Garden City Helicopters

Garden City Helicopters has been flying sightseers around the South Island for over 30 years.  Their state of the art fleet offers guests comfort, speed and mouthwatering panoramas of some of the most beautiful landscape on the planet.

Choose from a wide variety of tours, from short city hops to adventure trips and stunning scenic excursions.

Christchurch City Scenic Flight:  Witness the regeneration of this resilient city from a bird's eye view on this 20-minute tour. Along with city sights, you'll see the spectacular scenery of Banks Peninsula, the busy Port of Lyttelton and the seaside resorts of Sumner and Redcliffs.

Canterbury Winery Lunch:  A three-hour indulgent wine-tasting jaunt to one of Canterbury's award-winning vineyards.  Land on the lawn and get treated to a gourmet lunch, as well as the chance to sample some excellent New Zealand vintages.

Love Is In The Air:  This hour-long trip whisks you and a loved one over Christchurch in your private helicopter, then it’s on to the beautiful Port Hills to land on Mt Herbert, the area’s highest peak.  Enjoy a complementary glass of sparkling wine in an intimate, relaxing environment while you take in the beautiful views.

Akaroa:  Fly over 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, to the azure water of the endless bays fed by the Pacific Ocean itself.  Explore the beautiful town of Akaora or let us book you on one of the many award-wining tours. This 3 hour trip promises to enchant and seduce you. 

Heli-Jet:  Enjoy views of Christchurch City and the spectacular Southern Alps before your helicopter pilot whisks you away on a flight to the banks of the Waimakariri River. You'll then join a jet boat tour for a 20-minute adrenalin rush.

Kaikoura Whales:  This famous east coast town brings whale watchers from all over the world to see the wealth of marine life frolicking in the ocean.  Besides the whales, you'll also see penguins, dolphins and seals on this 3-hour adventure; a real feast for animal lovers.

Southern Alps Explorer:  A breathtaking ride over mountains, rivers, glaciers and gorges, this 2 hour trip takes in the natural wonders of Arthur's Pass National Park.  Land on a mountain top, or take lunch in a high country lodge.

Aoraki Mount Cook:  Marvel at the 28 peaks which make up the spine of the Southern Alps.  It’s only when the helicopter lands on a mountain top and you step out that the magic truly begins.  Return home and fly over true Lord of the Rings country, including the capital of Rohan, Edoras.

Hanmer Springs Spa Experience:  Enjoy magnificent views of the Canterbury Plains and the Waipara wine region, before landing at the world-famous Hanmer Geothermal Springs, in the heart of the spectacular Southern Alps.  Experience Hanmer Springs’ Signature Body Cocoon treatment, the ultimate for relaxation and replenishment. 

Middle Rock Station Tour:  Fly from Christchurch to Middle Rock High Country Sheep Station, located among the breathtaking Southern Alps.  Exeprience a 90-minute farm tour in a 4x4 vehicle and enjoy stunning views of Mount Hutt and the Rakaia River, seasonal farming activities, dog mustering, sheep handling and lamb feeding (in lambing season).

Romantic Escape Package:  Start with a scenic flight over Christchurch dropping down at Peppers Clearwater resort for the night.  Enjoy quality time together in peaceful surroundings, along with artisan fare at the resorts restaurant.  You can even eat out on your deck while taking in the stunning views of the lake.

Trial Flights - Learn To Fly:  Fly your own helicopter in a dual control helicopter with a qualified instructor, and get 30 minutes to prove what you can do.

Charter flights:  Transport your VIP group or corporate guests in style. Wedding charters can take the bride and groom to any number of romantic locations. Cruise ship charters are on hand to take you from the ship at Akaroa, into Christchurch, in just 15 minutes, cutting over two hours from the usual journey time.