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 – Alpine Helicopter Flight

South Island

Garden City Helicopters

from

AU$1627

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

A Spectacular Southern Alps Helicopter Experience

Lift off from Christchurch and head west toward the dramatic spine of the South Island — the Southern Alps. As you climb above the Canterbury Plains, the vast braided channels of the Waimakariri River unfold beneath you. This scenic helicopter experience showcases some of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine landscapes in just 1.5 unforgettable hours.

Your pilot guides you through the Waimakariri Gorge, past the limestone formations of Castle Hill — famously featured in The Chronicles of Narnia — and into the heart of Arthur’s Pass National Park. The flight concludes with a landing on a remote alpine summit, giving you time to step out, breathe in the mountain air and capture panoramic views.

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

Alpine Landing in Arthur’s Pass

Crossing Arthur’s Pass National Park, you’ll spot the historic TranzAlpine railway threading through tunnels and valleys below. The contrast of human engineering with the untamed wilderness is a sight few ever witness from above. Soon after, the helicopter makes its descent onto a secluded alpine summit, far removed from the world below.

On landing, the fresh alpine air and sweeping panoramas of snow-capped peaks create a moment of pure serenity. This remote setting is the perfect spot to capture photos that reflect the grandeur of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Combining adventure and tranquillity, the experience leaves every traveller with memories that will last forever.

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