
Southern Alps Scenic
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Southern Alps Scenic worth booking?
Southern Alps Scenic is a 1.3-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $1,287 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (8)
- Duration
- 1.3 hours
- From
- $1,287 per person
Discover the picturesque Southern Alps, one of New Zealand's most iconic land features. Fly over the immense checkerboard of the Canterbury Plains, across the tresses of the braided Waimakiriri River and to the sheer sides of a steep gorge to touch down at Chest Peak. Sitting at just under 6,500ft, the peak dwarfs most other mountains in the region. Take in breathtaking, 360 degree vistas stretching from as far as the eye can see, including the Blockbuster backdrops of Castle Hill, the Lees Valley, Flock Hill Station and beyond. All our pilots proudly call Canterbury home and will share their wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes as you fly near their much-loved and noteworthy spots. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February). Please note this flight does not include glaciers, however if glaciers are what you are interested in please see our 'Rakaia Glaciers' or 'World in a day' experiences!
What you get
About this experience
Discover the picturesque Southern Alps, one of New Zealand's most iconic land features. Fly over the immense checkerboard of the Canterbury Plains, across the tresses of the braided Waimakiriri River and to the sheer sides of a steep gorge to touch down at Chest Peak. Sitting at just under 6,500ft, the peak dwarfs most other mountains in the region. Take in breathtaking, 360 degree vistas stretching from as far as the eye can see, including the Blockbuster backdrops of Castle Hill, the Lees Valley, Flock Hill Station and beyond. All our pilots proudly call Canterbury home and will share their wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes as you fly near their much-loved and noteworthy spots. Please note we are unable to guarantee snow at any time particularly during Summer months (November – February). Please note this flight does not include glaciers, however if glaciers are what you are interested in please see our 'Rakaia Glaciers' or 'World in a day' experiences!
What's included
Included
- A landing on Chest Peak - one of the highest mountains in the Canterbury Region
What you'll see and do
Waimakariri River
Fly across the tresses of the braided Waimakariri River
Pass by without stopping
Castle Hill
See the incredible rock scape of Castle Hill
Pass by without stopping
Canterbury Region
Fly over the vast Canterbury Plains inbound for Chest Peak - one of the highest mountains in the region at just under 6,500 ft, where you will land at the top to witness the truly breathtaking beauty this magnificent mountain range has to offer
10 minutes here
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 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Southern Alps Scenic. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A highlight of our trip to New Zealand!
Amazing experience with stunning views of landscapes and wildlife. Super smooth and informative flight by our excellent pilot and guide, Tim Murdoch. Jess Waters in sales and marketing was a delight to work with. Thank you to the ChristChurch Helicopters team!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much Hal for the lovely review! It was our pleasure. Again, thank you for choosing to fly with us!!
via Tripadvisor
Started the adventure...
Started the adventure with cheerful greetings and welcome from Jess at reception. After the safety video we took off on our adventure. Our pilot Scott was a professional. He did a really nice job explaining the sites and views, shared fun stories about other trips and pointed out movie locations on the trip. We landed at the Chest Peak and had amazing views and chance to explore. Overall had an amazing experience, loved it!!!
via Viator
Exactly as described and a good experience
A great experience, professional team, adjusted schedule due to weather and Easter concerns and we had a great time. Knowledgeable pilot and all worked smoothly! Probably better in winter or start of summer with snow on mountains but still very good and family enjoyed their first trip in helicopter!
via Tripadvisor
Expectation problem marketed incorrectly no glacier or snow
Excellent pilot and staff. Marketing materials led me to believe there would be a glacier and there was not. It was a nice flight but not what I wanted
Response from the operator: Hi Tammy! You booked a Southern Alps Scenic where there was no mention of a Glacier flight. We offer a flight called the Rakaia Glaciers, which had you have mentioned you wanted this we most definitely would have flown you there! Thank you for your lovely comment about our pilot and staff though! Have a great Christmas :)
via Viator
Amazing company to deal with
An amazing company offering incredible tours. I cannot speak highly enough of the professional and caring relationships I have experienced when dealing with Christchurch helicopters. Jess and Tim particularly were top-notch and would recommend a tour with these guys any day of the week. Keep u the amazing work!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.3 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
- $1,287 to $2,210
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- 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 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Southern Alps Scenic: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Southern Alps Scenic cost?
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Prices start at $1,287 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 Southern Alps Scenic take?
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Plan for about 1.3 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 Southern Alps Scenic worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 8 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 Southern Alps Scenic?
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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 Southern Alps Scenic suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Southern Alps Scenic?
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Around 3 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 1.3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Southern Alps Scenic 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 Southern Alps Scenic?
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Included: A landing on Chest Peak - one of the highest mountains in the Canterbury Region. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Southern Alps Scenic?
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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 Southern Alps Scenic 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 Southern Alps Scenic?
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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 Southern Alps Scenic 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 Southern Alps Scenic 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 Southern Alps Scenic?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 4.8 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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