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Experience the raw power and scale of the Pacific Ocean with South Pacific Helicopters. Seeing the magnificent Sperm Whale from "top to tail" is a perspective only possible from the air. From the comfort of a helicopter, you’ll enjoy an unparalleled view of Kaikoura’s unique marine world, where the deep-sea canyon meets the towering Southern Alps.
A helicopter tour provides a longer, more intimate window into the lives of these majestic giants. Unlike boat tours, we provide a bird's-eye view that captures the true scale of the animals and their environment.
Kaikoura is world-famous for its resident Sperm Whales, but the region is also a vital highway for migratory species. Depending on the time of year, your flight may offer sightings of Humpback, Southern Right, Killer (Orca), and even Blue Whales. After viewing the whales, we fly along the coastline to spot resident pods of Dusky Dolphins and colonies of New Zealand Fur Seals.
Kaikoura is one of the few places on Earth where a 2,500m mountain range rises directly from the ocean. Your flight offers sweeping views of the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range, the dramatic Kaikoura Peninsula, and the endless horizon of the Pacific.
Kaikoura’s landscape was forever changed by the massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016. Our flights offer a unique perspective on the geological forces that continue to shape New Zealand.
From the air, the sheer power of the tectonic shift becomes clear. You will see the Papatea Fault as it tears through the coastline and out into the sea, along with incredible examples of coastal uplift, where the seabed was thrust upward by as much as six meters in a matter of seconds.
If time allows, your pilot will take you to an exclusive landing site accessible only by South Pacific Helicopters. One highlight is a landing at the turquoise waters of Hapuku Lake, a stunning natural gem created by the 2016 earthquake. Here, you can step out of the aircraft to breathe the alpine air and photograph vistas that are unreachable by any other means.
Every experience we create is tailored to you. Tell us what inspires you, and we’ll design a New Zealand trip you’ll never forget.
