Overview
Get to know the real untouched New Zealand as you take off over the Canterbury Plains towards the well-known braided Waimakariri River. Notice the Craigieburn Basin come into view, a distinguished blockbuster film set, followed by the curious rockscape of Castle Hill. See the glisten of Lake Pearson as you fly by the Southern Alps' main divide, climbing up & over the ridgeline, to debut at the mighty Rakaia River. Without another aircraft in sight come to two of Canterbury's best kept secrets, the rarely visited Lyell & Ramsay Glaciers due to their inaccessibility. Touch down to overwhelming 360 degree views, filled with staggeringly sharp mountaintops & turquoise waters of the the glacier lakes. Enjoy lunch in the amphitheatre of the outdoors without a single disruption. Rise over the depths of Lake Coleridge and return over the Canterbury Plains, inbound for Christchurch. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February)
What's Included
- Lunch A picnic lunch overlooking the Rakaia Glaciers
- Alcoholic beverages New Zealand Wine and beer is included. Champagne/Spirits are an extra cost.
Meeting Location
25 Aviation Drive Harewood
Aviation Park, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 7676, New Zealand
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Craigieburn (pass by)
Lake Pearson (pass by)
Lake Coleridge (pass by)
Rakaia
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Due to the length of this flight it is not recommended people with serious medical conditions
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rakaia Glaciers?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-249560P8
Traveler Photos
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- 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.
- Lunch. A picnic lunch overlooking the Rakaia Glaciers.
- Alcoholic beverages. New Zealand Wine and beer is included. Champagne/Spirits are an extra cost.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Rakaia Glaciers is as follows:
- Due to the length of this flight it is not recommended people with serious medical conditions
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Rakaia Glaciers will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- LunchA picnic lunch overlooking the Rakaia Glaciers
- Alcoholic beveragesNew Zealand Wine and beer is included. Champagne/Spirits are an extra cost.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Due to the length of this flight it is not recommended people with serious medical conditions
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
