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.
Price: $315 per person
Preferred Departure: 11:00 am & 1:00 pm
Duration: 20 minutes
There is no better way to see our beautiful and vibrant city than flying above it in the comfort of a Garden City Helicopter. Christchurch is known for its English heritage and fondly referred to as the Garden City due to its abundance of wide ranging parks and trees.
The lush banks of the serpentine Avon River and the beautiful botanical gardens are truly a delight to see from above.
Our expert pilots will inform and entertain you with all the latest facts and points of interest such as the Cathedral, new landmarks including the library and the vision for the future of this thriving city.
The next treat is the spectacular scenery of Banks Peninsula which is formed from three now dormant volcanoes, where you will also see the busy Port of Lyttelton.
On the return leg enjoy a bird’s eye view of the estuary and coastline before you return via the seaside suburbs of Sumner and Redcliffs.
Price: $735 per person
Departure: By arrangement
Duration: allow 3 hours
The locals will tell you that no trip to the Christchurch area can be complete without a visit to Akaroa, the jewel in Banks Peninsula’s crown.
The flight from Christchurch follows the spectacular rugged coastline until you head inland to Akaroa harbour and experience a sight that will take your breath away.
Lush forests and grassland run down the hillsides to the azure water of the endless bays, fed by the Pacific Ocean itself. It takes just 15 minutes to fly there as opposed to one and a half hours by road, so you won’t waste a second getting to this quaint seaside village.
Early French settlers gave Akaroa its heritage and distinct French feel that is reflected in the names of the streets and local bays. It boasts a number of excellent shops, cafés and restaurants to wander amongst at your leisure.
There are many wonderful attractions in Akaroa to explore making this the ultimate day trip, one that you don’t want to miss!
You could combine your trip with one of the many other optional activities available such as the award-winning Black Cat harbour cruise to see the Hectors dolphin – the rarest and smallest dolphin in the world.
Price: $1280 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.
Price: $2270 per person
Departure: By arrangement
Duration: allow 3 hours
One of our most memorable adventures is a helicopter flight to see the whales of Kaikoura.
Fly north from Christchurch following the pristine coastline with magnificent views of the Canterbury Plains and in the distance the spectacular Southern Alps.
After landing in Kaikoura you will be transferred to the Whale Watch helicopter team. Being airborne provides the ultimate vantage point to explore Kaikoura and its many natural wonders.
Experience the true scale and majesty of whales in their natural habitat, as your pilot gently manoeuvres the helicopter to maintain the best possible view.
The sight of a whale diving is something you will never forget, the huge tail rising high out of the water as it begins its decent to the heart of the ocean.
The large pods of dolphins will delight you as they play, jumping and spinning across the waves.
Explore the unique and rugged coastline, then fly in awe amongst the towering peaks of the Kaikoura seaward ranges.
After your flight, why not stop for a delicious fish & chip lunch, or experience fine dining at one of Canterbury’s award-winning wineries as an optional extra?
Price: $1775 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.