Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook helicopter tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Check in and weighing of passengers. Meet your pilot and be given an extensive helicopter safety briefing. Toilet stop before departing.
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.
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
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(2)
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!
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!
