About Kaikoura Helicopters
Kaikoura Helicopters, trading as World of Whales, is the town's helicopter whale watching and scenic flight operator, working from beachfront helipads with a booking office on the main street near the railway bridge. The locally run company offers an exhilarating aerial way to experience Kaikoura's marine wildlife and alpine scenery, with flights running on demand daily from early morning.
Its signature whale watching flights hover and fly slow orbits above resident sperm whales, giving passengers a clear view of the entire animal at the surface — something rarely possible from a boat — along with dolphin pods that often gather nearby. Beyond whale watching, the operator runs alpine and scenic flights over the Seaward Kaikoura Range, adventure combinations such as heli-raft, heli-hike and heli-picnic trips, plus custom charters and commercial work.
The advantage of a helicopter is flexibility and reach: flights can quickly position above wildlife and reach high country that ground tours cannot, all while carrying passengers of all ages and abilities. With on-demand scheduling and a range of options from short whale flights to full alpine adventures, Kaikoura Helicopters suits visitors looking for a premium, time-efficient and genuinely spectacular perspective on the region.
