Scenic helicopter flight from ChristchurchAerial views of Canterbury PlainsWaimakariri Gorge and Castle Hill flyoverRemote alpine summit landingPilot commentaryOptional Add-onAlpine picnic lunch (available on request; dietary requirements must be advised)

Important Information

Helicopter type may varyPrice per person (ages 3+); Infants 0–2 years travel free on a fare-paying adult’s lapDress warmly for alpine conditionsFlights operate subject to weather

Overview Pricing

Southern Alps Explorer – Helicopter Flight from Christchurch

South Island

Garden City Helicopters

from

AU$1698

per person

Helicopter soaring through snowy mountain peaks near Mount Cook

Experiences

Helicopter Scenic Flights

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Christchurch Airport

Location: Christchurch

Duration: 1.5 hours

Explore New Zealand's Southern Alps on a 1.5-hour scenic helicopter tour departing from Christchurch Airport. Fly over the Canterbury Plains, Waimakariri Gorge, Castle Hill and Arthur's Pass National Park, with a remote alpine summit landing and pilot commentary included. Flights operate subject to weather, with departure frequency and landing duration confirmed when booking. Ideal for couples, families and adventure seekers, with a minimum of two participants required.

Discover the Southern Alps from Above

Take off from Christchurch and soar west across the Canterbury Plains, following the braided waters of the Waimakariri River towards the towering Southern Alps. Fly through the dramatic Waimakariri Gorge and admire the remarkable limestone formations of Castle Hill, a filming location for The Chronicles of Narnia. As you continue into Arthur's Pass National Park, enjoy spectacular views of rugged mountain peaks, deep valleys and the famous TranzAlpine railway winding through the alpine landscape. Your experienced pilot will share fascinating commentary about the region's natural landmarks along the way.

One of the highlights of your journey is a landing on a remote alpine summit, where you can step outside and take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Capture unforgettable photographs of the Southern Alps and experience the remarkable beauty of this secluded mountain setting. For an extra-special experience, an alpine picnic lunch can be arranged on request. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to discover Canterbury's dramatic alpine scenery, this helicopter adventure offers a memorable perspective on New Zealand's South Island.

Frozen lakes nestled among snowy mountain ranges on a winter helicopter flight in the Southern Alps

View from inside the helicopter cockpit flying over Canterbury during Southern Alps Explorer tour

Aerial view of Castle Hill Basin and rugged alpine gorge on Southern Alps Explorer flight

Garden City Helicopters aircraft flying through the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps

Snow-covered peaks of the Southern Alps with braided river plains viewed from helicopter

Aerial view of Arthur’s Pass with braided river weaving through the Canterbury landscape

Striking limestone rock formations at Castle Hill viewed from the Southern Alps Explorer helicopter tour

Crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by mountains on the Southern Alps Explorer helicopter tour

Remote alpine landing area nestled among rocky peaks on Southern Alps Explorer helicopter flight

Aerial view of the Canterbury Plains with farmland stretching to the horizon

Wide landscape view of the Torlesse Range with native scrub and mountain backdrop in Canterbury

Abstract aerial view of the braided Waimakariri River winding through Canterbury

Aerial view of Waimakariri River braided channels and Southern Alps

Aerial view of a braided river feeding into a turquoise lake with snow-capped mountains in the distance

Turquoise waters of the Waimakariri River flowing through rocky riverbeds surrounded by mountains

Scenic helicopter flight from Christchurch
Aerial views of Canterbury Plains
Waimakariri Gorge and Castle Hill flyover
Remote alpine summit landing
Pilot commentary

Optional Add-on

Alpine picnic lunch (available on request; dietary requirements must be advised)

Helicopter type may vary
Price per person (ages 3+); Infants 0–2 years travel free on a fare-paying adult’s lap
Dress warmly for alpine conditions
Flights operate subject to weather

More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**
Within 24 hours: No refund

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.