New Zealand Tourism Online

South Island Charter Flights

Canterbury Aviation Introduction

Welcome to Canterbury Aviation, a privately owned and operated South Island charter flights business based at Christchurch International Airport. We specialise in exclusive and personalised tours.

The Company is Civil Aviation Authority Certified—Operating Certificate TAOC 45781. We are also a current member of the New Zealand Tourism Association.

Take the hassle out of your holiday and let us look after you. We offer a wide range of South Island scenic flights, or design your own personalised tour with our helpful staff.

You can enjoy the majestic views that the South Island has to offer, instead of driving long distances, eg: Christchurch to Milford eight hours by car, only two hours by aircraft.

Charter Services

We operate during daylight hours, seven days a week. Our South Island charter flights company offers charter service to most destinations within New Zealand.

Air Charter means point-to-point travel, no connecting flights or waiting time. With air charter you set the departure times to suit you, meaning effective time management, increased flexibility and ultimately more cost efficient travel for you.

The Cessna 206 and 185 are recognised alpine aircraft carrying up to five passengers and are capable of operating to and from all licensed airfields and private airstrips in New Zealand.

The performance of these aircraft and experienced pilots allows operation into short private airstrips, which are beyond the capability of most twin engine aircraft. This allows greater flexibility in the service we provide.

Arrangements can be made for larger groups or those preferring twin-engine aircraft.

Scenic Flights

Mount Cook and Alpine Glaciers Scenic Flight - This package takes you on a scenic flight from Christchurch over the Southern Alps including spectacular views of Mount Cook (New Zealand's highest peak) and the surrounding Mount Cook and Westland National Parks.

Mount Cook and Alpine Glaciers Skiing Package - Operates every fine day from July 1 to September 30, includes two runs of about 10 kilometres, fully guided skiing package. Experience skiing New Zealand's largest glaciers on the beautiful Southern Alps.

Mount Cook and Milford Sound (Queenstown) - Mt Cook, Milford Sound and Queenstown (same day return or Queenstown overnight). This flight takes in the world famous Milford Sound, Mitre Peak and a variety of other scenic wonders.

Views of Mount Cook, the associated National Parks and Mackenzie Basin will be enjoyed on the flight south and includes Milford Sound boat trip.

Kaikoura, Whale Watching - Take a flight to Kaikoura where you can enjoy the ultimate of marine adventures. A unique opportunity to see the worlds largest mammals in their natural environment along with friendly dolphins, seals and other marine creatures.

Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier Skiing - The world famous Tasman Glacier is 29 kilometres long and flows among the highest mountains in New Zealand. Fly into the heart of the Southern Alps and land at the head of the Tasman Glacier in a ski equipped ski plane.

Visit incredible ice caves, peer into deep crevasses (from a safe viewing point), take an enjoyable ski tour to visit glacial canyons. The skyscraper sized ice blocks are an amazing site. Then onto a 12 kilometres ski run to your awaiting ski plane. "Get in, buckle up and start again". Explore a different distant corner of this great glacier for another lengthy ski run.

Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park - This is the ULTIMATE FLIGHT. Departing Christchurch flying around Mt Cook (New Zealand's highest mountain) and the surrounding National Park including the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman glaciers before continuing down the wild wilderness of the West Coast to the Fiordland World Heritage National Park.

Fly the full length of the stunning Milford Sound with its sheer rock walls, waterfalls and world famous Mitre Peak. Once landed, take the optional 1 hour 45 minutes boat cruise on Milford Sound.

Departing Milford, flying over the Sutherland Fall and Lake Quill for a short 35 minute flight to Queenstown. There, enjoy a relaxing lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery or an action packed adventure afternoon.

The final leg back to Christchurch is via the tussock lands of the Mackenzie Country with its remarkable blue hydro lakes and the patchwork Canterbury Plains. The best scenery New Zealand has to offer.

Abel Tasman National Park - This flight takes you along the majestic snow capped main divide to the Golden Sand beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson.

Landing at Awaroa Inlet, you can take a casual stroll on the golden sands or a longer walk through the lost forest. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the legendary Awaroa Lodge and Cafe.

For further information about our South Island air charter services please contact us or visit the South Island charter flights Web site.

About New Zealand

New Zealand is a spectacularly beautiful country with stunning landscape that includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests.

Comparable in size and or shape to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a population of only 4.0 million--making it one of the world's least crowded countries.

It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers. A temperate climate with relatively small seasonal variation makes it an ideal year-round holiday destination.

For further information about our South Island air charter services please contact us or visit the South Island charter flights Web site.

Entire Site Search