Kaikoura’s helicopter tours offer the smartest way to experience New Zealand’s most dramatic coastline. Skip the long drives and grab a bird’s-eye view that puts everything in perspective. The 45-minute Whale Watch flight stands out as the most practical option, combining value with incredible marine life spotting opportunities. For those seeking something special, the private Mount Fyffe landing with gin tasting provides a luxurious twist on mountain views. The Grand Alpine tour, reaching heights of 8,000 feet, delivers the best bang for your buck with sweeping vistas of both mountains and sea.
Let’s look at our favorite flight options in detail.
Key Points
- The private helicopter trial flight by Kaikoura Helicopters offers a 5-star rated, guided experience with clear communication and assistance for take-off, hovering, and landing.
- The helicopter and gin tasting experience provides a 1.5-hour private group tour with panoramic 360-degree views, gin tasting, and a complimentary bottle of gin.
- The whale watching helicopter tours offer a 45-minute scenic flight over prime whale watching spots, with potential sightings of various whale species and views of the Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Ranges.
- The marine biologist whale watching tour led by Dr. Krista Van Der Linde provides a 45-minute tour with life jackets, headsets, and a complimentary crayfish lunch.
- The grand alpine helicopter tour is a 90-minute aerial adventure that skirts the Kaikōura Peninsula, climbs over 8,000 feet, and offers panoramic views of rugged mountain ranges and the East Coast of South Island.
Private Helicopter Trial Flight in Kaikōura
The Private Helicopter Trial Flight in Kaikōura offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the breathtaking scenery of Kaikōura from the air.
Operated by Kaikoura Helicopters, the flight is priced from $331.31 per person and boasts a 5.0 rating based on 3 reviews.
Participants will be provided with a headset for clear communication and receive professional guidance from a licensed instructor. The flight includes assistance with take-off, hovering, and landing, and a certificate is awarded upon completion.
The meeting point is located at 16 West End, Kaikōura 7300, under the railway bridge on the main street, and the activity ends back at the same location.
Read our full review: Private Helicopter Trial Flight in Kaikōura Review
Book now: Check availability
Kaikoura: Helicopter & Gin Tasting ON THE MOUNTAIN
A thrilling helicopter adventure awaits visitors in Kaikoura, where they can soar above the stunning coastline and land atop Mount Fyffe for a tantalizing gin tasting experience.
This 1.5-hour private group tour offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura’s dramatic cliffs.
Upon landing, guests will meet the owner of the Mt Fyffe Distillery and sample award-winning gins, accompanied by a small platter of nibbles.
A complimentary 375ml bottle of gin is included in the package.
With free cancellation and wheelchair accessibility, this exclusive experience is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable blend of aerial exploration and local craftsmanship.
Read our full review: Kaikoura: Helicopter & Gin Tasting ON THE MOUNTAIN Review
Book now: Check availability
Helicopter Gin Tasting Tour in the Mountains Kaikoura
Soaring above Kaikoura’s breathtaking coastline, this private helicopter gin tasting tour whisks adventurous travelers to the summit of Mount Fyffe for an exclusive encounter with the award-winning spirits of Mt Fyffe Distillery.
Sipping premium gins amid the majestic mountain scenery, participants indulge in a guided tasting session complemented by a curated platter of local delights.
The experience concludes with a complimentary 375ml bottle of Mt Fyffe Distillery Gin, providing a delectable memento of this unforgettable journey.
Priced at $2,289.05 per person, this R18+ tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it an exclusive yet inclusive adventure for discerning travelers.
Read our full review: Helicopter Gin Tasting Tour in the Mountains Kaikoura Review
Book now: Check availability
Kaikoura: 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour
This thrilling 45-minute whale watching helicopter tour over Kaikoura’s captivating coastline offers adventurous travelers a unique vantage point to witness the region’s majestic marine life.
Priced from £369.02 per person, the tour accommodates up to 6 participants and features live English commentary and audio guides.
Highlights include a scenic flight over prime whale watching spots, where sightings may include humpback, southern right, killer, and blue whales, as well as dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals.
Passengers can also admire the snow-capped Seaward Kaikōura Mountain Ranges during an exclusive mountain landing.
With 5-star reviews and free cancellation, this tour promises an unforgettable aerial adventure.
Read our full review: Kaikoura: 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Marine Biologist Whale Watching Helicopter Tour Kaikoura
Travelers seeking an unparalleled whale watching experience in Kaikoura can embark on the Marine Biologist Whale Watching Helicopter Tour.
Led by Dr. Krista Van Der Linde, a renowned marine biologist, this 45-minute tour offers a unique perspective on the region’s impressive whale population.
The tour departs at 11:00 am and accommodates up to 5 travelers, who’ll be provided with life jackets, headsets, and a complimentary crayfish lunch.
The tour includes a courtesy shuttle and is wheelchair accessible.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on a single review, this tour promises an unforgettable encounter with the majestic whales of Kaikoura.
Read our full review: Marine Biologist Whale Watching Helicopter Tour Kaikoura Review
Book now: Check availability
Kaikoura: 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour
Departing from Kaikoura Airport, the 1-hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour offers visitors a unique perspective on the region’s abundant marine life.
Priced from $736.13 per person, the tour allows passengers to spot sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and fur seals from above. The helicopter’s small group size of up to 6 participants ensures an intimate experience, with an experienced pilot providing live commentary.
Travelers can enjoy a summit landing at 1,600 meters for panoramic views, and may even experience a snow landing during certain seasons.
With real-time flight tracking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is an unforgettable way to explore Kaikoura’s stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Read our full review: Kaikoura: 1-Hour Whale Watching Helicopter Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
45 Minutes Whale Watching Ocean Safari Helicopter Tour Kaikoura
The 45-minute Whale Watching Ocean Safari Helicopter Tour in Kaikoura, New Zealand offers visitors a thrilling aerial adventure to spot the region’s diverse marine life.
Priced at £377.94 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tour includes life jackets, headsets, and bottled water.
Travelers can choose to meet the tour directly or request pickup from anywhere in Kaikoura township. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing most visitors to participate.
With 13 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this helicopter tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.
Read our full review: 45 Minutes Whale Watching Ocean Safari Helicopter Tour Kaikoura Review
Book now: Check availability
Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour
Soar above the majestic Kaikōura Ranges on the Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour.
This 90-minute experience takes you skirting the Kaikōura Peninsula before climbing over 8,000 feet into the stunning Seaward Kaikōura Ranges.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the rugged mountain ranges and East Coast of the South Island.
Stand on the highest mountain outside the Southern Alps and explore the unique Kaikōura coastline, including the effects of the 2016 earthquake.
The tour includes live commentary from knowledgeable pilots, an exclusive landing site, and photo opportunities both in and outside the helicopter.
With a maximum of 6 travelers per tour, this is a must-do for those seeking a breathtaking aerial adventure in Kaikōura.
Read our full review: Kaikoura Helicopters Grand Alpine Helicopter Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Kaikōura offers a range of exhilarating helicopter tours and flights, from private trials to whale-watching adventures. Whether you’re seeking an intimate gin tasting experience or a breathtaking aerial view of the region’s stunning landscapes, there’s a tour to suit every traveler. With a focus on showcasing Kaikōura’s natural beauty, these helicopter experiences provide an unforgettable way to explore this captivating coastal destination.