Kaikoura Helicopter Whale Tour: Is It Worth The Splurge?

So, thinking about seeing whales from above in Kaikoura? Very exciting idea, really! Very, very few experiences top seeing these ocean giants in their natural habitat, and a helicopter tour, that is that special viewpoint, is something else. Still, is the Kaikoura 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour really worth the money? I am hoping that my thoughts here give you what you need to know. Like your wallet, this tour has quite a fee, so you want to make absolutely sure this is a memory you are going to treasure. Let’s explore together, alright? I would say you might want to see what makes this aerial adventure so unique and decide if it suits you.

The Allure of Kaikoura: A Whale Watcher’s Paradise

Kaikoura, now, that’s practically a magical place for whale enthusiasts! The special thing, actually, is the ocean here: nutrient-rich currents, that is what I read anyway, rise up from the deep, and that attracts all sorts of sea creatures, alright? Among those are sperm whales. In some respects, these gentle giants decide to hang around all year, giving whale watchers the chance to see them no matter when they visit. As I was saying, whale watching, for example, is very popular here, and there are all kinds of ways to do it, from boat trips to kayaking. Still, getting above it all in a helicopter, it’s almost something completely different, actually a perspective few get to see.

What to Expect on a 45-Minute Whirlwind Tour

Okay, so picture this: you get to the Kaikoura helicopter base, right? Very much abuzz, maybe even like with anticipation, you know? Typically, you’ll get a pre-flight safety chat. Naturally, they want to keep you safe, alright? By the way, helicopters, I mean, safety is important, right? Then, you strap in, and soon, like your high above the coastline. Apparently, you can see those big sperm whales from up here, alright? Usually, that’s the main target, really! I hear seeing the whales from above offers, is that, like, a really unique way to watch their behavior. And, really, the pilot, or tour guide for instance, usually, will share all sorts of neat info about the whales and the Kaikoura area. Sometimes, if you are extra-lucky, the pilot will hover above, so there’s not much propellar noise to allow for underwater recordings.

The Visual Spectacle: More Than Just Whales

Certainly, it’s not only about the whales, even if they are very majestic, you know? As a matter of fact, the whole scenery is pretty stunning! It is almost as though, those snow-topped mountains, are very gorgeous, that’s right, it runs all the way down to the coast; they’re completely jaw-dropping, too. Typically, depending on the flight path, sometimes it heads south towards Oaro, just slightly north to Goose Bay. By the way, the helicopter tour often shows you different bays and cliffs, and that is why, from way up high, like your able to appreciate this landscape from a perspective a bit hard to get elsewhere, right?

Up Close with the Giants: An Unforgettable Encounter

So, like your wondering what it’s really like to see these sperm whales from a helicopter, or so I suppose? Arguably, these giants, you understand that can measure up to 20 meters, can be observed under water from above the surface as crystal clear silhouettes. I want you to see that moment when these ocean giants glide closer together, alright? Very magnificent, really. Just slightly beyond this unique view, the helicopter offers this very small amount of sound to observe as they surface to breath, which that tends to really deliver this kind of intimate wildlife moment to all the travelers, right?

Things I Thought Were Really Good

Incredible Views: Naturally, whale watching from above offers absolutely crazy different perspective, okay?
Expert Commentary: First, pilots actually offer neat info regarding the whales and habitat, you know?
Time Saver: As I was saying, 45 minutes can provide a whale encounter from afar, not taking so long at sea. As a matter of fact, if you have only short time on your holiday, so it’s effective.

Things To Know About Before You Go

Costy Activity: As I was saying, the helicopter whale watching experience, in some respects that may seem like pretty steep compared against your normal boat trip, right?
Weather Conditions: Weather will certainly determine your trip is smooth. So in that case your trips probably cancelled, honestly.
Not For Everybody: Right, so just slightly to small place with small windows will just not do the job for some people, by the way. In a way, maybe somebody gets extremely nauseous when travelling.

Worth The Price For What Reasons?

Very tough to say. For a single person spending 300 dollars and up for 45 minutes with the giants is extremely costly and the budget back home looks kinda small too it’s almost something completely out of the line. Then there is absolutely awesome view point that gives only memories to travellers.

The best for whale enthuisiasts who really adore their lifetime view point or somebody who just seeks that extremely great spot in Kaikoura might find absolutely something cool. For almost of the traveller it is actually like this; you are only seeing from afar with absolutely incredible views on snow top of Mountains, anyway.

At the end of the day whether is absolutely worthwhile it depends, frankly, on somebody. So is like almost spending with absolutely unforgettable views or whether you are seeking only average view for what you already did but saving that budget, of course, it’s important.

Essential Tips For First-Time Flyers

Dress Properly: So that comfy layers will just definitely work, specifically thinking about the aircraft cabins.
Carry all Your Camera Devices: Arguably it needs something very good lens that provides, perhaps an ideal for getting some shots of wildlife by, by the way, also keep the extra batteries close too, definitely.
Pre-Book And See The Availability Charts: In short secure some helicopter spots well beforehand in those absolutely popular times for visitors.

Conclusion: Is It Really a Must-Do?

So, you might be still wondering if that Kaikoura 45-Minute Whale Watching Helicopter Tour is, you know, worth doing, I suppose? As I was saying, it’s almost not a decision to take lightly, honestly. Clearly, seeing those whales and coastal landscapes from high above is special, that’s right! Especially unique. Typically, if you have that spare money, definitely. And you love cool views, very rare stuff, and don’t mind about that price tag? Typically, do it, you probably won’t ever be sorry! If you are trying hard on saving a few dollars and not a fan of spending so much money, just a little, anyway, maybe like think about normal boat trips, perhaps? At the end of the day you definitely will have those choices tailored exactly based on your holiday expectations together alongside funds!