Taste of Canterbury High Country

A breathtaking flight that will offer stunning views. After viewing a variety of small lakes follow the Waimakariri River as it winds it way downstream before climbing high up for an Alpine Landing on Chest Peak. Get out and stretch your legs and take some camera shots as you enjoy expansive 360-degree views overlooking the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Continue the flight descending into the ‘Waimak Gorge’, then fly next to the Midland Railway Line, observe this masterpiece as it disappears through tunnels and crosses the river below. Arriving at Flock Hill, view the setting for the movie Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and bear witness to the impressive Limestone rocks as they nestle on the hill.

1 - 3 passengers: $2790.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $4225.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $4590.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

Waipara Wine District Heli - Lunch

Depart from Grasmere Lodge and head over the Canterbury high-country, through the impressive ‘Waimak Gorge’ and the Canterbury plains whilst tracking to the Waipara wine district. We land in the grounds of the prestigious Pegasus Bay Winery where you will enjoy lunch. Then re-board your helicopter for a relaxing flight as you climb over the Lees Valley and land on Chest Peak where you will be able to enjoy the expansive views of the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps, before we return you to the tranquil setting of Grasmere Lodge.

1 - 3 passengers: $3825.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $5810.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $6310.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

• Please Note: pices do not include food and wine at Pegasus Bay Winery

Hanmer Springs Getaway

Get away to the beautiful and peaceful Hanmer Springs Village. At Hanmer Springs enjoy the possibilities available, relax in the thermal pools and spa, walk amongst one of New Zealand’s oldest exotic forests offering many lovely scenic bush walks, or stroll the beautiful streets with restaurants, bars and shops on offer. You will be driven from the outskirts of Hanmer into the village, your pilot will wait for you to explore for 2 - 2½ hours before you are picked up and returned to your helicopter. Sit back and enjoy your scenic flight across the Southern Alps before returning to Grasmere lodge.

1 - 3 passengers: $4175.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $6350.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $6890.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

Mt Cook Spectacular

Departing from Grasmere Lodge you will track down to Mount Cook flying over the Canterbury High Country, and on into the heart of the Southern Alps. We’ll show you the country’s longest glacier – The Tasman and the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which descend down into the level of the West Coast Rainforest – truly amazing. As well as numerous glaciers we’ll show you alpine lakes, dry grasslands, dense green rainforests and stunning blue ice. If the weather permits we may even get you right to the top of our country at over 12,300 feet. From here the view can only be described as incredible. Ocean, rainforest, mountains, glaciers and lakes in a 360 degree panorama.

1 - 3 passengers: $6430.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $9790.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $10610.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

Mt Cook Direct

For those who want to see Mt Cook in a shorter time frame, enjoy a more direct flight to Mt Cook and back with the option of a stop off for lunch at a high country resort on the return trip.

Departing from Grasmere Lodge you will track to Mt Cook flying over the Canterbury High Country, and then pass through some of the most captivating Lord of the Rings scenery where you will view the dramatic site of Edoras the capital of Rohan. Continuing on into the heart of the Southern Alps we’ll fly to the top of the country’s longest glacier - The Tasman and on a good day you will see the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers stretching towards the rainforests and coastline of the West Coast. If weather permits it is time to get up close and personal with New Zealand’s tallest mountain.

To cap the day off you can choose to stop off for lunch at the high country resort of Terrace Downs on the return trip back to Grasmere Lodge.

1 - 3 passengers: $4700.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $7145.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $7745.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

Pricing does not include lunch costs.

Garden of Eden Ice Plateau

We’ll depart from Grasmere Lodge and head out across the Canterbury High Country towards the Rakaia River. This wide braided river was formed many millennia ago by mighty rivers of ice and still carries the waters from what remains of these glaciers today. Our path will take us over the beautiful Lake Coleridge as we head into the eastern beginnings of the Southern Alps where some of New Zealand’s best heli-skiing terrain lies. We’ll also have the opportunity to view some of the country’s great high country station areas with the possibility of seeing the elusive Himalayan Thar which reside in these areas.

Arriving at the very source of the Rakaia river brings us to the Main Divide, the very backbone of the South Island. It is here that huge annual snowfalls have continued to sustain the glaciers many of which make up the Garden of Eden Ice Plateau. You’ll see huge snow plateaus, transverse crevasses and large bergschrunds along with steel-blue crystals of glacier ice. It is a spectacular area which is really only accessible from the air.

Departing from here, depending on the season, we can provide you with a gourmet picnic to enjoy on a mountain top or beside a mountain lake or, if it is a bit cold out we can stop off for lunch or light refreshments at the high country resort, Terrace Downs before returning to Grasmere Lodge.

1 - 3 passengers: $4000.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $6080.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $6600.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

Pricing does not include lunch costs.

Kaikoura Whale Watch

This is a completely unique experience. Enjoy a fantastic scenic flight from Grasmere Lodge, over the Canterbury High Country and across the Amuri Plains. We’ll head towards the South Island’s East Coast, with views of the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline to the east and the Southern Alps to the west. As we get closer to Kaikoura it is common on this flight to see seals basking in their natural habitat. Arriving in Kaikoura after approximately one hour of flight time, you will then board your Whale Watch helicopter. The Whale Watch pilots have an intimate local knowledge of whale behaviour and their informed commentary will greatly add to the experience of viewing these amazing creatures in the wild. During the flight back to Grasmere Lodge we can arrange a picnic stop on a beach or riverbank or at one of Waipara’s fantastic wineries. Alternatively we can take you back into the remote wilderness of the Southern Alps where, landing at a remote lake you can take a short bush walk to stretch your legs before returning to Grasmere Lodge.

1 - 3 passengers: $5395.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $8200.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $8895.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

Additional 40 minute Whale Watch prices:
2 Passengers                            $445.00 / person
3+ Passengers                          $300.00 / person

World in a Day

This is the ultimate trip of a life time! There is only one way to really experience the splendor of New Zealand’s famous South Island scenery - by helicopter. A large proportion of this sparsely populated wilderness is completely inaccessible, unless you have a month and a very strong pair of hiking boots, or you take our ‘HELiPRO - World in a Day’ tour.

Climb aboard your helicopter at Grasmere Lodge and fly over the mountain tops into the heart of the Southern Alps - passing lakes, icefalls and waterfalls on the way to the Mount Cook National Park. The next stage of the journey takes you to a mountain top in the heart of the Southern Alps - passing lakes, icefalls and waterfalls on the way.

You will experience landing at high altitude, spectacular 360-degree views, the famous Tasman, Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, along with New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook. You’ll experience the dramatic contrast of the dry East Coast and the wet, rainforest covered West Coast and the geological wonder that is the Southern Alps that separates the two. After a stop off in the West Coast town of Franz Josef, weather and season permitting you will stop on a beautiful isolated West Coast beach in South Westland for a gourmet picnic. Alternatively we’ll stop at a more sheltered location for a delicious lunch. More spectacular scenery will be on menu for the flight back to the eastern side of the Main Divide, tracking via the amazing West Coast valley systems with glacial ice and high waterfalls.

1 - 3 passengers: $7655.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $11640.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $12620.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

Gourmet lunch hamper is provided by Grasmere Lodge, beverages are not included but can be arranged upon request.

World in a Day with transfer to Queenstown

HELiPRO World in a Day experience (above) fits in very well if your travel plans include a transfer from Grasmere Lodge to Queenstown.

The itinerary is the same until we depart the West Coast beach picnic so you will still enjoy the same fantastic scenery of mountains, lakes, Mt Cook, the Glaciers and West Coast rainforests. However after the picnic we proceed south to Queenstown, taking in Haast Pass and the magnificent Mt Aspiring National Park, which borders Lake Wanaka, before flying down Skipper’s canyon to Queenstown airport or the lodge of your choice.

Allow a full day for this once in a lifetime tour. It is possible to do this trip in reverse, i.e. a pick-up in Queenstown and drop off at Grasmere Lodge. The price is the same. NB. Road transfer may need to be arranged and charged for extra baggage. Confirmation will be made on enquiry.

1 - 3 passengers: $9225.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $14025.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $15200.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

U-Choose Charter Flights - Heli-Hikes

Fancy a flight to a popular hiking ground, or even to enjoy the pristine of the rugged West Coast. Wherever you would like to go, weather permitting, we would love to take you there. Ask one of your friendly Grasmere Lodge hosts who would be happy to assist in information. All charter flights are priced on an hourly rate.

Picnic hampers are available on request for those interested in a landing. Whilst viewing the glorious surroundings, snack away on our personal and freshly arranged hampers. Ask your hosts for details on prices and availability.

Narnia - Winding Creek Walk

Experience the thrill of a helicopter flight before making a landing on Flock Hill, home to one of the major filming locations for the world renowned movie, Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. Your walk begins here where you will trek amongst the Chariots Run, Aslan’s Rock and the Battlefield which provided the backdrop to the famous movie scene known as “The flight of the Phoenix”. Follow one of the farm tracks on the 35000 acre Flock Hill Station and make your way to Winding Creek. Your helicopter will pick you up here for your scenic journey via Broken River, the Midland Railway, and a number of small glacially formed lakes back to Grasmere Lodge.

Distance: 11km
Degree of difficulty: 4/10 (1=easy)

1 - 3 passengers: $3040.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $4630.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $5025.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

Lovers Knob Walk

After a helicopter flight over Craigieburn Station and the impressive 35000 acre Flock Hill Station, make a landing on Lovers Knob and enjoy the expansive views on offer of the Esk, Waimakariri and Poulter rivers. From here follow farm tracks leading down to the densely trout filled Blackwater Lake and onto Broadleaf Hut. Amongst other sights the walk includes an old World War 2 airstrip and the Midland Railway. At the end of the track your helicopter will pick you up and give you a bird’s eye view of much more of the high country including the limestone rocks on Flock Hill, where the final battle scene of the movie, The Cronicles of Narnia, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was filmed.

Distance: 10km
Degree of difficulty: 3/10 (1=easy)

1 - 3 passengers: $3040.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $4630.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $5025.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

Rosa Hut Walk

Begin your adventure with a flight over the High Country including views of the Narnia filmsite on Flock Hill, and Broken and Waimakariri Rivers with their steep gorges and railway viaducts crossing overhead. Landing on a small hill take in the surrounding landscape before you begin your walk onto the historic Rosa Hut, where a personal and freshly arranged hamper will be waiting for you to enjoy. In your own time continue your walk along farm tracks and make your way passed some impressive sights including views of a Railway Viaduct and Broken river. Re-board your helicopter at the Midland Railway for your relaxing return flight to Grasmere Lodge.

Distance: 11km
Degree of difficulty: 3/10 (1=easy)

1 - 3 passengers: $3260.00 (R44)
1 - 5 passengers: $4955.00 (Squirrel)
1 - 5 passengers: $53005.00 (Twin Squirrel - twin engine)

+ $55.00 / person for hamper (optional)

Guide

A hiking guide is available and highly recommended for your enjoyment. Learn all there is to know about the High Country from the way the land was formed to the history of the settlers and there farming methods.

Please Note: Walks may be shortened or lengthened to suit your time frame and fitness level. A radio will be supplied so that you will be able to contact Lodge staff at all times. Please dress for the conditions, sturdy footwear and warm clothing is required as the high country weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly.

Additional Price:
$565.00       for a full day
$425.00       for a half day
Day rates defined as 8am to 6pm or part thereof. ½ day rates defined as 8am to 1pm or part thereof.