Wings Over Whales Kaikoura
from NZD$165.00
About
Description
While you are in New Zealand head for Kaikoura and go whale watching....by aeroplane! It's the best way to view whales and mountains while in New Zealand.
In a typical 30 minute flight you will see the majestic Sperm Whale preparing for his next dive and up to 500 Dusky Dolphins playfully swimming. Occasional sightings include Southern Right, Humpback, Fin, Sei, Brydes, Pilot, Southern Bottlenose and Blue Whales. Other, less frequent, visitors to the area include Common, Hectors, Risso's and Southern Right Whale Dolphins, and Orca.
Flying over Kaikoura Peninsula, you can see evidence of Maori fortifications (Pa sites), the township of Kaikoura and New Zealand Fur Seals relaxing on the rocks.
During favourable conditions, passengers can enjoy a spectacular flight over the 2800m high Seaward Kaikoura Ranges.
Wings over Whales has a sighting rate in excess of 95% for Sperm whales and provide comfortable flights with experienced pilots giving an informative in-flight commentary, all at a reasonable cost.
The Whales in Kaikoura
Sperm Whales are so prolific around Kaikoura because of a deep sea trench - the Hikorangi Trench - that is generally about 3,000ft (1,000 m) deep, although it reaches about 6,000ft (2,000 m) in some areas. The shape of this trench, combined with the predominance of Northerly and Southerly tides in the area, ensures that there is an ample supply of Squid, Groper, Ling and Shark, the whales' main food sources.
The aircraft
Wings Over Whales' fleet of aircraft includes a 4-seater Cessna 172 as well as an 8-seater Gippsland Aeronautics Airvan. Both aircraft have high wings and with each passenger getting a window seat this allows for unobstructed panoramic views of the sea and mountains.
Trip Includes
- Optional transfers ($5 per person) from Kaikoura township
- Safety briefing and short history of the region and whales
- 30 minute scenic plane flight & whale watching
Duration
- Allow 1 hour including transfers from Kaikoura township
Departures
- Departs every hour on the hour between 9am & 4pm
- Departs from Kaikoura airport which is located 7kms from town
Other Information
- Children under 3 years that do not require a seat travel free
- A shuttle service between Kaikoura Township and the airport is available for passengers for $5 per person each way
- After the flight relax in the log terminal or have a drink in the upstairs lounge looking over the sea and local mountains