Featured 
EXPERIENCES

Check out some of our favourite tours! We offer epic whale watching experiences, scenic discover tours of the region, adventures you didn't dare to dream of before, and indulgent experiences that take your taste buds on a journey of their own. 

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    Whale Watching Flights in Kaikōura

    Whale Watch Discovery

    coastal  Landing

    30 min

    4-6

    from NZD 495 per person

    Includes:

    • View whales in full
    • 30-minute adventure
    • Smooth scenic orbits
    • 360° photo moments
    • Coastal & mountain views
    • Sperm whale resident to Kaikōura

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    Whale Watching Flights in Kaikōura

    Whale Watch Ocean Safari

    coastal  Landing

    45 min

    2-6

    from NZD 825 per person

    Includes:

    • Whales & wild coast
    • Exclusive coastal landing
    • Cover more ground
    • Epic ocean panoramas
    • Time-smart adventure
    • Unforgettable aerial views

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  • SO76151

    Whale Watching Flights in Kaikōura

    Whale Watch Premier

    alpine  Landing

    60 min

    2-6

    from NZD 1325 per person

    Includes:

    • Extended whale encounters
    • Mt Fyffe alpine landing
    • Mountain to ocean views
    • Kaikōura’s signature viewpoint
    • Extended coastal flight
    • Expertly guided

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    Whale Watching Flights in Kaikōura

    Ultimate Adventure

    alpine  Landing

    80 min

    2-6

    from NZD 1,575 per person

    Includes:

    • Two tours in one
    • 80 minute epic journey
    • Tip to tail whale views
    • Go beyond the coastline
    • Best tour value for money
    • Whales & scenary combined

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    Kaikōura Scenic Flights

    Pacific to Peak

    alpine  Landing

    30 min

    4-6

    from NZD 370 per person

    Includes:

    • Land where few ever do
    • Snow play in the winter 
    • Beach to mountain flight
    • No crowds, just clouds
    • Story filled, pilot guided
    • Perfect for proposals

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    Kaikōura Scenic Flights

    Scenic Adventure

    alpine  Landing

    45 min

    2-6

    from NZD 825 per person

    Includes:

    • Ocean views from peaks
    • Hidden alpine waterfalls
    • Wild, untouched terrain
    • Sea to summit
    • Epic aerial contrasts
    • Locally guided magic

     

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  • SPHPicnic3

    Kaikōura Scenic Flights

    Heli-Picnic

    1.5 hours

    2-6

    from NZD 1,300pp

    Includes:

    • Scenic Helicopter Flight
    • Exclusive Alpine Landing
    • Gourmet Platter
    • Local Beverages
    • Perfect for Special Occasions
    • Group Savings Bonus

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    Whale Watching Flights in Kaikōura

    Heli-Weddings

    2-6

    from POA

    Includes:

    • Arrive in Style
    • Roomy, Elegant Helicopter
    • Choose Your Backdrop 
    • Post-Ceremony Adventure 
    • Year-Round Availability 
    • Tailored Experiences 

     

     

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South Pacific
Helicopters

the flight of your lifetime - discover Kaikōura from a whole new perspective. 

Fly with us for an one-of-a-kind adventure and experience Kaikōura's amazing marine wildlife, its picturesque landscape and meet some of the people that make this coastal town the special place it is.

Introduction

Fly with
Confidence

South Pacific Helicopters is a locally owned and operated company based in the beautiful town of Kaikōura. 

Dan and monique 27 2 2024 16

Wife and husband team, Monique and Daniel Stevenson first opened the company in October of 2016, just a few short weeks before a major earthquake struck Kaikōura, completely cutting off access to the town, and changing the landscape forever. 

The South Pacific Helicopters Team played a crucial role of restoring and rebuilding access to the town of Kaikōura. One year and one day later, roads reopened to Kaikōura, and tourism returned to the town.

The team's goal is to share the beauty of Kaikōura with its many visitors, as well as educate around local marine wildlife. With every tour we convey our passion for this beautiful place and offer exceptional customer service to provide one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experiences.

 
About Us

 

Our
Fleet

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  • Fabulous experience,

    saw a glimpse of a Blue Whale AND had a GREAT viewing of a Sperm Whale. You cover so much more ground than on a boat so you're more likely to spot something. Pilots are fantastic and they are a top notch business!

    Eve L
    Auckland, New Zealand

  • Even better than expected

    It was incredible to see the detail of the whale and how it moved in the water. Viewing it closely from above gave us a perfect view. The dolphins were a bonus.

    The trip up to Mt Fyffe that followed was fantastic as we could see the details of the landscape from the sea, to the flat farmlands and then the hills and snow-covered mountains. Flying up to the peak and being able to get out of the helicopter and walk about.

     

    Desi Lorand
    Auckland, New Zealand

  • Absolutely Fabulous

    An amazing experience- seeing the whales from up above gives you a whole different perspective on their size and beauty. Dan was fantastic and made you feel very relaxed and safe. Highly recommend- in fact you would be mad not to do this!

     

     

    Lynn M

  • Helicopter heaven!

    We did the Aftershock tour with pilot Dan, and a bit of whale spotting added on. It was incredible to fly over the quake affected coastal area, then inland below the snow covered peaks (spotting wild deer) to land at the fabulous sea green Lake Hapuku. A highlight was weaving up the bush clad valley to Ohau waterfall, and also to see the size of a whale from above. This is a once in a lifetime experience that blew us away - we loved it!

     

    Lois M
    Arrowtown, New Zealand

  • Heli-Gin tour

    This is a new (April 2022) package being offered by South Pacific Helicopters and Mt Fyfe Distillery. And it was fantastic!!

    We started with an approx 30 min scenic flight over Kaikoura and then to the Mt Fyffe Distillery where we picked up the distillery owner and flew to Mt Fyffe for our gin experience! Justine Schroder, proud owner of Mt Fyffe Distillery, explained why she set up the distillery and how she makes her gin. It was fascinating learning how she got started and arrived at the current two varieties - and both varieties were superb.

    Neil
    Christchurch New Zealand

  • Best Ever Whale Watching 

    The BEST EVER! Only my 2nd time in a helicopter and we were treated to an amazing experience viewing the sperm whale!!! Daniel was excellent pilot and gave us great info on the whales…even made a few of the details up for fun!
    Would highly recommend!!!

    Janelle C
    Auckland, New Zealand

  • Fantastic Heli Experience

    We were the lucky winners of a trip to Kaikoura, which included a 30 minute Helicopter Ride with South Pacific Helicopters in February 2022. We were welcomed the minute we walked into the building by the team. This was the highlight of our trip, the pilot Dan, did a stop on the hilltop, informed us about the environment, coastline and gave us an amazing, incredible, flight over Kaikoura on a perfect day. Thanks to Dan & all the team for truly an awesome experience.

    Dianne Sloper

  • After shock Flight !!

    What a brilliant way to see the changed landscape of Kaikoura coast and surrounding area after the 2016 Earthquake.
    Would recommend this trip as something special. Daniel(pilot) was a wealth of knowledge about the area and fault line, certainly made for a great flight.
    A special peek into a slice of New Zealand history.

    John M

  • Heli Picnic on Mt Fyffe

    Fantastic pilot who made the whole experience fun and interesting.
    set up lovely picnic on Mt Fyffe. Amazing views

    Lesley A

  • Definitely a bucket list hit. A must do.

    Timing was impeccable - we saw two whales - and your service was super friendly and knowledgeable. Daniel you are a charmer! We felt so safe so the experience was focused on the view. What a great way to see our second home from the air. Thank you! What a birthday treat !

    Annelies

  • Family

    A wonderful trip to Mt Fyffe for the two boys. It was the highlight of their holiday. We went out over the ocean and spotted a pod of dolphins before flying over the hills. Beautiful views from the top

    Janet D
    Auckland, New Zealand