1-Hour Private Heli-Picnic in Kaikoura: Mountain-top views

Fly to a secluded peak and picnic among the Kaikoura ranges

A 1-hour private helicopter tour from Kaikoura that includes a scenic flight into the Seaward Ranges, a secluded mountain-top landing, and a picnic of local cheeses and your choice of beverages. The pilot selects the landing site based on the day's weather and visibility. On clear days, views stretch north to Wellington and south to Banks Peninsula, with chances to spot Hector Dolphins and NZ Fur seals along the coast on the return flight.

The experience

The helicopter departs from the Kaikoura helipad and climbs into the Seaward Ranges on a scenic route that follows the lower mountain levels. Your pilot provides live commentary throughout the flight. They know the local area in detail and can answer questions through your headset. The flight path is designed to give you unobstructed views of the rugged coastline and the ranges themselves, with the pilot choosing the best route based on weather conditions on the day.

You land at a secluded site selected for its views and safety. The picnic spread includes locally made cheeses, nibbles, and your choice of beverage: beer, bubbles, or other options. This is where you settle in to take in the 360-degree panorama: the Kaikoura township below, the coastline stretching in both directions, and the mountain ranges surrounding you. The peaceful setting makes it a natural moment to linger, whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply soaking in the scale of the landscape.

After your picnic, the flight back to the helipad keeps the coast in view. Native Hector Dolphins, NZ Fur seals, and large schools of fish are often visible from the air on the return. The entire experience (flight, landing, picnic and return) fits within the hour. Weather determines whether the tour runs, so you'll need to reconfirm 24 hours before departure by phone.

What’s included

• Scenic helicopter flight into the Kaikoura Seaward Ranges.
• private secluded mountain-top landing site.
• picnic of locally made cheeses, nibbles and your choice of beverage.
• headset with microphone for clear communication with the pilot throughout the flight.
• live pilot commentary on the local area and wildlife.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 11:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kaikoura Helicopters

Is this one for you?The full experience (flight, landing, picnic and return) takes one hour, leaving the rest of your day free to explore Kaikoura township or the wider South Island. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and the tour suits all fitness levels. Let the operator know of any dietary requirements when you book.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the mountain-top picnic?

The picnic features locally made cheeses, a nibbles platter of local cuisine, and your choice of beverage: beer, bubbles, or other options you can request when you book.

Can I see wildlife on this helicopter tour?

On the return flight along the coast, you often spot native Hector Dolphins, NZ Fur seals, and large schools of fish from the air. The pilot keeps an eye out and points them out during the flight.

How does the pilot choose where to land?

The pilot selects the landing site on the day based on weather conditions and visibility. This means you always land where the views are finest and conditions are safest for the picnic.

What can I see from the mountain-top picnic site?

On a clear day, the 360-degree views take in the Kaikoura township and Peninsula, the coastline stretching north toward Wellington and south to Banks Peninsula, and the Seaward Ranges surrounding you.

Is this tour affected by weather?

Yes, the tour is weather dependent. You'll need to reconfirm your booking 24 hours before departure by calling the operator to confirm the flight is running.