Helicopter tour to North Canterbury wineries from Christchurch

The helicopter lands on gravel and grass, and you walk downhill to the winery.

A helicopter tour from Christchurch to North Canterbury wineries, where you fly over vineyard views and the coastline before landing at Greystone Winery or Black Estate to taste wines and eat. The flight takes about three hours total, includes the helicopter transport only, and wine or food is paid separately at the winery. Check in 15 minutes early for a safety briefing and to be weighed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter winery tour and tasting

• Check in for safety briefing
• Take scenic helicopter flight to winery
• Visit chosen winery: Greystone or Black Estate
• Optional gourmet lunch and wine tasting
• Return helicopter flight to Christchurch

The Experience

You check in at the Christchurch office 15 minutes before departure for a safety briefing and weight check, then board the helicopter for a scenic flight north. The route crosses panoramic vineyard views and the coastline before touching down at one of two wineries: Greystone, an award-winning organic estate with a hillside setting, or Black Estate, known for handcrafted wines and seasonal cuisine. Both are in Waipara Valley, the region's cool-climate wine district.

After landing on the gravel or grass paddock, you walk downhill to the winery. Once there, wine tastings and food are available but not included in the flight price—you pay for them directly at the winery before you leave. Greystone offers four courses with five paired wine tastings; Black Estate runs its own cellar door and restaurant service. You spend your time at the winery as you choose, then walk back up to the helicopter for the return flight to Christchurch. The whole experience runs about two and a half hours on the ground plus flight time.

Weather can affect the flight, so you'll need to reconfirm your booking 24 hours before departure. The helicopter lands on uneven terrain—gravel, grass or rock—so wear shoes you can walk in and be ready for uphill and downhill sections. Infants fly free on an adult's lap; all passengers are weighed at check-in for safety and weight distribution.

What’s included

• Helicopter transport from Christchurch to North Canterbury and return.
• scenic flight over vineyard views and coastline.
• landing at your choice of Greystone Winery or Black Estate.
• safety briefing and weight check at departure.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Garden City Helicopters

Is this one for you?If you're staying in Christchurch without a rental car, the helicopter pickup from the city centre solves the transport to North Canterbury wineries—you don't arrange a separate drive, and the flight itself is the journey. The landing on uneven ground and walk to the winery means you'll need sturdy shoes and comfort with hillside terrain.

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Top questions

Can I choose which winery I visit?

Yes, you choose between Greystone Winery and Black Estate Winery when you book. Both are in North Canterbury's Waipara Valley, and each has its own wine selection and food service.

What's included in the helicopter tour price?

The helicopter transport from Christchurch to North Canterbury and back is included. Wine tastings, food and any meals at the winery are not included and you pay for them separately before leaving.

How long does the whole experience take?

The experience runs about three hours total, with roughly two and a half hours at the winery and the rest in flight and ground time.

What happens if the weather is bad?

You must reconfirm your booking 24 hours before departure to check weather conditions. If conditions aren't safe, the flight will be cancelled.

Do I need to bring anything or dress a particular way?

Bring your ID—you'll need to show it if asked, and the legal drinking age is 18. Smart casual attire is recommended, and wear walking shoes because you'll walk downhill and uphill between the helicopter and the winery.

What's the terrain like where the helicopter lands?

The helicopter lands on a hilly paddock with gravel, grass or rock, and you walk down to the winery. Care is needed on the uneven ground, and walking uphill is required to return to the helicopter.