Kaikoura is a perfect place to see marine wildlife and rugged mountain landscapes from the air. Its proximity to the coast and mountain ranges makes helicopter flights an unbeatable way to experience the region’s natural beauty. We particularly love the 1-hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour because it combines the thrill of spotting whales with stunning mountain views, including a snow landing in winter. For a shorter but equally spectacular experience, the 45-minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour offers an exciting quick look at whales swimming in the Pacific, plus a scenic mountain landing. If you’re after an adventure that takes you over the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges and lets you stand on Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku, the Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour is the best pick.
Below, we’ll explore each of these top helicopter tours in detail, helping you choose the perfect aerial adventure to match your interests and schedule.
1. Kaikoura: 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour
This 1-hour whale watching tour is a standout for combining marine wildlife sightings with breathtaking mountain vistas. Starting from the coast, you’ll soar over Kaikoura’s waters, where your pilot will point out pods of whales and give you a full view of their tip-to-tail size. The tour also includes a summit landing on Mt Fyffe at 1,600 meters, offering panoramic views of the Seaward Kaikōura Range. Depending on the season, you might even enjoy a snow landing—a rare treat for most travelers.
What makes this tour special is its combination of whale sightings and scenery. The local guides share insightful details about Kaikōura’s marine environment and its whale populations. The flight’s high altitude offers a bird’s-eye view of the coastline and mountains, making it an ideal choice if you want both wildlife encounters and impressive landscapes in one trip.
While at $776 per person, it’s on the pricier side, the quality of experience and the unique opportunity to see whales from the sky justifies the cost. This tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who still want a comprehensive, unforgettable aerial adventure.
Bottom line: If whale watching from above combined with mountain views and a snow landing sounds appealing, this is the tour for you.
2. Kaikōura: 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour
This 45-minute helicopter flight offers a quick but intense experience of Kaikōura’s marine life and scenic mountain landscapes. It’s the perfect choice if you want to see whales without committing to a full hour or if your schedule is tight. The flight is operated by South Pacific Helicopters, and it includes a scenic mountain landing in addition to whale spotting.
During this tour, you’ll feel the thrill of flying along New Zealand’s coastline, with the chance to see pods of whales swimming below. Your pilot will point out the Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Ranges, snow-capped in winter, providing a striking backdrop to your aerial adventure. The local guide shares insights about marine wildlife, making sure you get the most out of your quick trip.
Guests often praise the value for money and the up-close whale encounters. The shorter duration makes it ideal for travelers who want a highlight reel of Kaikōura’s marine life and scenery. At $483 per person, it offers a more affordable yet equally memorable alternative to longer flights.
Bottom line: If you want a swift yet scenic helicopter experience with whale sightings and mountain views, this tour packs a punch.
3. Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour
This longer, 90-minute helicopter tour is the most comprehensive option, taking you over the rugged Kaikōura coastline and the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges. It’s perfect for those who want to experience New Zealand’s high mountain peaks, including the chance to stand on Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku, the highest mountain outside the Southern Alps.
Start by flying along the coast, then climb over 8000 feet into the mountains, enjoying panoramic views of the East Coast and Pacific Ocean. This tour also offers the opportunity to see the effects of the 2016 earthquake, adding a touch of recent history to the landscape. You’ll fly past Puhi Peaks Station, home to one of the last remaining Hutton’s Shearwater colonies, and keep an eye out for chamois and deer.
This experience is rich in photo opportunities with dramatic mountain peaks, rugged coastlines, and the chance to explore the highest peak outside the Southern Alps. It’s rated 5.0 stars from one reviewer, highlighting its exclusivity and wow factor. The $488.06 price is justified by its extensive scenic scope and the chance to see remarkable geological features.
Bottom line: If you’re after a luxurious and comprehensive alpine experience that combines wildlife, geology, and mountain peaks, this tour delivers.
$488.06 per person
How to Choose
When selecting your helicopter tour in Kaikoura, consider your time availability, budget, and interests. For a short but high-impact experience, the 45-minute whale watching tour is ideal. If you want a fuller adventure with mountain peaks and snow landings, the 1-hour whale watching tour is the way to go. And for those craving a longer, more immersive journey with spectacular mountain vistas, the Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour offers a comprehensive look at the region’s rugged beauty.
Think about your fitness level and comfort with altitude — all these tours focus on scenic views rather than strenuous activity. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons (summer in New Zealand), to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Kaikoura’s helicopter tours offer a diverse range of experiences, from whale sightings and mountain panoramas to glaciers and earthquake scars. Whether you’re looking for a quick wildlife fix or an extensive alpine adventure, there’s an option for you. The 1-hour whale watching helicopter tour is perfect for a memorable, all-in-one trip, while the Grand Alpine tour suits those wanting to truly soar above the landscape.
For families, adventurous couples, or wildlife enthusiasts, these tours provide a unique perspective that can’t be matched from the ground. Remember to book early, dress appropriately for the weather, and get ready for some of the most stunning aerial views New Zealand’s South Island has to offer.