Kaikoura Helicopters Helijet

If you cannot see the departure time you would prefer, please email info@kaikourahelicopters.com or call us on +64 3 319 6609 for more availability.

Departing from Kaikoura Helicopters stunning beachfront helipads, look back upon the township that is wedged between the South Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura ranges. Experience a bird’s eye view of the dramatic landscape as you head over the Kaikoura peninsula and track south along the coastline. Keep an eye out over the ocean as the area is known for Sperm Whales, sometimes seen close to the shoreline. 

Look down on the winding road through the Hundalees Hills and over the local winery of Mt Beautiful Vineyard, to then land at the river and board your jet boat. 

Travel up the stunning Hurunui River gorge on a 30-minute return trip with Energy Jet, which is owned and operated by Tim Loughnan, a fifth-generation sheep and beef farmer in the area. 

Tim expertly navigates Energy Jet's late model Kwikkraft jetboat through shallow river braids and dramatic canyons at heart-pumping speeds, with 360-degree spins and drifts thrown in for good measure. 

Enjoy commentary from Tim about the interesting history of the Hurunui River and North Canterbury as you occasionally pause to soak in your surroundings.

The Hurunui River is the smallest volume river commercially jet boated in Canterbury. This results in a stunning combination of shallow river braids, beautiful canyons, and large boulder fields that you will experience on every energizing trip. Experience all that the beautiful Hurunui has to offer with Energy Jet.

On completion of your jet boat experience, board your helicopter for the return flight north via the Hurunui River mouth and along the coast to Kaikoura.

The aircraft used is at the discretion of Kaikōura Helicopters.

This trip is for persons aged 5 years and older only.

Weather dependent

Minimum per person fares is required for flights to depart, or why not choose to private charter the helicopter for guaranteed departure.

Please dress warmly for your journey with us. Your journey may be windy and cold.

We recommend wearing 2 warm layers on top, a jacket, sunglasses, a hat, and don't forget your camera. 

You will be supplied with a Lifejacket, Waterproof Spray Jacket, Sunscreen, and Gloves.

You will receive a helicopter and jet boat safety briefing before departing on either craft. Energy Jet complies with the New Zealand Maritime standards in both driver training and boat maintenance

There are no toilets at the river, please make sure to use the toilets before you depart in helicopter. 

Kaikōura Helicopters supports Project Jonah, a registered charity existing for one simple reason – to help marine mammals in desperate need. Their vision is to create a world where these animals are respected and protected. Project Jonah has pioneered whale rescue techniques and has shared this technology and expertise with the rest of the world. Kaikoura Helicopters
actively supports Project Jonah with funding and welcomes our guests to have the option to donate as well when paying for their helicopter trip. Thank you. https://www.projectjonah.org.nz/

Prices increase yearly on the 1st September until the 31st August

Kaikōura Helicopters is a division of GCH Aviation - A New Zealand family-owned and operated premier aviation operator serving all aspects of luxury tourism transfers, private jet charters, air ambulance, and helicopter rescue services.