Experience Air Kaikōura : Witness majestic whales from skies or soar among the stunning mountain vistas.
Join our friendly team of experienced pilots for an unforgettable journey over the Kaikōura Sea Canyon, where you’ll witness the majestic Sperm whale from head to tail.
Thanks to the unique sea currents generated by the canyon, we boast a high success rate in spotting not just Sperm whales but also a diverse array of other whale and dolphin species.
Whale Watching Flights Kaikōura
Experience a breathtaking panoramic whale flight with unparalleled scenic views along the stunning Kaikōura coastline. Observe the magnificent Sperm whales in their natural habitat, gaining a true sense of their immense size from the air.
During your flight, you’ll have the chance to encounter the playful dusky dolphins and various marine life. After the whale sighting, we’ll treat you to a scenic flight over Kaikōura, featuring the snow-capped Seaward Kaikōura mountain range and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean to the east.
Air Kaikōura, a welcoming Aero Club, not only offers scenic flights but also provides flight training. Our pilots are certified flight instructors, and our team is dedicated to delivering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
While we can’t guarantee sightings, our remarkably high success rate and transparent assessment of your daily whale-spotting prospects make us your trusted choice.
Kaikōura Scenic & Charter Flights
Kaikōura – Mt Fyffe – Blue Duck Valley – Peninsula – Earthquake Scenic
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty and striking contrasts of Kaikōura, best appreciated from the vantage point of the sky. Explore the remarkable landscape where mountains embrace the sea, and marine life flourishes.
Soar above Mt Fyffe, high above the Kaikōura township, and take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Seaward Kaikōura mountain range and the serene Blue Duck Valley. On your journey back, keep an eye out for seals as we descend along the rugged Kaikōura coastline, featuring its black sand beaches and crashing white surf. You might even catch glimpses of vast schools of fish along the way. This is also an excellent opportunity to witness the changes in the landscape following the 7.8 earthquake of November 2016.
Choose from our Kaikōura scenic flights lasting 15, 25, or 35 minutes for this remarkable experience.
Flight Training Kaikōura
The Kaikōura Aero Club operates from its dedicated facility at the Kaikōura Airfield. Our Operations Manager, Murray Hamilton, is a full-time professional with a B-CAT instructor rating, and our instructors, Alex and Tim, hold their C-CAT instructor ratings.
Murray, Alex, and Tim receive invaluable support from Alistair Matthews, A CAT, Club Patron and Flight Examiner. We take pride in our small and friendly club, where all our pilots are either qualified instructors or actively working toward instructor qualifications.
Kaikōura boasts two active runways, one sealed (700m) and one grass (575m), providing students with the opportunity to gain experience on both surface types. Our training fleet includes two-seater and four-seater aircraft, featuring high-wing aircrafts.
Within just 15 minutes of flying, you’ll find mountains exceeding 8000 feet, offering an exceptional chance for students to experience terrain and mountain flying.
Our training fleet:
ZK-TUG – Aeropro Eurofox – A240
The newest aircraft in the fleet, built 2013 and purchased by us in 2016, TUG has a shiny new feel. Great fun to fly with digital instrumentation and 5 hours fuel endurance. A Light Sport Aircraft, so can be used to gain a PPL, CPL, Instructor rating, and can also be flown on a microlight licence.
ZK-JCT – Cessna 172 – C172
The Cessna 172 four seat aircraft with a 160 hp engine, cruises at 110 kts and is one of the most popular light aircraft in the world. A great choice if you’re wanting to step up from the two seater aircraft.
If you are interested in working towards your Private or Commercial Pilot Licence, we can help.
