Things to do in Canterbury Region, South Island: The Best Air Tours

Experience Kaikoura's mighty Sperm Whale, playful Dusky Dolphin and majestic scenery from above! Wings Over Whales Kaikoura conduct whale watching flights, scenic mountain tours and private charter. Endorsed by Qualmark New Zealand, our professional and experienced team will ensure you have a safe and comfortable flight. Passengers have their own window seat and our high-winged aircraft will allow you to enjoy unobstructed views of Kaikoura's marine wildlife and spectacular scenery. Wings Over Whales operate two aircraft; a 4-seater Cessna 172 as well as an 8-seater Gippsland Airvan. Wings Over Whales are situated at Kaikoura Airport, an 8km drive south from the town centre. Located in an inviting log cabin terminal, customers can enjoy great facilities with on-site gift shop, cafe and rest room facilities. In typical 30 minute flight you will see the majestic Sperm Whale preparing for his next dive and up to 500 Dusky Dolphins playfully swimming. Occasional sightings include Orca, Humpback,Pilot and the rare Blue Whale.

Exclusive to the Southern Hemisphere, Aoraki Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters is the only company to offer glacier landing flights in both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Experience the natural quiet of the Tasman Glacier and absorb the ever changing glacial landscape of the New Zealand Southern Alps. Aoraki Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters have been sharing the breathtaking scenery of the Southern Alps with travelers for 60 years. With snow present all year round, this impressive alpine environment creates an unforgettable adventure for people of all ages. Flights depart from Aoraki Mt Cook Airport, only a 5 minute drive from Aoraki Mt Cook Village. With our company base location within the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park it allows us to guarantee captivating scenery from the moment you board your flight. Experience the Ultimate Alpine Adventure with a Helicopter / Ski Plane Combo. For group bookings of 8 or more, fly half of your trip in a Helicopter and the other in a Ski Plane. Ideal for families and large group bookings. This Ultimate Alpine Adventure Combo is available in our entire range of scenic flight options at no additional cost. For climbers and skiers interested in transfers to the various hut locations within the Aoraki Mt Cook and Westland National Parks, we have both Ski Planes and Helicopters available for charter.

This premier Aoraki / Mount Cook flightseeing experience, 'The Grand Traverse' encompasses two World Heritage National Parks in a tour of 200kms amongst New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers. From the golden tussock lands, turquoise glacier lakes and huge glacial valleys of the Mackenzie Basin around Aoraki Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and the Tasman Glacier to the coastal plains of Westland and the dramatic icefalls of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Every passenger has a window seat and all aircraft have wings-above to ensure optimum viewing below. Pilots provide a full and informative commentary with multi language commentary brochures supplied. We also offer exciting helicopter flights from Tekapo with alpine landing and an incredible Combo Flightseeing Experience featuring the MacKenzie Explorer heli-flight plus Grand Traverse fixed wing. The best of both worlds!

Located on the Canterbury Plains halfway down New Zealand's South Island, the Canterbury Aero Club provides world class, professional flights in some of the worlds most stunning terrain. Canterbury Aero Club has a wide range of flight training experiences which offer the perfect way to experience the thrill of flight over Christchurch, Canterbury and New Zealand.

The South Canterbury Aero Clubs Commercial Division (South Canterbury Air) offer packaged scenic flights for you to choose from, or you can design your own. from the stunning coast line to Mount Cook and the ancient glaciers, Our aircraft is one of the most reliable models, the pilots are experienced and also work as flight instructors, to give you total piece of mind.

Canterbury Aviation is privately owned business, operating since 1998. Based at Christchurch International airport, our aircraft and business is certified by Civil Aviation – Air Operating Certificate 45781. Our pilots are experienced in mountain and scenic flying and promise you a professional, friendly and informative approach. Unlike other flightseeing companies, Canterbury Aviation has the experience and freedom to fly you off the beaten track. There’s not always a set itinerary and Canterbury Aviation are not an organised air safari tour company that has to comply to set arrangements, so be prepared to be amazed by New Zealand’s highest peaks, longest glaciers, the infamous aerial views and to undergo a real unique, authentic journey.​ Canterbury Aviation operates an immaculately maintained Cessna 185 with full intercoms and GPS navigation equipment. Satellite tracking equipment on board means aircraft movement is monitored in real time ensuring the very highest level of safety

Amazing Whale Flights / Spectacular Scenic Flights / Charter Flights / Pilot a Plane & Flight Training Experiences Air Kaikoura is Kaikoura's longest running aerial operator. We have been operating scenic flights and flight training for 30 years. Our spectacular whale flights give you the chance to see the mighty sperm whale, plus dusky dolphins, whilst taking in some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer. We have an excellent success rate and we’re really honest about your chances each day. Have you ever wanted to fly? We also offer pilot training beginning with a 25 minute trial flight, where you get hands on experience in our 2 seater aircraft, ZK-TUG, alongside a qualified flight instructor. You can even complete a full Private or Commercial Pilot Licence with us. With three commercial aircraft, private charter day trips to Nelson, Golden Bay, Mt Cook, Wellington are all possible too. We're a non profit community organisation - thank you for your support!

Air Rangitata offer you scenic flights and charters from our base in Mid Canterbury, 20km's north of Geraldine, in the heart of the South Island of New Zealand. Our high wing Cessna 206 aircraft has seating for five passengers and provides fantastic viewing and photo opportunities.Take a spectacular scenic flight to the destination of your choice, choose one of our set routes or take advantage of our charter service. Land in a remote valley for a picnic or to explore on foot. Let Arch show and tell you about such incredible sites as the breathtaking Southern Alps, Mt Cook National Park, Fiordland, Kaikoura, Marlborough Sounds, the West Coast glaciers, patchwork Canterbury Plains, and a multiplicity of braided river valleys and gorges that are unique to the South Island of New Zealand.Scenic flights - Set routes or tailored to your own adventure.Charter flights - Group travel for business, or link up with other operators or airports.Hunting & fishing - now you can experience New Zealands world class reputation.Special deals - join us on facebook to take advantage of discounts and special deals.Gift vouchers - the present your friends, family or staff will talk about for years.More about Air Rangitata:Air Rangitata is a family business run by Arch and Norma King from their home between Geraldine and Ashburton, Mid Canterbury. They offer flexibility with flights and times to suit you and specialise in providing the highest standard of comfort with a personal and friendly service.We have lived all our life in this area and offer a wide knowledge of its history. We love showing people our awesome country.Our Cessna 206 has seats for five passengers, with each person having great views and opportunities for spectacular photography. Our plane is fitted with individual headsets for talking amongst yourselves and to hear the pilots informative commentary. We operate in accordance with the Civil Aviation rules and regulations.Our location in the heart of Mid Canterbury is so close to the South Islands best attractions, which means you get to experience the amazing scenery as soon as the plane takes off. Arch has spent all his life in this region and is highly skilled at flying in this area.

Discover New Zealand's big mountain country & largest glacier at Mt Cook National Park - enjoy heli-hiking, snowshoeing or ice climbing adventures on the mighty Tasman Glacier with professional guides. We provide the highest level of safety. All of our guides are certified to guide you on the glacier through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association.

Come and fly a Boeing 737-800 flight simulator! We are the World Leader when it comes to Flight Simulator Entertainment. We are certified by the Australian Government for Pilot Training and are approved by Boeing as an 'Officially Licensed Product'. Flight Experience has 15 locations globally and we've flown over 180,000 satisfied clients.