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Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour

20 Reviews 4.90 out of 5 stars Based on 20 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 95% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Christchurch, New Zealand
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

20 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Sit back and relax aboard a helicopter over Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand’s newest city—a place where resilience meets regeneration. Years after the earthquakes, Christchurch thrives as a vibrant, evolving city that still honors its Garden City roots. From above, see Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, and Deans Bush / Pūtaringamotu—green jewels in the city’s heart. Below, bold new precincts mix with restored heritage buildings. Gaze at laneways, central bars, the Margaret Mahy Playground, and the iconic Town Hall. The cultural core pulses with life—home to The Court Theatre, The Piano, and Isaac Theatre Royal. Te Kaha, the new One New Zealand Stadium, gleams—future home of concerts, world-class rugby, and Crusader victories. To the east, the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor transforms the Red Zone into an urban sanctuary. Beyond, fly over the Port Hills to Banks Peninsula: Diamond Harbour, Lyttelton Port, Sumner, and Pegasus Bay—where nature, culture, past, and future connect.

What's Included

  • Live commentary from pilot
  • A fantastic aerial view of Christchurch City and harbour

    Meeting Location

    Meeting point

    73 Grays Road
    Harewood, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand

    Show on Google Maps

    Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    What To Expect

    Book Online

    Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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    Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

    Garden City Helicopters

    After a safety briefing, Depart from our helibase at Christchurch International Airport by helicopter to view Otautahi, Christchurch from the air.
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    5 minutes Admission Ticket Included

    Christchurch Botanic Gardens (pass by)

    An aerial view of the many green spaces of Ōtautahi, Christchurch. Such as: Dean Bush, The Red Zone and Hagley Park. Within Hagley Park is the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. A 21 hectare park with more than 10 different gardens framed by mature trees and expansive lawns, which are mostly contained within a loop of the Avon River.
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    Christchurch Cathedral (pass by)

    Christchurch Cathedral is the focal point of Cathedral Square in the heart of Otautahi, Christchurch. This place of Anglican worship, which was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake. View down on the repair work being done to restore this city landmark.
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    Avon River (pass by)

    Look down on the red zone of Christchurch, once filled with homes prior to the earthquakes and now a holistic project to connect people, river and land, now known as the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor project
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    Lyttelton Harbour (pass by)

    Look down on Lyttelton Harbour / Whakaraupō, one of two major inlets of Banks Peninsula. A harbour formed by an ancient volcano that has been flooded by the sea. A busy port for the city of Christchurch.
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    Diamond Harbour (pass by)

    View the beauty of the Diamond Harbour
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    Quail Island (pass by)

    View Quail Island from the air. Canterbury's largest island in the diamond Harbour
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    Port Hills (pass by)

    View the Port Hills, a range of hills in Canterbury, named because they lie between the city of Christchurch and the sea port at Lyttelton. They are an eroded remnant of the Lyttelton volcano.
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    Godley Head (pass by)

    Awaroa/Godley Head. Magnificent coastal military defence sites built during World War Two.
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    Sumner Beach (pass by)

    Sumner beach is a coastal seaside suburb that is a popular spot for surfing and swimming and sea fishing
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    New Brighton Beach (pass by)

    From Waimairi to Southshore, the New Brighton beaches are just one of the many of Pegasus Bay. The New Brighton pier is the longest in Australasia, an icon of the Canterbury region.
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    Show 10 more stops

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Customers in wheelchairs will need to be able to lift themselves in the helicopter or have a care person to help them. A fare will be require if care person must travel with.
    • Trip is weather dependent
    • We require a minimum number of fares for flights to depart. Flight will be cancelled if minimum number of fares is not reached.

    Frequently Asked Questions (8)

    Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour?

    A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (NZDT).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

    Still have questions?

    We're here to help.
    Activity code: C-6036SCENIC

    Traveler Photos

    Reviews

    4.90
    20 reviews

    Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 20 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

    5 stars
    19
    4 stars
    0
    3 stars
    1
    2 stars
    0
    1 star
    0
    Don't miss out!
    On average, this is booked 28 (0) days in advance.

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    What's Included

    Activity name

    • Live commentary from pilot
    • A fantastic aerial view of Christchurch City and harbour

    Additional Info

    Activity name

    • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • No Child prices
    • Infant age is 0 to 2 years old are free and must be seated on the lap of a fare paying adult
    • Customers in wheelchairs will need to be able to lift themselves in the helicopter or have a care person to help them. A fare will be require if care person must travel with.
    • Trip is weather dependent
    • We require a minimum number of fares for flights to depart. Flight will be cancelled if minimum number of fares is not reached.
    • Pilot will decide on seating of passengers in the helicopter. Pilot must operate helicopter within the weight and balance requirements of the aircraft
    • You must reconfirm you booking 24 hours prior to departure to check weather conditions
    • Passengers will be weighed on check in, we will ask on booking for your estimated weight
    • weight limitations apply
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 4 travelers

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