 minutes and the whales can dive for up to 45 minutes. Still the flight out and back was magical. The views of the peninsula are spectacular as are the views of the Alps. I would recommend spending the time and money on this experience.
5. Kaikoura Helicopters Coastal Whale Watch flight
Helicopters depart from our centrally located beach front helipads, lifting off on your scenic helicopter tour to view the Kaikoura Coast. View Sperm Whales from head to tail, offering you a unique and uninterrupted vantage point of these magnificent marine mammals. Landing at our exclusive mountain site overlooking the whale sanctuary with a magnificent view. Allowing for great photo opportunities.
Inclusions: 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, Landing at our exclusive site, overlooking the whale sanctuary with magnificent views
Exclusions:
Reviewed By KIWI-748
Had a wonderful flight experience that I would recommend to all who visit Kaikoura. Really good staff that make you feel welcome in all parts of the process. Gordon the pilot was very helpful and professional in all aspects of the flight. Unfortunately we did not see a whale as we only had 30 minutes and the whales can dive for up to 45 minutes. Still the flight out and back was magical. The views of the peninsula are spectacular as are the views of the Alps. I would recommend spending the time and money on this experience.
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