Scenic Helicopter Flights In Canterbury & The Southern Alps
See New Zealand from a perspective most people never will.
Departing from Springfield, near Christchurch, our private scenic helicopter flights take you into the Southern Alps, Canterbury high country, alpine lakes, remote landing sites and some of the South Island's most spectacular landscapes.
The kind of view you cannot get from the road.
Private scenic flights
Alpine landings
Mountain Picnics
THE VIEW IS BIG.
THE PLAN IS PERSONAL.
Alpine Explorer
Take off from our Springfield base and head deep into the heart of the Southern Alps on this unforgettable alpine adventure. Fly over the iconic Mt Torlesse Gap, where rugged mountain landscapes unfold beneath you, before touching down on a remote high-country peak.
Step out into the fresh alpine air, capture incredible photos, and soak up panoramic views stretching across Canterbury’s mountains and plains.
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Your journey continues through the spectacular Waimakariri Gorge, where you’ll follow the striking turquoise waters of the braided river winding through dramatic cliffs and untouched wilderness before returning to Springfield.
A perfect introduction to Canterbury’s alpine beauty, packed with breathtaking scenery from start to finish.
30mins
$399 per person
Beyond the Gap
Venture deeper into the Southern Alps on this extended alpine experience. Departing from our Springfield base, you’ll fly over the iconic Mt Torlesse Gap before continuing further into the rugged Craigieburn Range, where dramatic mountain landscapes, hidden valleys, and alpine tarns await.
Touch down beside a pristine high-country tarn, surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery. Take time to explore, capture incredible photos, and enjoy the peace and solitude of this remote mountain setting.
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The adventure continues as you track through the breathtaking Waimakariri Gorge, following the striking blue waters of the braided river below before returning to Springfield.
With more time in the air and access to even more remote terrain, this flight offers a truly immersive Southern Alps experience and some of Canterbury’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
45mins
$650 per person
Glacier Adventurer
Experience the grandeur of the Southern Alps on our ultimate glacier adventure. Departing from Springfield, you’ll journey deep into Arthur’s Pass National Park, flying amongst towering mountain peaks, ancient river valleys, and some of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes.
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Venture into the heart of the high country where vast glaciers carve their way through the mountains. Touch down beside one of these spectacular rivers of ice and step into a world shaped by thousands of years of natural forces. Surrounded by rugged peaks, hanging icefalls, and breathtaking alpine scenery, this is a truly unforgettable landing experience.
With over an hour of flying time, you’ll explore remote corners of the Southern Alps inaccessible by road, taking in panoramic views of glaciers, alpine lakes, braided rivers, and pristine wilderness before returning to Springfield.
This is the ultimate way to experience the scale, beauty, and raw power of New Zealand’s alpine environment.
70mins
$1,100 per person
Bespoke Helicopter Experiences
Have something specific in mind? We'll help create a helicopter experience built entirely around your vision. Private charters.
Photography flights. Special occasions. Bucket-list adventures. If you can imagine it, we’d love to chat with you.
Some days call for more than a drive and a lookout stop.
A birthday. An anniversary. Visitors from overseas. A proposal. A family trip. Or just a very good excuse to get above the Canterbury high country and see the Southern Alps from the right angle.
Main Divide flies private scenic helicopter experiences from Springfield, with routes that can take in the Craigieburn Range, alpine tarns, remote landing spots, glaciers and Aoraki / Mt Cook, depending on the day and the flight you choose.
It starts before the helicopter lifts.
A Main Divide flight begins long before the helicopter lifts off. Chris isn't following a fixed script.
He's reading the weather, watching the light, considering the conditions and finding the route that will make the most of the day.
That might mean a quieter alpine landing. A better angle across the Craigieburn Range. A hidden tarn tucked beneath the mountains. Or a picnic location that feels like it was discovered rather than booked.
The goal isn't simply to show you the mountains.
It's to help you experience them.
Memories From The Mountains
Is there a special experience or place you’ve always dreamed of reaching by helicopter?
A few things worth knowing before you fly.
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All flights depart from Springfield, Canterbury, right at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Just a 45-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport, it’s the perfect launch point to access glaciers, alpine lakes, and remote mountain landscapes.
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Yes – our scenic flights include a remote alpine landing, giving you the chance to step out, take photos, and take in the mountains. If you’re after something a little extra special, we can organise a mountain top drinks and nibbles.
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Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions aren’t suitable, we will do our best to reschedule your flight for another time that suits. If rescheduling isn’t possible, you will receive a full refund.
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Absolutely. Children are more than welcome with us, so long as they are travelling with an adult. We often find young children and babies fall asleep within minutes of take off.
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Our helicopters can take up to 5 passengers at a time.
Got a view in mind? Let’s shape Your Helicopter flight.
Tell us who is coming, what you are celebrating, how much time you have and what kind of Canterbury or Southern Alps helicopter experience you are picturing.