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Kaikōura is home to sperm whales year-round, as well as a popular migratory and feeding route for many other species of whales and dolphins.

From the air, passengers can experience the true magnitude of the world’s largest mammal, the whale. After boarding one of the two small aircraft, get ready to set off on the action-packed 30-minute flight.
During the flight, you will see the majestic sperm whale preparing for its next dive and up to 500 dusky dolphins playfully swimming. Soaring above the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, which tower over 2,500 metres straight out of the Pacific Ocean, or orbiting above a multitude of marine animals including resident sperm whales, dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and other whale species migrating through, creates a truly memorable experience.Occasional whale sightings include southern right, humpback, fin, sei, Bryde’s, pilot, southern bottlenose and blue whales.

The smaller of the two aircraft is a 4-seater Cessna 172, while the larger aircraft is an 8-seater Gippsland GA8 Airvan.
The experienced pilots provide an in-flight commentary while you enjoy panoramic views of the sea and mountains and keep watch for whales. Wings Over Whales Kaikōura operate high-winged aircraft, allowing each passenger their own window seat and optimal, unobstructed viewing.
All whale watching flights are carried out in accordance with the Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Regulations.
Hapuku Lodge + Tree Houses is a contemporary country hotel located on a deer breeding farm in the South Island of New Zealand. It sits snugly at the base of the Kaikoura Seaward Mountain Range, with the Kaikoura coast and famed Mangamaunu Bay only a kilometre to the east.
The Lodge’s five Tree Houses are unique, nested 10 meters or more above the ground in the canopy of a native Kanuka grove. The Tree Houses are designed to complement the natural environment, as your bedroom in the sky. Their large windows bring the tree canopies into the bedroom and provide impressive views of Kaikoura’s dramatic mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
All of the Lodge rooms are suites which offer large soaking tubs, king beds and balconies that look over the farm’s deer grazing in paddocks adjacent to the Kaikoura mountains. The light filled Hapuku Room is beautifully furnished with fireplace, writing desk and private entrance.
The Olive House is a free standing building that used to house the farm’s olive press. They relocated the press and have turned the building into a beautifully presented three-bedroom suite of rooms.
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.











