Christchurch City Scenic flight
Traveler rating
3.7/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Christchurch City Scenic flight worth booking?
Christchurch City Scenic flight is a 0.3-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $384 per person. It scores 45 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 45 / 100
- Rating
- 3.7/5 (3)
- Duration
- 0.3 hours
- From
- $384 per person
Discover Christchurch from a whole new perspective when you fly over the city. See the progress of the massive rebuild and the abandoned suburbs from the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Christchurch is known as the Garden City and there is no better way to see this other than by the air. Take in the breath-taking views of Pegasus Bay as it sweeps north towards Kaikoura and view the southern alps stretch as far north and south as the eye can see. Our pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Christchurch from a whole new perspective when you fly over the city. See the progress of the massive rebuild and the abandoned suburbs from the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Christchurch is known as the Garden City and there is no better way to see this other than by the air. Take in the breath-taking views of Pegasus Bay as it sweeps north towards Kaikoura and view the southern alps stretch as far north and south as the eye can see. Our pilots will personalise this experience for you by sharing their local knowledge and insights of our big backyard as you fly over remarkable sights and landmarks.
What's included
Included
- Scenic flight
What you'll see and do
Christchurch
See the progress of the massive rebuild and the abandoned suburbs from the 2010/2011 earthquakes.
Pass by without stopping
Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)
Fly over the white sands of Sumner Beach and see the remarkable Sumner Cliffs
Pass by without stopping
Port Hills
On the way back fly over the Port Hills
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Christchurch
25 Aviation Drive - Enter the Harewood Aviation Park and Christchurch Helicopters is the first on your right
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
25 Aviation Drive - Enter the Harewood Aviation Park and Christchurch Helicopters is the first on your right
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Christchurch Helicopters
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Christchurch City Scenic flight. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
No Show No Contact
I booked my tour a few hours before I showed up for the tour. I spent $40 for the Uber only to arrive and find that the doors were locked and it did not look like anyone had been there. I attempted to reach the company via chat through the app but they did not respond. Also, it stated that they weren't even open until Monday (This was Saturday). I then went to a big yellow building that had some cars and called Viator. They contacted these guys and were told that they were not going to fly because of weather. As the Viator operator is telling me this, I watched a helicopter and small plane take off with passengers. It wasn't just that they cancelled it, it was that they didn't even have the courtesy to let me know so I didn't waste several hours and a round trip Uber ride for nothing. I was only in Christchurch for two days and wanted to make the most out of my time. Bottom line, don't use these guys as you never know if they will actually be there.
Response from the operator: Hi there, we are very sorry this was your experience. However the issue was you had booked only a couple of hours before showing up without confirming a time or checking the status of flights. It was clear that the weather was poor for flying. Because we had only received your booking a few hours before you arrived, there was insufficient time to advise you we weren't operating due to the weather. The helicopter you saw was not a tourism operation and unrelated to our tourism operations. We have reviewed our systems and procedures and going forward will only allow bookings to be made the day before.
via Viator
Fantastic - kids are still raving about it!
Had a fantastic time - kids are still raving about it. Also found it a lot easier than I imagined as I'm a bit of a scared flyer. No worries at all.
Response from the operator: Thank you for flying with us! We are so pleased you all enjoyed it. You forget about being scared as there is just too much to see from up above! Hope to see you all here again one day soon. :)
via Tripadvisor
Birthday treat
We’re from Canada and were visiting my brother and partner in Ashburton when I realized he had never been on a helicopter ride, so we decided to treat them both as an early birthday gift. It was a stunning afternoon and we had a wonderful view of all the recovery since the earthquake . Our pilot was very knowledgeable about the area, and it was fun to fly over so many of the places we had visited on previous occasions. The receptionist was a great help in organizing the trip as a surprise. In all, a very special day and I would highly recommend the company.
Response from the operator: It was lovely having you all! Thank you for choosing to fly with us! We are so pleased you enjoyed it. Hope to see you all here again one day soon . :)
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $384 to $660
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Christchurch Helicopters, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 45.0.
See everything Christchurch Helicopters runsWhy this scores 45
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Christchurch City Scenic flight: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Christchurch City Scenic flight cost?
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Prices start at $384 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Christchurch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Christchurch City Scenic flight take?
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Plan for about 0.3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Christchurch is not rushed.
Is Christchurch City Scenic flight worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 45 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.7/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Christchurch City Scenic flight?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Christchurch City Scenic flight suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Christchurch City Scenic flight?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Christchurch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Christchurch and add a light layer if any part of the 0.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Christchurch City Scenic flight start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Christchurch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Christchurch?
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On Outty we rank every Christchurch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Christchurch?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Christchurch City Scenic flight?
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Included: Scenic flight. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Christchurch City Scenic flight?
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25 Aviation Drive - Enter the Harewood Aviation Park and Christchurch Helicopters is the first on your right Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Christchurch City Scenic flight offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Christchurch City Scenic flight?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Christchurch City Scenic flight wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Christchurch City Scenic flight if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Christchurch City Scenic flight?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 3.7 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities, organization. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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