Perched on New Zealand’s stunning South Island, Kaikoura’s helicopter tours offer exceptional value for nature enthusiasts. The standout 45-minute whale watching safari lets you spot magnificent sperm whales from above – a perspective that’s simply unbeatable. I’m especially impressed by the intimate 5-person marine biology tours, where expert guides help you understand these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Meanwhile, the mountain gin-tasting experience combines scenic flights with local flavors, making it a wonderfully unique outing. For aspiring pilots, the hands-on trial flight provides 30 minutes of pure excitement.
Let’s explore the top helicopter experiences in Kaikoura.
Key Points
- For a unique marine life experience, the 1-hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour offers aerial views of Kaikoura’s whale sanctuary and a summit landing.
- The Helicopter Gin Tasting Tour provides a private, 5-star rated experience with gin tasting and a scenic helicopter ride in the mountains.
- The 45-minute Whale Watching Ocean Safari Helicopter Tour offers a scenic, 5-star rated helicopter ride with aerial views of marine life.
- The Private Helicopter Trial Flight allows participants to take the controls under the guidance of a licensed instructor, providing a personalized 30-minute trial flight.
- The Marine Biologist Whale Watching Helicopter Tour, guided by Dr. Krista Van Der Linde, offers a premium experience with a maximum of 5 travelers and a crayfish lunch.
Marine Biologist Whale Watching Helicopter Tour Kaikoura
The Marine Biologist Whale Watching Helicopter Tour in Kaikoura offers travelers a unique opportunity to witness the majestic marine life of the region from the air.
Led by Dr. Krista Van Der Linde, a renowned marine biologist, the tour takes guests on a thrilling helicopter ride above the Kaikoura coast, where they can spot whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures.
With a maximum of 5 travelers and a start time of 11:00 am, the tour includes life jackets, headsets, a crayfish lunch, and bottled water.
Pickup and drop-off are available at the meeting point, and the tour is accessible to wheelchair users and those with strollers.
Priced at $4,572.01 per person, the tour can be booked with free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Marine Biologist Whale Watching Helicopter Tour Kaikoura Review
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Kaikoura: 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour
Soaring over Kaikoura’s renowned whale sanctuary, the 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour offers travelers a breathtaking aerial perspective of the region’s marine life.
Priced at $735.13 per person, this small-group tour provides the opportunity to spot sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and fur seals from the air.
The tour includes a summit landing at 1,600 meters for 360-degree views and, weather permitting, a snow landing.
With experienced pilots, headsets for inflight commentary, and life jackets, the tour complies with New Zealand’s conservation regulations.
Not recommended for those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues, this tour promises panoramic views of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges and coastline.
Read our full review: Kaikoura: 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour Review
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Helicopter Gin Tasting Tour in the Mountains Kaikoura
This private Helicopter Gin Tasting Tour in the mountains of Kaikoura, New Zealand, offers an exclusive opportunity for adults to indulge in a unique aerial experience.
Starting at 2 PM, the tour departs from the meeting point at 623 State Highway 1, Peketā 7374, and returns to the same location. The tour includes a platter for snacking during the gin tasting and a complimentary 375ml bottle of Mt Fyffe Distillery Gin to take home.
Accessibility is versatile, with the tour being wheelchair and stroller accessible, and allowing service animals. Priced at $2,289.40 per person, the tour has received outstanding reviews, with a 5.0-star overall rating based on 2 reviews.
Read our full review: Helicopter Gin Tasting Tour in the Mountains Kaikoura Review
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Kaikoura: Helicopter & Gin Tasting ON THE MOUNTAIN
Breathtaking aerial perspectives and intimate gin tasting coalesce in this exclusive Kaikoura experience.
Soar over the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura coastline on a 1.5-hour scenic helicopter flight, led by the chief pilot, Daniel.
After landing atop Mt Fyffe, venture to the family-owned Mt Fyffe Distillery to sample two small-batch London dry gins and meet the distiller, Justine.
You’ll also receive a complimentary bottle to take home.
This wheelchair-accessible tour caters to groups of up to 5, with flexibility on timing and payment.
Enjoy the unparalleled views and artisanal tasting, all with a 5/5 customer satisfaction rating.
Read our full review: Kaikoura: Helicopter & Gin Tasting ON THE MOUNTAIN Review
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45 Minutes Whale Watching Ocean Safari Helicopter Tour Kaikoura
The 45-minute Whale Watching Ocean Safari Helicopter Tour offers travelers a captivating aerial perspective of Kaikoura’s remarkable marine life.
This 5-star rated tour takes guests on a scenic helicopter ride over the Pacific Ocean, providing unparalleled views of whales and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Included in the tour are life jackets, headsets, and bottled water.
Pickup is available from anywhere in Kaikoura Township, with the tour starting and ending at 627 State Highway 1.
Suitable for all travelers, the tour accommodates up to 6 guests per flight and can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.
Priced at $478.26 per person, this unforgettable experience is a must-do for visitors to Kaikoura.
Read our full review: 45 Minutes Whale Watching Ocean Safari Helicopter Tour Kaikoura Review
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Kaikōura: 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour
Soaring above Kaikōura’s captivating coastline, the 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour offers travelers an unparalleled aerial perspective of the region’s remarkable marine life.
At just £368.93 per person, this exclusive experience takes guests on a scenic flight along the New Zealand coastline, granting breathtaking views of the Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Ranges and Kaikōura Peninsula.
With the chance to spot whales, dolphins, and seals, the tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the area’s abundant wildlife.
Accommodating up to 6 participants, the tour is wheelchair accessible and includes a live guide, audio commentary, and real-time flight tracking for an immersive and informative journey.
Read our full review: Kaikōura: 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour Review
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Private Helicopter Trial Flight in Kaikōura
For those seeking a more hands-on aerial adventure in Kaikōura, the Private Helicopter Trial Flight offers a thrilling opportunity to take the controls.
Operated by the experienced team at Kaikoura Helicopters, this 30-minute trial flight provides personalized guidance from a licensed instructor. Participants will receive a headset for clear communication as they assist with take-off, hovering, and landing.
Upon completion, they’ll be awarded a certificate to commemorate their achievement. Priced at $330.87 per person, this private experience departs from the conveniently located meeting point under the railway bridge on Kaikōura’s main street.
With a 5-star rating from past participants, this helicopter trial is a must for adventure-seekers visiting the area.
Read our full review: Private Helicopter Trial Flight in Kaikōura Review
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Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour
Kaikoura Helicopters’ Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour offers a captivating aerial exploration of Kaikoura’s breathtaking landscapes. Priced from $457.20 per person, the tour accommodates up to 6 travelers and features live commentary from knowledgeable pilots.
Highlights include a unique exploration of the Kaikoura Coastline and an exclusive landing site on the Seaward Kaikoura ranges, providing unparalleled photo opportunities. Participants can also witness the aftermath of the 2016 earthquake, observing landslides, rock falls, and fault lines from the air.
Easily accessible and with flexible booking and cancellation policies, this tour is a must-do for visitors seeking a remarkable aerial adventure in Kaikoura, New Zealand.
Read our full review: Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Kaikoura offers a range of helicopter tours and flights that allow visitors to experience the region’s stunning landscapes and marine life up close. From whale watching safaris to gin tastings in the mountains, there’s something for all. Whether you’re a first-time helicopter rider or an experienced adventurer, these tours provide an unforgettable way to explore the natural beauty of Kaikoura.