Christchurch Helicopter Tours — Scenic Flights
Updated: 10th October 2025
Christchurch Helicopter Tours — Scenic Flights
Christchurch City, Banks Peninsula & the Southern Alps
Looking for exciting things to do in Christchurch? Join New Zealand’s most experienced and trusted Helicopter operators – Garden City Helicopters on an adventure of a lifetime to discover the very best scenery Christchurch and Canterbury has to offer.
There are very few places in the world with as much diversity in landscapes on their doorstep as Christchurch, only a short flight in virtually any direction will put you over snow covered mountains, lush pasture farmland, rivers, lakes, rugged coastlines or major metropolitan cities.
Choose one of our numerous helicopter adventure packages including a city sights tour of Christchurch’s changing landscape, lunch at a vineyard or our popular Love is in the Air flight to capture those magic memories with someone special.
A 20 minute flight over Christchurch City, the picturesque harbour of Lyttelton and stunning bays is the ultimate scenic tour in Christchurch giving you the best perspective of this beautiful part of New Zealand.
Fly from Christchurch to Kaikoura for the ultimate whale watching experience ever! Year round spectacular views of this rich marine environment and awe inspiring surrounding scenery is breathtaking.
Akaroa is the jewel in Canterbury’s crown, a gorgeous little French inspired sea-side village full of wonderful shops, restaurants and cafe’s to explore.
Want to propose or simply impress someone with a truly magical experience they will never forget? A helicopter flight from Christchurch to the city’s highest peak offers inspirational scenery and awesome photo opportunities.
Fly to the magnificent Southern Alps for the best mountain experience in New Zealand, breathe in the fresh mountain air and capture the magnificent scenery. Optional lunch stop at a high country station.
Christchurch's Scenic Helicopter Flight Options:
City Scenic Helicopter Flight
Price: $330 per person
Preferred Departure: 11:00 am & 1:00 pm
Duration: 20 minutes
Lift above Christchurch for a smooth loop over the Garden City. Trace the serpentine Avon River and the Botanic Gardens, then sweep past the city centre—Cathedral site, the new library and other revitalised landmarks—while your pilot shares local insight.
Continue to Banks Peninsula for volcanic ridges and the busy Port of Lyttelton before curving back along the estuary and coastline. Finish with coastal views over Sumner and Redcliffs on approach to base.
A concise, photo-friendly sampler of city, coast and hills—ideal for first-timers or a quick, unforgettable escape.
Scenic Helicopter Flight To Akaroa
Price: $775 per person
Departure: By arrangement
Duration: allow 3 hours
Trade the road for a 15-minute flight to the jewel of Banks Peninsula. Follow rugged coastline to Akaroa Harbour, where forested slopes and pocket bays spill into azure water.
Touch down with time to wander the historic French-influenced village—boutiques, cafés and waterfront strolls—or add an optional activity such as the award-winning Black Cat cruise to see rare Hector’s dolphins.
Your pilot’s commentary brings the region’s volcanic story to life, and the return route delivers wide harbour and ocean vistas. A relaxed half-day pairing scenic flying with free time in Akaroa.
Love is in the Air
Price: $1345 per couple
Departure: By arrangement
Duration: allow 30 minutes
Do you want to propose to the love of your life, or treat someone special to an experience they will never forget? Then this is the perfect way to do it! You will fly over Christchurch and soon understand why it is affectionately known as the Garden City, with a multitude of parks appearing beneath you.
Views of the lush banks of the Avon River and the beautiful botanical gardens make Christchurch truly a delight to see from above.
Then it’s on to the beautiful Port Hills to land on Mt Herbert the area’s highest peak, which rises on the southern side of the crater rim of Lyttelton Harbour.
From the summit you will enjoy spectacular 360 degree views encompassing Governors Bay and Quail Island as well as the Canterbury Plains and the majestic Southern Alps. Or we could fly you to a stunning secluded bay in the Banks Peninsula not accessible by road.
Whichever location you choose you can enjoy a complementary glass of sparkling wine in an intimate, relaxing environment while you take in the beautiful views.
If you want to make the experience truly special we can arrange to have a picnic ready for you as an optional extra.
The Southern Alps Explorer
Price: $1860 per person
Departure: By arrangement
Duration: allow 1.5 hours
After take-off you will begin to see the vast tapestry that is the Canterbury Plains and in the distance your destination, the majestic Southern Alps.
Your pilot will guide you along the beautiful braided Waimakariri River, over the dramatic gorge and past Castle Hill, a film location of the first Narnia film.
From here you will pick up the route of the historic Tranz Alpine railway through to the upper reaches of the river and into the epic Arthur’s Pass National Park.
Experience spectacular mountain scenery, then land on a nearby summit and breathe in the fresh alpine air as you capture those precious moments on camera.
As an optional extra, stop off at a high country sheep station for lunch and enjoy some real New Zealand hospitality. Allow 1.5 hours. Allow more time if you are stopping for lunch.
Fly To Kaikoura To See The Whales
Price: $2575 per person
Departure: 10 am & 2 pm
Duration: allow 3 hours
Lift north from Christchurch along the coastline with sweeping views of the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Touch down in Kaikōura and transfer to the whale-watch helicopter team for the ultimate vantage point above the deep offshore canyon.
From the air, your pilot maneuvers smoothly for respectful, unhurried viewing—watch for the signature tail-fluke as a sperm whale dives and keep an eye out for seasonal visitors like humpbacks and orca. Large pods of dolphins often steal the show, surfing and spinning beside the aircraft.
After your whale circuit, trace the rugged peninsula and the Seaward Kaikōura Ranges before turning for home. Optional add-ons include a classic fish-and-chips stop in town or a winery lunch in North Canterbury (on request).
A streamlined half-day that combines a scenic transit with premium aerial wildlife viewing—and views you simply can’t get from the water.
Whales + Heli Gourmet experience
Price: $2070 per Couple
Departure: 11:00 am
Duration: allow 3 hours
Begin with an aerial whale search over Kaikōura’s canyon, then track west across the coastline and inland over the Kaikōura flats.
Your pilot points out earthquake-formed landslides and fault lines from 2016, plus red-deer or chamois if spotted, before a remote alpine landing to step out, breathe the mountain air and capture wide-angle photos of the Seaward Ranges.
Reboard and descend along the Hapuku River to Hapuku Lodge, where a three-course à la carte lunch awaits in the lodge restaurant (dietaries by prior notice). After lunch, lift off for a coastal finale past reefy bays and turquoise shallows, returning to the beachfront helipads at Kaikōura.
This relaxed, food-forward variant blends wildlife, a short alpine landing and a destination dining stop—ideal for special occasions or guests who want a touch of indulgence alongside their whale watching.
FAQ: Christchurch Helicopter Scenic Flights
What are the scenic helicopter flight options available in Christchurch?
Choose from city scenic loops, flights to Akaroa, whale watching in Kaikōura, the Southern Alps Explorer, and romantic options like Love is in the Air—each with unique views of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula and the Alps.
How long does a typical helicopter scenic flight in Christchurch last?
Most flights run from about 20 minutes up to around 3 hours, depending on the tour selected and whether landings or lunch stops are included.
How much do Christchurch helicopter scenic flights cost?
Guide pricing ranges from about $330 per person for a 20-minute city scenic flight, to around $2,575 per person for the Kaikōura whale experience, and about $1,860 per person for the Southern Alps Explorer. Actual pricing depends on the exact tour and date.
Can I customize my helicopter tour in Christchurch?
Yes. Many tours are flexible for preferred departure times, scenic routing and add-ons such as picnic stops, proposal setups or winery/lodge lunches—ask when booking.
What can I expect to see on a helicopter flight over Christchurch?
Expect aerial views of the Avon River and Botanic Gardens, the revitalised city centre, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour, plus coastal bays, nearby mountains, Akaroa Harbour and on clear days the Southern Alps.
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