Top Things to do in Canterbury Region
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The 10 Best Helicopter Tours in Canterbury Region, South Island
Christchurch, the Garden City, and the Canterbury region are the perfect destination for daredevils. From northern Kaikoura to Waimate in the south, Canterbury is an adventure sports paradise. Hangliding, helibiking, bungee jumping, snowboarding, jetboating, rafting and skydiving get the adrenaline going. Golfing, flightseeing, swimming with dolphins and soaking in thermal pools are more laid-back temptations. Christchurch, a city of parks and gardens, is the countrys third largest urban area.
Restaurants in Canterbury Region
1. Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
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
Reviewed By KeaMite
It was a 50th Birthday surprise for my partner. She loved it, had an excellent time and the whole experience was professional from the start. Special mention to the pilots, Jono and Matt. The hosts at Middle Rock Station were great too. Worth every penny!
2. Premier Helicopter Whale Watch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Soar above it all on our longest and most exclusive helicopter tour for an unforgettable adventure viewing amazing wildlife and scenery. This 60 minute trip over stunning Kaikoura takes in ocean and mountains in a one of a kind adventure that has you orbiting sperm whales and viewing marine life, then heading to the mountains for an alpine landing for the chance to walk around for incredible views in a remote and rugged location. Slowly orbit and view the entire whale on this extended tour with Kāikoura's only locally owned and operated helicopter company.
Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight to view whales and other wildlife, Alpine landing high in the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges, with snow landing during winter season, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly during your flight, Live commentary from our pilots, Round-trip transfer to and from town available, contact the reservations team to organise
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By janetd17
A wonderful trip to Mt Fyffe for the two boys. It was the highlight of their holiday. We went out over the ocean and spotted a pod of dolphins before flying over the hills. Beautiful views from the top
3. Trial Flight
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Donotaskmeforopinion
Thanks to Jess for arranging the 2 combined flights. Jess went out of her way to make sure we got the best experience. We combined the Akaroa & Banks Peninsula with the Southern Alps which was breath taking. What topped the experience off was that we had Richie McCaw as our pilot. One of the nicest guys I have ever meet. Thanks again for a great experience Jess and Richie. Hamish and Karen.
4. Southern Alps Taster
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
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
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 11joannan
We had booked for a morning flight but the weather didn’t play the game. Jess was brilliant at keeping us informed and came up with a new plan. We were extra lucky to have a ex rugby All Black captain as our pilot. Thanks so much for the flight.
5. Single Crater & Mt Herbert
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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:
Reviewed By Donotaskmeforopinion
Thanks to Jess for arranging the 2 combined flights. Jess went out of her way to make sure we got the best experience. We combined the Akaroa & Banks Peninsula with the Southern Alps which was breath taking. What topped the experience off was that we had Richie McCaw as our pilot. One of the nicest guys I have ever meet. Thanks again for a great experience Jess and Richie. Hamish and Karen.
6. Franz Josef Mountain Scenic Helicopter Flight
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Experience two of New Zealand's finest National Parks, divided by the imposing Southern Alps. Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfields with a helicopter landing at around 2134 meters (7000 feet). Learn about the stunning landscape as your professional pilot delivers an informative commentary en route. You'll walk along the Main Divide for fantastic views of the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki (Mount Cook) before heading back down towards the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.
Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes), Live commentary on board, Pilot guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature
Reviewed By heatherfs2019
Helicopter Line had great reviews compared to their competitors sp we chose them for the heli hike at Franz Josef. Everything was well orgabised and we got in the helicopter in no time. The sky was blue and made for a magnificent flight up the glacier. We got underway and got to experience and see some beautiful scenery. Pictures do not do it justice! Highly recommend!
7. 45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 17 reviews
Join this 45-minute Helicopter scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for a helicopter tour like no other! Sit back, relax, and soak in the breathtaking views from the moment you’re airborne. Experience everything Mt Cook National Park has to offer. Glacier landing (10-15 minutes) on the Tasman Glacier, fly to the top of the Tasman Glacier Check in closes 45 minutes to the flight time
Inclusions: Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Live commentary on board
Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Reviewed By Nicholas Y
There is no scenic flight in New Zealand which matches the awesomeness of the flight around the glaciers including landing on a glacier. If you were to choose one scenic flight to do in New Zealand, this is the one. Make sure you put it high on your bucket list as you won't regret it. The staff are very friendly, helpful, skilful and knowledgeable. The experience takes you so close to the Southern Alps; in particular Aoraki Mount Cook itself. You feel as though you could reach out and touch it. The manouevrability of the Pilatus PC-6 is amazing. The magic happens when you land on the glacier in a plane - the landing is so smooth you don't even know you've touched down - the only way of knowing you've touched down on the glacier is by looking at the snow/ice spray from the skis. Whichever glacier you end up landing on, it will be extraordinary experience. Paying a little extra for a view of the West Coast glaciers and the chance of landing on the Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers if conditions are suitable is worth it in my view. Even if it's overcast (if the cloud ceiling is above the mountains), it'll be worth it. Don't forget your sunglasses and even sunscreen as the glacier reflects everything back onto you from all angles. I'd do it again in a heartbeat, no doubt about it.
8. Fox Glacier and Mount Cook Helicopter Flight
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 21 reviews
Depart Fox Glacier Village, fly over the legendary Fox Glacier and snowfields and watch the crevasses and ice forms race by below you. Land in the snow above the icefalls of the glacier and experience the magnitude of the scenery surrounding you. Then let the impressive presence of Aoraki (Mount Cook) amaze you as you explore it's majestic west face, before descending down into the valleys below.
Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 -10 minutes), Live commentary on board, Pilot guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By heatherfs2019
Helicopter Line had great reviews compared to their competitors sp we chose them for the heli hike at Franz Josef. Everything was well orgabised and we got in the helicopter in no time. The sky was blue and made for a magnificent flight up the glacier. We got underway and got to experience and see some beautiful scenery. Pictures do not do it justice! Highly recommend!
9. Mount Cook and The Glaciers Helicopter Flight
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 90 reviews
Our premier flight over the Mt Cook National Park and its vast glaciers and snowfields. See the ancient waters of the Tasman Glacier lake before flying the length of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Experience what it feels like to stand in snow amongst the mountains as you take in a spectacular view of New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook during your snow landing. Cross to the West Coast and view the formidable Franz Josef and Fox glaciers before completing your journey with uninterrupted views of the summit ridge of Aoraki/Mt Cook.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes), Pilot guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature
Reviewed By rishayals
A truly magical and unforgettable experience! We did the heli hike with Scott who was the best guide we could have asked for. He was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything and show us how to use the crampons and walk on the glacier. We were lucky enough to see some amazing ice caves which Scott took us through. One of us got a bit claustrophobic so Scott took her in separately afterwards so she could see as well. The helicopter pilot was also amazing with a super smooth ride. We were the only ones on the tour as well. Absolute value for money, you won’t regret it. Highly recommend!!
10. Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight departing Fox Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 15 reviews
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of New Zealand largest glaciers. From above you can view and appreciate the incredible natural phenomenon, towering ice formations and vast size of the glaciers. Top it off with a snow landing and standing on the ancient ice of the glaciers. You’ll also fly over the Tasman Glacier on the eastern side of the Southern Alps and close to Mount Cook/Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak.
Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5-10 minutes), Live commentary on board, Professional guide, GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature
Reviewed By heatherfs2019
Helicopter Line had great reviews compared to their competitors sp we chose them for the heli hike at Franz Josef. Everything was well orgabised and we got in the helicopter in no time. The sky was blue and made for a magnificent flight up the glacier. We got underway and got to experience and see some beautiful scenery. Pictures do not do it justice! Highly recommend!
