Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour worth booking?
Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour is a 3-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $1,829 per person. It scores 49 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 49 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $1,829 per person
Fly from Christchurch to view the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook—the training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary. Viewing the Canterbury plains, lakes, Tasman Glacier, and the spectacular ice falls of the many smaller glaciers in the region. Experience the New Zealand Southern Alps on board a luxury helicopter. Alpine landing, seasonal snow if the weather allows. Fly home through Lord of the Rings country and see the spectacular film site used in the trilogy. Returning to Christchurch after 3 hours to continue your further travels.' Great photo opportunities throughout your flight. Pilot commentary throughout your flight.
What you get
About this experience
Fly from Christchurch to view the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook—the training ground of Sir Edmund Hillary. Viewing the Canterbury plains, lakes, Tasman Glacier, and the spectacular ice falls of the many smaller glaciers in the region. Experience the New Zealand Southern Alps on board a luxury helicopter. Alpine landing, seasonal snow if the weather allows. Fly home through Lord of the Rings country and see the spectacular film site used in the trilogy. Returning to Christchurch after 3 hours to continue your further travels.' Great photo opportunities throughout your flight. Pilot commentary throughout your flight.
What's included
Included
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- anding and/or facility fees
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Garden City Helicopters
Check in and weighing of passengers. Meet your pilot and be given an extensive helicopter safety briefing. Toilet stop before departing.
10 minutes here
Canterbury Region
Depart south towards Aoraki Mount Cook, heading over the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plain. View the variation of farming activity in the fields below from sheep & dairy farming to crops.
Pass by without stopping
The mighty Southern Alps, a mountain range extending along the length of New Zealand's South Island. The mountain ranges are bisected by glacial valleys, many of which are infilled with glacial lakes on the eastern side
Pass by without stopping
Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and others in the Mackenzie region. All three lakes were formed when the terminal moraines of receding glaciers blocked their respective valleys, forming moraine-dammed lakes. The glacial feed to the lakes gives them a distinctive blue colour, created by glacial flour, the extremely finely ground rock particles from the glaciers
Pass by without stopping
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
If weather allows land atop the mountain ledge of Liebig Dome, which overlooks New Zealand's tallest mountain. Liebig Dome has a front-row seat to gaze upon Mount Cook, Sir Edmond Hillary’s training ground for Everest. Aoraki, its Maori name stands at some 12,218ft feet above sea level, its neighbour Mount Tasman at 11,476. Experience the beauty of the region at 8,000 ft above sea level. Capture the moment with a photo or simply to take in the stunning views. Seasonal snow landing only. Seasonal snow landing only.
20 minutes here
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
Back on the helicopter, fly over the Tasman Glacier, called Haupapa in Maori, which is the largest glacier in New Zealand at nearly 15 miles long and 2,000 feet thick. Return to Christchurch via the mountains and mighty rivers.
Pass by without stopping
Pass by areas known in the Lord of the Rings movies. Edoras was the capital city of Rohan. Otherwise known to the locals at Mount Sunday in the upper reaches of the Rangitata river. Edoras was where Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, and Gandalf met with King Théoden.
Pass by without stopping
Mackenzie District
Lord of the rings facts about this tour. Twizel in the Mackenzie Country, the epic battle on Pelennor Fields, where thousands of orcs bred by Sauron clashed with the men of Gondor and Rohan on the grassy fields that stretch to the foothills of the mountains. Lake Pukaki and the mountain background provided the scene for the warg chase in An Unexpected Journey.
Pass by without stopping
Mackenzie District
Take in the vast dry lands of the Mackenzie country basin the largest in New Zealand. Rich golden landscapes, powder blue canals and bright turquoise glacial landscapes. Over into the South Canterbury farming region back to Christchurch
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Christchurch
Please report to reception. You will be checked in, weighed and receive a safety briefing
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please report to reception. You will be checked in, weighed and receive a safety briefing
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
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Garden City Helicopters
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A minimum of 2 paying passengers per booking is required
- There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Wheelchair accessible - if assistance is required, passenger must provide their own care person and a fare paid for them. Pilot may be unable to lift customer.
- Please provide a cell phone number for us to contact you on.
- reconfirmation of booking is required 24 hours prior to departure by calling 03 3584360
- If we are able to land on the alpine site, snow may be present on the landing site. It will be soft and require good mobility to move around
- Weather dependent.
- We can only land on the alpine landing site if weather allows. Your pilot will inform you.
- Please carry any essential medication with you on your flight.
- Please advise pilot of any medical conditions that may require urgent care if you fall ill whilst travelling with us.
- Snow may be soft to walk on if we are able to land on the alpine landing site
Photos
Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Absolutely the best tour!
The folks at Garden City Helicopters provided the most amazing helicopter tour for us! We had a perfect weather day and breathtaking views on our ride from Christchurch, through the plains, across the Southern Alps to Mount Cook and back. As an extra special bonus, there had been a snow storm in the Southern Alps the day before and mountains looked absolutely beautiful! Jake, our pilot, was phenomenal! He provided great commentary, engaging conversation, and extra care to point out highlights along the way. We were so fortunate to have the extra special chance to set down near Mount Sumner and hike through the area where LOTR scenes were filmed! The views flying over the snow-covered mountain ranges to Mt Cook were stunning and will leave you speechless! The entire staff at the Garden City Helicopters office were amazing, gracious, and welcoming! Robin was so sweet to provide very tasty snack packs and bottled water for our trip - very much appreciated!!! Of all our tours and great adventures during our 2 week visit in New Zealand, this tour is our absolute favorite! We can’t recommend it highly enough!
via Viator
Unforgettable flight seeing remarkable views of beautiful New Zealand
On the day of our flight, due to weather we were unable to fly to Mount Cook. However GCH Aviation gave us the opportunity of some alternatives. We flew over peaks, volcanic terrain and through gorges of rainforest, lakes and waterfalls, as well as along the coastline. Our pilot even touched down at a lake for me to take a swim! Throughout the trip our pilot gave us knowledgable information about the area and made our trip one we will never forget. Thank you also to the team on the ground for their help and flexibility. Can thoroughly recommend and worth every penny!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $1,829 to $3,140
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Garden City Helicopters, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 47.7.
See everything Garden City Helicopters runsWhy this scores 49
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour cost?
+
Prices start at $1,829 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 to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour take?
+
Plan for about 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 to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 49 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 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 to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour?
+
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 to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour?
+
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?
+
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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour?
+
Included: GST (Goods and Services Tax); and anding and/or facility fees. Not included: Food and drinks; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour?
+
Please report to reception. You will be checked in, weighed and receive a safety briefing Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour offered in?
+
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 to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour?
+
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 to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour.
Pick your date
