Helicopter Flights Christchurch

Have you ever wanted to learn to fly a helicopter or wondered what it might be like? Well here is your chance to find out. A trial flight puts you safely behind the dual controls of a Robinson 22 helicopter for a 30 minute flight with an instructor beside you the whole time, guiding you through your take-off, hover, flight and landing.
Our excellent, highly-qualified instructors will also give you a briefing before and after the flight, making this experience one to remember! But don’t take our word for it, here is what one of our clients had to say:
“If the excitement of being my first time in a helicopter wasn’t enough I even got to take control (under expert supervision of course) and got a true feeling of the skill involved in handling such a powerful machine. This was such an amazing thrill and one that I won’t forget!” - Anna Thompson

Enjoy a wonderful private winery experience at Melton Estate, close to Christchurch and recognized for high quality customer service and wine & food.
Depart by helicopter to Melton Estate where you will be greeted by the winery owner on landing next to the vineyard and winery building.
Embark on your private vineyard tour and wine tasting – an informative vineyard tour with tasting of 5 boutique wines in the vineyard rows, from which the wine is produced from.
Your dining table is reserved at Melton Estate winery overlooking the vines, for your 2 course winery lunch.
The winery restaurant utilises local produce and can pair the wine you enjoyed the most with the seasonal dishes on offer
Melton Estate is a boutique winery featuring a modern restaurant and event venue set amongst vines on 12 acres in West Melton, Christchurch - only 15 minutes from the airport. The winery restaurant is surrounded by Pinot Noir vines, with multiple indoor / outdoor options, including an expansive deck overlooking the vineyards and a new games lawn. Sample local wines that include: Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and the acclaimed Sparkling Riesling known as “Summer Love”. The popular restaurant serves great food that is matched to these handcrafted boutique wines
Available Thursday to Sunday 11am to 2pm
Should you have any questions regarding this experience, please call us on 03 3584 360


















Garden City Helicopters is a division of GCH Aviation
You must be 18 years of ages to consume or buy alcohol

If you thrive on excitement and adventure then the adrenaline overload heli-water experience is perfect for you!
Choose from either a Air Boat on the lower Waimak river or head to the hill for the Waimak gorge for a H elijet boat experience.

AIR BOAT - LOWER WAIMAKARIRI RIVER

HELIJET - UPPER WAIMAKARIRI RIVER

The locals will tell you that no trip to the Christchurch area can be complete without a visit to Akaroa, the jewel in Banks Peninsula’s crown. The flight from Christchurch follows 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 run down the hillsides to the azure water of the endless bays, fed by the Pacific Ocean itself.

It takes just 15 minutes to fly to Akaroa as opposed to one and a half hours by road, so you won’t waste a second getting to this quaint seaside village. Early French settlers gave Akaroa its heritage and distinct French feel that is reflected in the names of the streets and local bays. It boasts a number of excellent shops, cafés and restaurants to wander amongst at your leisure.

There are many wonderful attractions in Akaroa to explore making this the ultimate day trip, one that you don’t want to miss!

Explore this beautiful little town yourself, or let us book you on one of the many award winning tours:
Black Cat Swimming with the Dolphins Pohatu Penguin Colony Tours Sea-Kayaking Safari Wine Tours Harbour Cruises
Why not add on a lunch stop at French Farm if travelling on Friday, Saturday or Sunday

Allow 3 hours.

Fly from Christchurch to French Farm Winery. Taking in the stunning aerial views of Christchurch, the Port Hills and Akaroa Harbour.
Whether it's a celebration treat, a romantic rendezvous or a gathering of friends. The French Farm Winery The Old Winery Garden Bar is the perfect retreat to enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks amidst a serene, natural setting.

Let your appetite be your guide.
Choose from their extensive drinks menu and their yummy New Zealand artisan products in their mini delicatessen, or try some scrumptious pizzas and Italian tapas to enjoy in their beautiful Tuscan inspired courtyard.
Cost of flight only, lunch is not included in this package.

The legal drinking age for alcohol is 18 years old. Please carry ID if you wish to purchase alcohol.
Share your experience on our social pages #gchaviation #frenchfarmwinery
Minimum of two fares required for flight to depart.
Trip departs/ends 11:00am to 2:00pm
Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays
https://www.facebook.com/frenchfarmwinery

Enjoy a helicopter flight to one of our region’s world-renowned wineries to enjoy beautiful food and award-winning wines in the magnificent locations of North Canterbury
With 3 wineries to choose from the choice is yours
BLACK ESTATE is a flavour some experience from start to finish. Consisting of 3 North Canterbury organic wineries and restaurant, that prides itself in delivering delicious organic and spray free cuisine. $645 per person
WAIPARA HILLS established in 2001 and recipient to over 500 medals, Waipara Hills has a fine reputation for crafting rich aromatics with vibrant, complex flavours. $645 per person
GREYSTONE WINERY is a 100% certified organic with BioGro. True fine wines are temporal, each vintage a fleeting snapshot of a place in time. I ncludes four courses with five paired wine tasting $685 per person


INCLUDED:
Lunch voucher of value $50 each per person for Black Estate or Waipara Hills
Lunch Voucher of value $79 each per person for Greystone Winery
Wine tasting
Proof of age (18 years) required to consume or buy wine.
Allow 3 hours. Minimum passenger numbers apply.

Take flight and experience the taste and tales of the Akaroa harbour, told in gin.
Your helicopter experience gives you a unique views of Canterbury, the landscape before you an extinct volcano making up Banks Peninsula, Lush forests and grassland run down the hillsides to the azure water of the endless bays. The spectacular rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean flows inland to Akaroa harbour. This is the home of Akaroa Craft Distillery, prepare for a journey to taste Akaroa
You will be greeted on the hill above Akaroa at our helipad, then driven to the Akaroa Craft Distillery Tasting House at 45 Rue Lavaud. The Tasting House has been lovingly restored to become a place that feels like home. Somewhere relaxing and memorable for guests to sample a range of gins and learn more about their story and vision.
Every bottle sampled is a taste of Akaroa and surrounds. Kelp gathered in Wainui, Pinot Noir from French Peak Vineyard, Lemon Verbena from Little River . Locally grown grapes, lemons, and honey for gins that are true evocation of this beautiful place.
Your tasting experience is followed by a food platter between two people whilst enjoying a G&T each.
A complementary bottle per couple of Hector's Gin - Named after the Hector's dolphins that swim off Akaroa, Hector's Gin comes in flavour profiles foraged from the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa Craft Distillery aims to aid to the story of Akaroa and give back to the region through their relationships with local community businesses, charities and trusts. They are proudly in partnership with the New Zealand Whale and Dolphin Trust to aid their continuing good work with the preservation and conservation of marine life in New Zealand. For every bottle of Hector's Gin that they sell out of the tasting house, a portion of the proceeds are donated to the trust.
If time should allow, a short walk of the surrounding township may be possible.
A relaxing flight back to Christchurch flying over the gathering areas that make up the gin flavour's of Akaroa Craft Distillery
Bring your credit card to make further purchases
Garden City Helicopters is a division of GCH Aviation. Winners of the Qualmark 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Award and New Zealand's only Virtuoso accepted preferred helicopter operator. 100% New Zealand family owned and operated.
The story of a place. Whangaroa. Hakaroa. Akaroa .
https://www.akaroacraftdistillery.com/story

But my tale begins millions of years before names, when two mighty volcanoes rose from the sea. Flows of lava spilled down their flanks, forming land.


Over time my fire ceased. Wind and water ground down my vast volcanoes. The rising ocean flooded my extinct calderas, forming the harbours of Akaroa and Lyttelton. My island became a peninsula, connected to Te Wai Pounamu by rocks and sands washed down from the Southern Alps.


The land and the sea
My slopes became green and thickly forested. My hills rang with the songs of kiwi, kākāpō, parakeets and tūī. Moa roamed. My oceans thronged with dolphins, whales, penguins and kai moana in abundance.


Gods & people
I sat with Maui as he fished up Te Ika a Maui. He buried a troublesome giant under my mountains. I feel him stir from time to time.


I was here when the first humans came. The Waitaha paddling their waka from Polynesia. Ngāti Māmoe and Ngāi Tahu built their pā and planted their gardens. I was here when Te Rauparaha bought fire and blood to the harbour. I watched the Ngāi Tahu chiefs Iwikau and Tikao sign Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Ōnuku Marae. I saw the British plant their flags and the disappointment on Capitaine Langlois’s face as he returned too late to claim me for the French crown.


The essence of Akaroa
Many have told my story. But only one has distilled the essence of this place to make poems that run over your tongue. Songs that sing in your mouth.
Akaroa Craft Distillery - Tales of the harbour told in gin



PLEASE NOTE:
Minimum of 2 per person fares required for trip to depart
Weather dependent
Legal age to consume or buy Alcohol is 18 years old. ID must be carried and produced if requested.
Minimum age 18 years old for this tour

Do you want to propose to the love of your life, or treat someone special to an experience they will never forget? Then this is the perfect way to do it! You will fly over Christchurch and soon understand why it is affectionately known as the Garden City, with a multitude of parks appearing beneath you. Views of the lush banks of the Avon River and the beautiful botanical gardens make Christchurch truly a delight to see from above..
Then it’s on to the beautiful Port Hills to land on Mt Herbert the area’s highest peak, which rises on the southern side of the crater rim of Lyttelton Harbour. From the summit you will enjoy spectacular 360 degree views encompassing Governors Bay and Quail Island as well as the Canterbury Plains and the majestic Southern Alps. Or we could fly you to a stunning secluded bay in the Banks Peninsula not accessible by road.
At your chosen destination you will receive a complementary luxury food platter and small bottle of Melton Estate Summer Love sparkling wine. Enjoy an intimate, relaxing environment while you take in the beautiful views.
Allow 1 hour.

If you want to impress, spoil or surprise someone, get away from all the chaos and immerse yourselves within the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of Peppers Clearwater Resort. Enjoy quality time together in peaceful surroundings, along with artisan fare at the resorts restaurant. You can even eat out on your deck whilst taking in the stunning views of the lake.
Start with a dramatic scenic flight over Christchurch, the Garden City, which is a delight to see from the air. Then it’s direct to Peppers Clearwater Resort and golf course, one of Canterbury’s finest courses. As soon as you arrive you will start to relax and feel better. Even though you are close to Christchurch City you will feel a million miles from anywhere.

Package includes:- A scenic 15 minute flight by helicopter over Christchurch City. one night's accommodation in a lakefront suite gourmet tasting platter on arrival bottle of sparkling wine in your room (or with dinner in the restaurant) 3 course dinner for 2 (excluding beverages) full buffet breakfast for 2
Allow 1 day.

After take-off you will begin to see the vast tapestry that is
the Canterbury Plains and in the distance your destination,
the majestic Southern Alps. Your pilot will guide you along the
beautiful braided Waimakariri River, over the dramatic gorge
and past Castle Hill, a film location of the first Narnia film. From
here you will pick up the route of the historic TranzAlpine railway
through to the upper reaches of the river and into the epic Arthur’s
Pass National Park.

Experience spectacular mountain scenery, then land on a nearby
summit and breathe in the fresh alpine air as you capture those
precious moments on camera.
*Seasonal snow landing
Allow 1.5 hours.

One of our most memorable adventures is a helicopter flight to
see the whales of Kaikoura. Fly north from Christchurch following
the pristine coastline with magnificent views of the Canterbury
Plains and in the distance the spectacular Southern Alps. After
landing in Kaikoura you will be transferred to the Whale Watch
helicopter team.


Being airborne provides the ultimate vantage point to explore
Kaikoura and its many natural wonders. Experience the true
scale and majesty of whales in their natural habitat, as your pilot
gently manoeuvres the helicopter to maintain the best possible
view. The sight of a whale diving is something you will never
forget, the huge tail rising high out of the water as it begins its
decent to the heart of the ocean.


The large pods of dolphins will delight you as they play, jumping
and spinning across the waves. Explore the unique and rugged
coastline, then fly in awe amongst the towering peaks of the
Kaikoura seaward ranges.


After your flight, why not stop for a delicious fish & chip lunch,
or experience fine dining at one of Canterbury’s award-winning
wineries as an optional extra?


Allow 3 hours.

This truly is one flight “to rule them all”. It’s an awe-inspiring
journey that will take you over the Canterbury Plains and into the
heart the Southern Alps to the jaw-dropping Aoraki Mount Cook.
Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak standing
at 3,724 metres. There are 27 other mountains in this alpine
range that peak at over 3000 metres which combine to make a
landscape of truly epic proportions.

However, it’s only when the helicopter lands on a mountain top
and you step out that the magic truly begins. Breathe in deeply
the fresh alpine air that carries a slight chill from the nearby
glaciers, as your mind struggles to comprehend the natural
beauty that surrounds you.

Fly home through Lord of the Rings country and follow in the
footsteps of Gandalf at the spectacular site of Edoras, the capital
of Rohan. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure will create memories
that will last “an age of middle earth”.

Allow 2.5 hours. Minimum passenger numbers/fares are required for trips to depart.