1 Hour Top n Tail Whale Watch

This tour will begin with lifting off from a beachfront helipad and flying out over the Kaikōura Peninsula into the Hikurangi Marine Reserve to search for the incredible wildlife found in Kaikōura’s waters. View the mighty Sperm Whale as he rests on the surface of the ocean, catching his breath in between deep dives foraging for food. Kaikōura is also a migratory route for a variety of different whale and dolphin species such as the Humpback Whale, Blue Whale, Southern Right Whale and Orca, so we never know from flight to flight when we might spot something different! After viewing magnificent marine life, you will fly high above Kaikōura and land amongst the towering Seaward Kaikōura range. From here you will take in some of the most breath-taking views that New Zealand has to offer. (Snow Landings in winter!) With views to the west of the mountainous Seaward Kaikōura Range, east over the Kaikoura township to the iconic Kaikōura Peninsula stretching out like a whale’s fluke and south down a coastline that stretches for miles. On a clear day you can even see the North Island on the horizon! Lift off and fly around the Western Face of Mt Fyffe where your pilot will point out landslides and large cracks along the hill sides created by the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake.  Keep an eye out for wild deer as we fly around the remote mountain range before descending back down the Hapuku River to land back at our beachfront heli pads. 

More info

Inclusions

• 60-minute helicopter flight

Highlights

• Scenic helicopter flight
• Beachfront heli-pads
• Enjoy spectacular, panoramic views of Kaikoura & coastline
• Kaikoura whale watching from above
• Lift off and fly around the Western Face of Mt Fyffe
• Fly around the remote mountain range

Time

• This experience departs at 1pm and 3:30pm

Duration

• Please allow approximately 60 minutes for this experience

Departure Location

This experience departs from Kaikoura Helicopters, 16 West End, Kaikoura

Terms And Conditions

• Children under 2 years of age & under 18kg travel for free only on a paying adults lap
• Child prices apply (3-11yrs or infants weighing over 18kg). Child prices only apply when accompanied by two full adult fares.
• Minimum numbers apply for flight to go ahead
• Trip is weather dependent - all departures are subject to change or cancellation if weather conditions are not suitable
• Flight times and routes are subject to weather conditions; the flight route may vary due to weather.
• The pilot will determine the seating of passengers based on weight and balance restrictions of the helicopter.
• The helicopter used may vary and is at the discretion of Kaikoura Helicopters/GCH Aviation. Helicopters being R44, EC130, AS350.
• We see whales 97% of the time. Occasionally, despite our very best efforts and flight planning, you may not see a whale. This is rare and unfortunate, but can happen.
• If you do not see a whale, unfortunately we do not have a refund policy.
• No refund will be given for no-shows or changes you make to your booking less than 24 hours prior to departure.
• Infants under 2 years or weighing 18kgs or less must be held by a paying adult who is occupying a seat in the back of the helicopter only.
• Please call us at least 24 hours prior to departure to check the weather conditions, reconfirm booking and departure time. This allows time for flight adjustments should the weather be looking unfavourable.

Cancellation Policy

• No cancellation fee applies for FIT (bookings under 4 people) for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance or for groups of 5+ the cancellation notice is at least 4 days in advance of your booking. 100% fee applies inside 4 days

Booking Information

• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements