Helicopter Adventures Across Canterbury’s Alpine Peaks and Coastal Views
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Canterbury, New Zealand, from a truly unique perspective—with a scenic heli flight over one of the country’s most diverse landscapes. Departing from key locations such as Christchurch, Kaikoura, Lake Tekapo, Twizel, and Aoraki Mount Cook, these flights showcase everything from braided rivers and alpine peaks to coastal cliffs and glacial valleys. With panoramic views and expert commentary, helicopter tours offer an unforgettable way to explore this vast region in style.
One of the standout experiences is the "World in a Day" heli tour from Christchurch, which sweeps across the Canterbury Plains and Rangitata Gorge, soars above Lake Tekapo, and finishes with a dramatic flyover of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier. Meanwhile, coastal flights from Kaikoura provide the rare opportunity to spot sperm whales and dolphins from the sky—an exhilarating way to experience New Zealand’s marine life and rugged east coast.
Canterbury, New Zealand Heli Flights: Glacier Landings, Alpine Views & Once-in-a-Lifetime Combos
Heli flights from Twizel and Lake Tekapo often focus on the Southern Alps, offering spectacular glacier landings, snowfield adventures, and the chance to see Mount Cook up close. These flights combine alpine grandeur with flexibility—whether you’re after a short scenic loop or a longer trip with on-glacier time for photos and exploration. In winter, the snow-covered peaks are especially stunning, creating a breathtaking white canvas beneath you.
Looking for something even more memorable? Many operators offer heli-jetboat combos, landing near rivers such as the Waimakariri for a high-speed thrill, or heli-wine tours that touch down at top North Canterbury vineyards for tastings and gourmet lunches. For aspiring pilots, trial flights from Christchurch let you take the controls and experience Canterbury’s diverse terrain from the cockpit—an unforgettable way to see the region from above.
