Seaward Ranges Flight Adventure with Air Kaikoura Aero Club
Difficulty
easy
Duration
35 minutes flight time; full experience approx. 1 hour
Fitness Level
No physical exertion required; suitable for all fitness levels
Overview
Take to the skies with Air Kaikoura Aero Club for an unforgettable 35-minute scenic flight showcasing the seaward Kaikoura ranges and the striking Kaikoura Peninsula. Witness earthquake-altered landscapes and native wildlife from a breathtaking vantage point.
The seaward ranges extended scenic flight – 35 minutes
All ages • 1hr total • 35min flight time • Birds eye view of the Kaikoura Peninsula
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About This Adventure
Enjoy a panoramic scenic flight, with stunning scenic views of the seaward Kaikoura ranges and a birds eye view of the Kaikoura Peninsula
Duration
35 Minutes (approx.) Allow for 1hour total.
About
Departing from the Kaikoura airport you will fly past the back of Mt. Fyffe, over lake Hapuku and past Mt. Alexander. Descending south of the Clarence river mouth, you will then fly along the northern coastline to view the location of the major 2016 earthquake damage. Your pilot will then fly around the Kaikoura peninsula before returning to the airport.
Enjoy a panoramic scenic flight, with stunning scenic views of the seaward Kaikoura ranges and a birds eye view of the Kaikoura Peninsula.
After take-off, We will climb to approximately 6000 feet to fly past the back of mount Fyffe for some true mountain flying. You might see fresh snow, a waterfall or a wild deer if you have sharp vision. Next, we will overfly Lake Hapuku, which is a direct result of the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. Then, we will set heading for Mt. Alexander Just south of the famous Clearance river. Your pilot will then descend along the black sandy beaches towards the Kaikoura peninsula. You will get an excellent view of the location of the major landslides that occurred in the 2016 Earthquake. Look for surfers while you overfly the famous mangamaunu surf break before flying around the Kaikoura peninsula. Here you get to see that it is dotted with resident seals. You will get a great appreciation of the scale of the limestone uplift that is also a result of 2016 earthquake.
More information
Weather permitted, we can guarantees a flight with a minimum of two passengers. There is an option to extend your flight to give you the best chance to see the whales. Our whale watching fleet includes our newest addition, the 8 seater GA-8 Airvan, a high wing aircraft perfect for scenic flights. We use our Cessna 172 4 seater aircraft for smaller groups.
Adventure Tips
Book in Advance for Best Availability
Flights require a minimum of two passengers and can fill quickly during peak seasons, so plan ahead.
Bring Binoculars to Spot Wildlife
Enhanced optics help catch glimpses of wild deer on Mt. Fyffe and seals along the peninsula below.
Weather Can Impact Visibility
Cloud cover and wind affect flight schedules and sightseeing quality; flexibility helps.
Dress in Layers
Temperatures can be cooler at altitude; layering ensures comfort during the flight.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- New Zealand fur seals
- Wild stag deer around Mt. Fyffe
History
The landscape dramatically changed during the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake, uplifting limestone formations and creating new lakes.
Conservation
Air Kaikoura Aero Club emphasizes sustainable operations and respectful wildlife viewing to minimize environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Christchurch
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Layered Clothing
Adjusts for fluctuating temperatures during the flight.
Binoculars
Helpful for spotting distant wildlife and geological features.
Sunglasses
Protects eyes from glare during sunny aerial views.
summer specific
Camera
Captures panoramic shots of mountains, coastline, and wildlife.