 This is the ultimate trip of a life time! There is only one way to really experience the splendor of New Zealand’s famous South Island scenery - by helicopter. A large proportion of this sparsely populated wilderness is completely inaccessible, unless you have a month and a very strong pair of hiking boots, or you take our South Island in a Day Tour.
This unique island between two oceans, about half the size of California, has many rivers, lakes, rainforests, glaciers, snow covered mountain peaks, beaches, waterfalls and fiords. Wildlife species such as deer, chamois and the rare Himalayan Tharan often be seen. Climb aboard your helicopter in Christchurch and fly over the Canterbury Plains to the amazing Waimakariri Gorge, a steep sided river canyon that is your gateway to the Southern Alps. The next stage of the journey takes you to a mountaintop in the heart of the Southern Alps - passing lakes, icefalls and waterfalls on the way.
You will experience landing at high altitude, spectacular 360-degree views, the famous Tasman, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, along with New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook.
You’ll experience the dramatic contrast of the dry East Coast and the wet, rainforest covered West Coast and the geological wonder that is the Southern Alps that separates the two. Weather and season permitting you will stop on a beautiful isolated West Coast beach for a gourmet picnic. Alternatively we’ll stop at a more sheltered location for a delicious lunch.
More spectacular scenery will be on menu for the flight back to the East Coast. How do you see arid grasslands, rainforests, dramatic glaciers, tall snow covered peaks and rugged ocean coastlines all in one day? This is how!
Choose from 3 Helicopter options: (All vary in prices)
Twin Squirrel - 1-5 passengers
Max speed: 150 knots
Cruise speed: 110 knots
Fuel burn at cruise power: 220 litres p/hr
Range: 308 NM
Squirrel - 1-5 passengers
Max external load: 750kg
Max speed: 147knots
Cruise speed: 120knots
Fuel burn at cruise power: 160L/Hr
Range: 300NM (555Km)
Robinson R44 - 1-3 passengers
Max speed: 130 knots
Cruise speed: 113 knots
Fuel burn at cruise power: 68 litres p/hr |
Generally Operates 
Occasionally Operates 
Never Operates
