Scenic Helicopter Adventures

Experience the Southern Alps with Main Divide Helicopters, where every flight is crafted around the people we fly. Instead of set itineraries, we create journeys, shaped by the weather, the landscape, and what our guests love most. From quiet alpine tarns to dramatic high-country ridgelines, each trip is designed to feel intimate, unhurried, and genuinely one-of-a-kind. With local pilots, warm hospitality, and a few homemade touches along the way, you’ll see the mountains in a way that feels personal from the moment you lift off.

Helicopter Scenic Flight Packages

The Alpine Glacier Escape

Lift off from our Springfield base and fly over the Craigieburn Range into the heart of the Southern Alps. You’ll get up close to impressive alpine glaciers and the dramatic high-country terrain that makes this part of New Zealand so special.

We’ll land at a beautiful alpine spot where you can enjoy a picnic we’ve prepared for you or morning tea surrounded by fresh air and sweeping mountain views.

The High Country Picnic Experience

Fly from our Springfield base into the heart of the Southern Alps, where rugged peaks and untouched alpine valleys create the perfect backdrop for a mountain escape.

We’ll land beside a peaceful alpine tarn, an incredible spot for homemade baking, fresh coffee, and a relaxed picnic setup in one of the most scenic places you can imagine.

Mount Cook Experience

Depart from Canterbury and fly south through some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the Southern Alps, eventually reaching the iconic Aoraki/Mt Cook. On clear days, the flight can also include stunning aerial views over the Fox and Franz Josef Glacier valleys as you track along the spine of the Alps.

This is a chance to take in the scale and beauty of New Zealand’s highest peaks from a perspective few ever get to see.

Our Recent Customer Reviews

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Had the most amazing helicopter trip up the South Island, the views were spectacular and Chris is so knowledgeable and professional, would highly recommend. It was the icing on the cake to a wonderful trip to NZ.

— Wendy M

Rating: 5 out of 5.

First time flying with Main Divide Helicopters, amazing experience and will definitely be flying with Chris again in the future. Highly recommend.

— Josh S

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I can’t recommend it enough. Chris is a fantastic pilot, and the whole tour felt really personal and special. It’s not like those other tours that feel the same for everyone and have been done by hundreds of people. I would definitely book with them again when we come back!

— Daniel D

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Their service went above and beyond what I expected and I’m so grateful to them for their caring professionalism. Highly recommend these guys for any heli trip!

— Michelle P

person taking photos from the helicopter, scenic flight photos

FAQs

Where do your flights depart from?

All flights depart from Springfield, Canterbury, right at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Just a 35-minute drive from Christchurch International Airport, it’s the perfect launch point to access glaciers, alpine lakes, and remote mountain landscapes.

Do the flights include a landing?

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!

What happens if the weather isn’t suitable?

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.

Can we bring our children?

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!

How many people can fly in the helicopter?

Our helicopters can take up to 5 passengers at a time.

Craigieburn mountain ranges, southern alps, snow, mountains, scenic landing spots, helicopter hill

Is there a special experience or place you’ve always dreamed of reaching by helicopter? Let’s make it happen. Get in touch to chat about creating an adventure just for you!