About Christchurch Helicopters

Christchurch Helicopters are located at Christchurch International Airport, operating from ‘The Heli Centre’ in the Harewood Aviation Park.

Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a city of contrasts. Residents enjoy easy access to a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty, as well as an exciting and regenerating urban ambiance.  Where else in the world could you ski at a world class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, go rafting, mountain biking, hot-air ballooning, wind surfing, whale watching and visit world class wineries and gardens – all within 2 hours of an international airport.

Our Team

Our Aircraft

AS350 B2

The Eurocopter/Airbus AS350 B2 is one of the most utilised helicopters in the world. Its versatility and comfort make it an extremely popular aircraft. Christchurch Helicopters has a vast amount of experience in operating these aircraft.

  • Engines: 1 Arriel 1D1 Engine
  • Useful load: 1100 Kilograms
  • Endurance: 3 hours
  • Cruise Speed: 120 Knots
  • Max Operating Alt: 16,000 Feet

  • AS350 B2

  • AS355

Eurocopter AS355 F2 Twin Engine

The Eurocopter AS355 is a twin engine six seat light utility helicopter popular worldwide and used in many types of operations. It has 2 x Rolls Royce 250 C20F engines.

Our AS355 can be configured for both VIP transport and Commercial operations.

We also have access to other helicopters available for type ratings, namely the MD500, EC120, and AS350 (Squirrel).

Eurocopter EC120 Colibri

The Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) EC120 is a five-seat, single-engine, light helicopter.

  • Rotor Diameter: 9.96 m
  • Length: 9.6 m
  • Weight: 960 kg
  • Top Speed: 280 km/h
  • Range: 770 km

  • EC120

  • Cabri G2

Guimbal Cabri G2

The Cabri G2 brings the two‐seat piston engine helicopter into the 21st century. Innovative features such as a composite fuselage, fully articulated main rotor system, infinite life composite blades, Fenestron tail rotor, and state of the art avionics make this revolutionary machine the safest and most enjoyable helicopter in its class to fly.

  • Engine: Lycoming 0-­360
  • Gross Weight: 700 Kilograms
  • Endurance: 4.5 hours
  • Cruise Speed: 90 Knots
  • Max Operating Alt: 13,000 Feet

MD 500E

The MD 500E is a five-blade main rotor helicopter with a pointed nose and T-tail. It has been developed from the Hughes 500. These machines are renowned as being highly manoeuvrable and high-powered. We use the 500 for a wide range of operations.

  • Length: 30.81 ft
  • Rotor Diameter: 26.4 ft
  • Weight: 672 kg
  • Max Speed: 152 knots
  • Range: 429 km

  • MD500

  • MD520 N

MD 520N

The MD 520N is a single-turbine engine, five-bladed helicopter that uses the NOTAR anti-torque system. This system decreases the noise of the helicopter, due to the fan being enclosed in the tailboom, which also eliminates the chance of persons being injured on the ground. This helicopter is a development of the MD 500. Our MD 520 is based in Kaikoura.

  • Length: 28.6 ft
  • Rotor Diameter: 27.4 ft
  • Weight: 719 kg
  • Max Speed: 124 knots
  • Range: 489 km