This tour begins with whale watching, when you head out over the Kaikōura Whale Sanctuary and Hikurangi Marine Reserve to view the incredible wildlife found in Kaikōura’s waters. Experience the magnificent sperm whale, which can be found here all year round. Kaikōura is also a migratory route for a variety of different whale and dolphin species.
After viewing the abundant marine life, your trip takes you north along the rugged Kaikōura coastline. During this trip you can see the incredible changes from the 2016 earthquake that occurred in Kaikōura. The shoreline lifted up to 6 meters in places, entire mountains moved, and fault lines run out into the sea.
Head into the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges for a landing at the turquoise waters of Hapuku Lake, which was created during the earthquake in 2016. Then we will fly you to the tops of the peaks for a second landing overlooking the ranges, Kaikōura Peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean.