Private South Island Helicopter Safaris
The South Island's most extraordinary destinations. One helicopter. Endless possibilities.
Skip the highways, tour buses and fixed itineraries.
Travel by private helicopter between remote mountain lodges, high-country stations, glaciers, vineyards, coastal hideaways and alpine landscapes, creating a journey shaped entirely around you.
Based in Canterbury and flying throughout New Zealand's South Island, Main Divide Helicopters creates bespoke multi-day helicopter safaris for travellers wanting to experience more in less time.
Whale watching above Kaikoura.
Remote alpine landings.
Extended stay at Flockhill.
See New Zealand from the best seat.
The best parts of New Zealand rarely sit beside a main road. They're hidden beyond mountain ranges, tucked inside remote valleys, scattered along wild coastlines and waiting in places most visitors never reach.
A private helicopter safari changes the way you experience the South Island.
Instead of spending days driving between destinations, your helicopter becomes the connection between remarkable places, unforgettable experiences and moments that never make it into the guidebooks.
No two helicopter safaris follow the same route. Some guests chase glaciers. Others spend their days fly fishing remote rivers, exploring vineyards, photographing wildlife or staying at some of New Zealand's most spectacular lodges.
Your journey might include:
Built Around What You Love
Wildlife Encounters
Whales in Kaikōura. Dolphins along the coast. Seals on remote shorelines. Early morning flights when the landscape comes alive.
Food & Wine Experiences
Marlborough vineyards. Long lunches. Fresh seafood. Private dining experiences worth making a landing for.
Fishing & Remote Access
Backcountry rivers. Guided experiences. Locations that take hours to reach any other way.
Glaciers & mountains
Aoraki / Mount Cook. Franz Josef. Fox Glacier. Mountain landings deep within the Southern Alps.
Image credit Flock Hill
Luxury Lodges, High Country
Flockhill. Private stations. Exclusive accommodation. Slow mornings and extraordinary views.
How a Multi-Day Helicopter Safari Works.
1.
Tell Us The Dream
Share your timeframe, interests and wish list.
2.
We Design The Route
We'll create a personalised itinerary including flights, accommodation, experiences and logistics.
3.
Fly The South Island
Travel by private helicopter between destinations while adapting to weather, opportunities and discoveries along the way.
4.
Make It Yours
The best journeys evolve. Stay longer somewhere you love. Add experiences. Change pace. Follow curiosity.
WHY CHOOSE A Helicopter Safari?
A helicopter safari is a fully customised multi-day South Island journey where private helicopter travel replaces long drives, crowded schedules and one-size-fits-all tours.
With your own helicopter and pilot, you'll move effortlessly between destinations, stopping where it makes sense and discovering places that simply aren't accessible any other way.
Every itinerary is built around your interests, your timeframe and your idea of adventure.
A Sample Seven-Day Helicopter Safari
Day 1 — Christchurch to Kaikōura
Mountains meeting the Pacific. Whale watching. Coastal flying. Dramatic scenery.
Day 2 — Kaikōura to Marlborough Sounds
Sheltered bays, vineyards, private charters and waterfront dining.
Day 3 — Marlborough to Nelson Lakes
Mountain passes, alpine lakes and spectacular South Island landscapes.
Day 4 — Nelson Lakes to Flockhill
Luxury lodge experiences, fly fishing, clay shooting and high-country hospitality.
Day 5 — Flockhill to the West Coast Glaciers
Icefields, glaciers and landscapes best appreciated from above.
Day 6 — Aoraki / Mount Cook, Milford Sound or Jackson Bay
New Zealand's most iconic scenery with complete flexibility around conditions and interests.
Day 7 — Queenstown
Alpine lakes, wine country and a memorable finish to an unforgettable journey.
Memories From The Mountains
Why Travel With Main Divide Helicopters?
Chris and Emily created Main Divide Helicopters to share the landscapes they know and love most.
Flying with Main Divide means more than booking a helicopter.
It means travelling with owner-operators who understand the mountains, know the hidden locations and genuinely enjoy creating experiences that feel personal from start to finish.
See New Zealand From The Better Seat.
GOOD THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE WE START PLANNING your Helicopter safari.
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No. The sample route shows what is possible. Your safari is shaped around timing, weather, accommodation, landing permissions and what you want from the trip.
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The sample route begins in Christchurch and finishes in Queenstown, but other start and finish points can be discussed.
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The sample route is seven days. Shorter or longer private helicopter safaris can be planned depending on your route, pace and priorities.
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The sample route is seven days. Shorter or longer private helicopter safaris can be planned depending on your route, pace and priorities.
Our Partners
Let's Plan Your Helicopter Safari
Tell us where you'd like to go, how long you have and what kind of experience you're looking for.