10 Helicopter Tours in Christchurch That You Shouldn't Miss

It is only from the air that you can only appreciate the scale of Christchurch City's devastation and recovery following the 2010 earthquake. This 20-minute helicopter tour flies over the crumbled tower of Christchurch Cathedral, the new sports stadium and other signs of the city’s rebuilding as you listen to your pilot's commentary. Your 20-minute flight also takes you to the spectacularly scenic Banks Peninsula, then back toward Christchurch over the suburbs of Sumner and Redcliffs.

Inclusions: Live commentary from pilot

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Discover the highlights of New Zealand's South Island, from stunning glaciers to vast National Parks there's plenty to explore! Tour highlights include the world-famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train, a glacier Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools and an unforgettable day trip to Fiordland for a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. The perfect way to fit the best of the South Island into five day! This is an Independent coach tour, where you travel on a combination of touring coaches and sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour and different drivers. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Inclusions: Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicles, Return coach transport from Christchurch, Breif commentary on board coaches and tours, 4 nights accommodation, TranzApline Scenic Train, Franz Josef Heli Hike, Glacier Hot Pools, Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Exclusions: Meals unless specified, Pre and post tour accommodation, Gratuities, Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

Canterbury Winery Lunch Enjoy the thrill of a helicopter flight to one of our regions finest wineries for lunch and arrive like a rock star! no need to worry about drink driving. Be the envy of other guests as you arrive and depart in style. • Duration: 3 Hours (approx.)

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off by prior arrangement (selected hotels only), $50.00 voucher per person to be used at the winery

Exclusions: Lunch not included in price, but the voucher can be used towards this

Garden City Helicopters, Christchurch will help you to take control of your very own helicopter on a 30 minute trial helicopter flight with a qualified instructor at your side guiding you through the whole experience. Makes an excellent 'Life Experience' gift. Find out if you've got what it takes to fly helicopters - whether it's as the next step to a career or just for a unique flight experience • Duration: 1 Hours (approx.)

Inclusions: Headset to hear the pilot, Live commentary on board, Professional licenced CAA NZ instructor

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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 and home to the world's rarest dolphin. A helicopter flight takes just 15 minutes from Christchurch!

Inclusions: Live tour commentary provided in English

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be behind the controls of a helicopter? Our Introductory Trial Flight packages are great just for fun, or could be a first step towards discovering if this is a career for you. Fly with an instructor who will guide you through the take-off, flight, and landing phases of helicopter flight in one of our Guimbal Cabri Helicopters.

Inclusions: Certified tour guide and also tour driver.

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Discover Christchurch from a whole new perspective when you fly over the city. See the progress of the massive rebuild and the abandoned suburbs from the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Then on the way back head over Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour for a dramatic view of the port and coastline. Our pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks, including; Burnside Park, Lancaster Park, Sumner Cliffs and more. We have plenty to share with you and can’t wait for you to experience it.

Inclusions: Scenic flight

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Discover the picturesque Southern Alps, one of New Zealand's most iconic land features. Fly over the immense checkerboard of the Canterbury Plains, across the tresses of the braided Waimakiriri River and to the sheer sides of a steep gorge to touch down at Chest Peak. Sitting at just under 6,500ft, the peak dwarfs most other mountains in the region. Take in breathtaking, 360 degree vistas stretching from as far as the eye can see, including the Blockbuster backdrops of Castle Hill, the Lees Valley, Flock Hill Station and beyond. All our pilots proudly call Canterbury home and will share their wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes as you fly near their much-loved and noteworthy spots.

Inclusions: A landing on Chest Peak - one of the highest mountains in the Canterbury Region

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Fly over the city and explore Christchurch from new heights. See the progress of the massive rebuild and the abandoned suburbs from the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Swoop over Godley Heads and then up to Port Levy, the biggest Maori settlement in the Canterbury region during the 19th century. Then touch down next to Mt Herbert and enjoy breathtaking views of Lyttelton Harbour, originally formed by volcanoes six million years ago. Our pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks, including; Lancaster Park, Sumner Cliffs, Quail Island, Stone Well and more. We have plenty to share with you and can't wait for you to experience it.

Inclusions: Landing next to Mt Herbert

Exclusions:

Love is....in the Air 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.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Drinks