Christchurch Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour Southern Alps Gorge
Fly over the Southern Alps, then power through the Waimakariri Gorge at high speed
A combined helicopter and jet boat tour from Christchurch that pairs a scenic flight over the braided Waimakariri River and Mount Sunday with a high-speed jet boat safari through the gorge. You lift off from the Christchurch base, follow the river's winding path into the canyon, then touch down at Helijet Adventure Park to board the jet boat for a 30-minute ride through narrow canyon corridors and tight braids beneath the Southern Alps peaks.
Step-by-step itinerary
Helicopter and jet boat adventure
- Lift off from Christchurch base
- Fly over Southern Alps and Waimakariri River
- Touch down at Helijet Adventure Park
- Jet boat safari through Waimakariri Gorge
- Lift off and fly back to Christchurch
What’s included
- Professional jet boat driver and licensed pilot guiding the entire experience.
- helicopter flight over the Southern Alps and Waimakariri River.
- 30-minute jet boat safari through Waimakariri Gorge with high-speed runs and canyon navigation.
Times
- Every day 09:30
Before you book
Operated by Garden City Helicopters
Prices and times updated yesterday
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The experience
The tour starts with a helicopter flight west from Christchurch toward the Southern Alps. You follow the shimmering braided shallows of the Waimakariri River as it winds into the gorge, where towering cliff faces rise sharply on either side and waterfalls tumble from ancient rock walls to meet the turquoise waters below. The flight gives you the geography of the canyon country before you enter it.
After landing at Helijet Adventure Park, your jet boat awaits. The 30-minute ride is where the adrenaline peaks: you skim across crystal-clear alpine waters at high speed, power through narrow canyon corridors, and experience exhilarating Hamilton turns that send spray across the river's surface. Your expert driver navigates tight braids and sweeping bends, and the raw energy of the river is felt directly, not watched from a distance. After exploring deep into the canyon near Springfield, you lift off once more and soar back across the river valleys to Christchurch.
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want both the aerial view and the ground-level rush in one half-day outing, or if you're a cruise passenger with a limited window in Christchurch. The combination of helicopter and jet boat means you see the canyon from above, then experience its power from the water: two perspectives of the same landscape in 90 minutes.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What is Mount Sunday and why does the tour fly over it?
Mount Sunday is a prominent peak in the Southern Alps that the helicopter passes on the way into the Waimakariri Gorge. Flying over it gives you the scale and geography of the canyon country before the jet boat ride takes you into the narrower sections below.
How fast does the jet boat go and what are Hamilton turns?
The jet boat reaches high speed across the alpine waters. Hamilton turns are exhilarating maneuvers where the driver spins the boat sharply, sending fans of spray across the river's surface: a signature move of jet boat safari rides.
Can I do this tour if I'm visiting Christchurch for just a few hours?
Yes. The tour is designed as a half-day experience and is specifically marketed as a shore excursion for cruise ship passengers, so it fits a short port call window.
What should I wear on this tour?
Bring a jacket, hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen. The helicopter and jet boat expose you to wind and alpine sun, and warm clothing is essential even in summer.
Is there a minimum group size to book this tour?
A minimum of two people per booking is required for the tour to depart. Otherwise the booking will be cancelled.
Christchurch Helicopter & Jet Boat Tour Southern Alps Gorge
1h 30m · EN
from NZ$ 899 per person
≈ US$ 517 in your currency
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