Top 6 Christchurch Helicopter Tours

1.Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · from $217Our pick

Fly from Christchurch Airport over the city, earthquake recovery zones, Lyttelton Harbour, Diamond Harbour, Port Hills, Sumner, and New Brighton. Your pilot provides live commentary, with a maximum of four passengers and seating assigned for aircraft balance.

“Disappointed with what we saw and flight time. Basically circled the city to the beach then back to the airport. Not much to see that you couldn’t do for cheaper in the gondola.”

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2.Christchurch: Helicopter Trial Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 1 hour · from $227Top rated

At Garden City Helicopters in Christchurch, you spend about an hour learning the basics, then take the controls for a 30-minute helicopter flight. An English-speaking instructor, including Matt on some flights, guides your take-off, hover, flight, and landing. Closed-toe shoes are required, and participants must be at least 14.

“Our 16-year-old recently did a flight experience and absolutely loved it! From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed by the receptionist and the helicopter pilot, which instantly made us feel comfortable and safe. The briefing was clear and informative, and they took the time to walk us through everything—from how things work to what to expect. We were given time for photos before the flight, which was a great touch. The actual flight was incredible, and getting a chance to try flying the helicopter made the experience even more rewarding. Highly recommend this experience—professional, exciting, and something our teen will never forget!”

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3.Christchurch: 20-Minutes City Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews

Take a small-group helicopter flight over Christchurch, the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Banks Peninsula, Lyttelton, and the coast. Your English-speaking local pilot points out landmarks and explains the city’s past and future. The flight carries up to six people and depends on suitable weather.

“geweldige vlucht.Het was voor ons de eerste keer in een Helikopter. de pilote was heel aardig en legde goed uit wat we allemaal zagen onder ons. Kort gezegd een fantastische ervaring 👍”

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4.Canterbury Winery Heli Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · from $577

Fly from Christchurch with Garden City Helicopters to Greystone or Black Estate in Waipara. Allow about three hours for the return flight and winery visit. Expect a small group, a safety briefing, a weight check, a short walk over uneven ground, and lunch with wine tasting.

“Truly exceptional and exquisite from start to finish. The helicopter company was super-friendly, responding to all my inquiries instantly. The helicopter facility at the airport is world-class. Our pilot Matt was friendly and masterful, and the viRead more”

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5.Christchurch Heli-Jet – Helicopter and Jet Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $291

From Garden City Helicopters’ base in Harewood, you’ll fly over Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains, land near the Waimakariri River, then take on the 20-minute Braided Blast jet boat ride before flying back. Expect a small group of up to six, licensed professionals, and weather-dependent fun.

“Felt like a rockstar getting choppered into the boats 😂 Beautiful seeing Christchurch from the sky The river is so clear and beautiful Would definitely do it again ❤️”

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6.Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $1,948

You’ll take a roughly 2.5-hour helicopter flight from Christchurch over the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, Mackenzie Country, Aoraki Mount Cook, and the Tasman Glacier. Your pilot provides live commentary, with a possible 20-minute alpine landing near Liebig Dome if weather and snow conditions allow.

“The folks at Garden City Helicopters provided the most amazing helicopter tour for us! We had a perfect weather day and breathtaking views on our ride from Christchurch, through the plains, across the Southern Alps to Mount Cook and bRead more”

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