Routes

Real-world routes across the South Island, designed for virtual operations in MSFS

NZCH → NZQN

274 NM
Piper Archer / Warrior

Christchurch to Queenstown via Mackenzie Country. Scenic routing over Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook region.

Highlights:

  • Southern Alps crossing
  • Lake Tekapo overflight
  • Queenstown approach over The Remarkables

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Depart NZCH: Contact Christchurch Approach 119.1
  • Transition through Christchurch Control Area (CTA) - FL150 or below
  • Mackenzie Basin: Class G airspace, remain below 13,000ft
  • NZQN arrival: Queenstown Control 124.8, expect visual approach Runway 23
  • RNAV (GNSS) approaches available at NZQN
Alternate: NZMC (Mount Cook) for stopover

NZCH → NZHK

103 NM
Piper Warrior / Archer

Christchurch to Hokitika via Arthur's Pass. Classic West Coast access route.

Highlights:

  • Arthur's Pass crossing
  • Coastal approach to NZHK
  • West Coast rainforest views

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Depart NZCH: Christchurch Tower 118.1
  • Westbound via Waimakariri River corridor
  • Arthur's Pass: Class G, maintain 7,500ft MSL minimum for terrain clearance
  • NZHK arrival: Hokitika Tower 118.7
  • Hokitika Control Zone active 0800-1700 local
  • Non-radar area west of divide, position reporting required

NZCH → NZMC

113 NM
Piper Warrior / Archer

Alpine access to Mount Cook Airport. Challenging mountain conditions.

Challenges:

  • Runway 05/23 at 1,800 ft AMSL
  • Mountain turbulence
  • Rapid weather changes

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Mount Cook Flight Information Zone (FIZ)
  • Mandatory area frequency 122.5 within 10NM
  • Class G airspace, no ATC service
  • VFR only - no instrument approaches
  • Must maintain visual contact with terrain at all times
  • Mountain wave activity common - avoid lee of ranges

NZHK ↔ NZGY

22 NM
R44, R66 or Light Fixed-Wing

West Coast shuttle between Hokitika and Greymouth.

Coastal Flight:

  • Tasman Sea coastline
  • Low-level coastal views
  • Quick 15-minute flight

Airspace & Procedures:

  • NZHK: Hokitika Control Zone (Class D) 118.7
  • NZGY: Greymouth Flight Information Zone (FIZ) 122.7
  • Coastal corridor: Class G below 1500ft AGL
  • VFR flight following available from Hokitika Tower
  • Watch for military low-level training (NOTAMs)
Use: Inter-town transfers, medical evac training

NZCH → NZQN

274 NM
Piper Seneca V

Direct alpine crossing at higher altitudes. Ideal for premium charter flights with faster cruise and pressurization capability.

Seneca V Advantages:

  • Pressurized cabin for passenger comfort above weather
  • 180 KTAS cruise for reduced flight time
  • IFR capability for reliable alpine crossings
  • Dual engines for enhanced safety over remote terrain

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Depart NZCH: Christchurch Control 119.1
  • Climb to FL180+ for best performance and turbulence avoidance
  • Route: Direct NZQN or via RNAV waypoints for IFR
  • NZQN arrival: Queenstown Control 124.8, RNAV or visual approach
  • Engine-out procedures: Maintain altitude to clear terrain
  • Alternates: NZMC (Mount Cook) or NZMF (Mount Hutt)

NZCH → NZHK (Coastal Variant)

210 NM
Piper Seneca V

Extended coastal routing via Kaikoura and the West Coast. Showcases Seneca V's range and comfort for scenic coastal charters.

Coastal Features:

  • Kaikoura Peninsula whale watching (aerial view)
  • Marlborough Sounds overflight
  • West Coast rainforest and glacier views
  • Higher altitude for panoramic coastal vistas

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Depart NZCH: Christchurch Tower 118.1
  • Coastal route: NZCH → Kaikoura → West Coast → NZHK
  • IFR preferred for coastal weather (common low cloud)
  • NZHK arrival: Hokitika Tower 118.7
  • Fuel planning: Seneca V range allows non-stop with reserves
  • Watch for military low-level training along coast
Optional Stop: Kaikoura (NZKI) for fuel/scenic break

Banks Peninsula & Canterbury Scenic

1.5-2 hours
Piper Seneca V

Premium scenic tour combining Banks Peninsula, Lyttelton Harbour, and Canterbury Plains. Ideal for small group charters with luxury service.

Tour Features:

  • Pressurized cabin allows comfortable higher altitude for photography
  • Fast transit between scenic points
  • Air-conditioned comfort for passenger experience
  • IFR capability for reliable scheduling despite coastal weather

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Depart NZCH: Christchurch Tower 118.1
  • Route: NZCH → Banks Peninsula → Lyttelton Harbour → Canterbury Plains → Return
  • Operate at 7,500-10,000ft for best views and smooth air
  • Remain clear of Christchurch Class C airspace
  • CTAF for Banks Peninsula area: 123.1

NZCH → NZTU → NZQN (Multi-stop Charter)

NZCH-NZTU: 86 NM | NZTU-NZQN: 188 NM
Piper Seneca V

Multi-stop executive charter demonstrating Seneca V's flexibility for business itineraries with quick turnarounds.

Business Charter Features:

  • Quick turnarounds at regional airports
  • Cabin space for briefcases and small luggage
  • Quieter cabin than single-engine alternatives

Airspace & Procedures:

  • NZCH departure: Christchurch Control 119.1
  • NZTU (Timaru): Control Zone 118.1, quick turnaround procedures
  • NZQN arrival: Queenstown Tower 124.8
  • Flight planning: Consider weight and balance with partial fuel at NZTU
  • Alternate: NZMF (Mount Hutt) if NZQN weather marginal
Monitor weather trends for alpine crossing segment

Extended Range West Coast

NZCH → NZMO (Milford)
R66 Specialized Operations

Christchurch direct to Milford Sound with the R66's extended range and turbine power. Perfect for premium tours and time-sensitive transfers.

R66 Advantages:

  • 300+ nm range for non-stop flights
  • Turbine reliability for alpine conditions
  • Enclosed luggage compartment for passenger gear
  • Higher cruise speed (120+ kts)

Airspace & Procedures:

  • NZCH departure: Christchurch Tower 118.1
  • Route: Direct or via Arthur's Pass depending on weather
  • Milford Sound (NZMO): Special rules airspace 122.1
  • Fuel planning critical - limited refueling options en route
  • Consider Te Anau (NZMO) for weather alternates
  • Turbine performance allows higher altitude routing over ranges
Requires turbine helicopter endorsement

Glacier Access

NZHK → Franz Josef
H125 / R66 / R44

Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier for glacier tours and alpine drops.

Operations:

  • Confined landing zones
  • Glacier landing practice
  • Mountain weather navigation

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Depart NZHK: Contact Hokitika Tower 118.7
  • Franz Josef Glacier area: Class G, uncontrolled
  • Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF): 123.1
  • Glacier landing zones: Helicopter Landing Areas (HLAs)
  • Mountain flying rules apply: one-way valley traffic
  • Watch for other tour operators - high traffic in summer
Requires mountain flying experience

Remote Lodge Access

NZQN → Minaret Station
H145 / R66 / H125

Queenstown to remote high-country stations and luxury lodges.

Destinations:

  • Private farm strips
  • Grass landing pads
  • Alpine valley approaches

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Depart NZQN: Queenstown Tower 124.8
  • Wakatipu Basin: Class D airspace
  • Minaret Station: Private airstrip in Class G
  • Lodge frequencies: 122.9 (CTAF for station airstrips)
  • Mountain radio service: 130.6 for area broadcasts
  • Terrain clearance: 500ft minimum over uninhabited areas

Coastal Survey

NZGY → Punakaiki
R66 / R44 / H125

Low-level coastal survey along the West Coast.

Missions:

  • Pancake Rocks aerial photography
  • Coastal erosion surveys
  • Tourism scenic flights

Airspace & Procedures:

  • NZGY: Greymouth FIZ 122.7
  • Coastal route: Class G below 1500ft
  • Paparoa National Park: Flight below 500ft requires special permission
  • Low-level corridors: Follow SH6 highway for navigation
  • Marine VHF monitoring: Channel 16 for maritime activity
  • Military Restricted Area R380 occasionally active - check NOTAMs

Glacier Heli-Hike Tours from Mount Cook & Glentanner

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike

2-3 hours
Airbus H145 / H125 / R66

The ultimate glacier experience. Land on the Tasman Glacier for a guided hike among seracs and ice formations. Based on real-world Helicopter Line tours.

Tour Features:

  • Landing at 2,200m on the Tasman Glacier
  • 45-60 minute guided hike with crampons
  • Views of Hochstetter Icefall
  • Blue ice exploration
  • Glacier geology interpretation

Operational Details:

  • Depart from: Glentanner Station or Mount Cook Airport
  • Tasman Glacier Landing Zone: S43° 37.5' E170° 10.5'
  • Mount Cook Flight Information Zone (FIZ) - 122.5 MHz
  • Glacier landing requires special training
  • Monitor mountain weather: 130.6 MHz
  • H145 preferred for group tours (up to 8 passengers)
  • R66 for premium small groups (4 passengers)
Glacier conditions change rapidly

Alpine Explorer Heli-Hike

1.5-2 hours
H125 / R66 / H145

Multiple alpine landings with short hikes. Experience different terrains from glacier to rocky ridges.

Landing Sites:

  • Sealy Range ridge landing (1,800m)
  • Hooker Valley overlook
  • Blue Lakes area (ancient glacier terminal)
  • Optional: Tasman Glacier terminal lake

Operational Details:

  • Multiple confined area landings
  • Route: NZMC → Sealy Range → Hooker Valley → Blue Lakes
  • All landings above 1,500m ASL
  • High density altitude operations
  • Passenger weight and balance critical
  • H125 excels in high-altitude performance

Summit View Heli-Hike

3-4 hours
H145 / H125 (Premium Experience)

Land near the Main Divide for breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Includes alpine flora hike and glacier education.

Experience Includes:

  • Landing at 2,400m near the Main Divide
  • 360° views of Mount Cook, Tasman, and Hooker Glaciers
  • Alpine plant identification (mountain buttercup, snow gentians)
  • Glacier formation education

Operational Details:

  • Highest landing at approximately 2,400m ASL
  • Extreme high-altitude operations
  • Turbine helicopters only (H145/H125 preferred)
  • Weather minimums: Cloud base 3,000ft, visibility 10km
  • Passenger oxygen available on H145
  • Maximum group size: 6 passengers

Family Glacier Adventure

1-1.5 hours
H145 (Family groups) / R66

Shorter, more accessible glacier experience suitable for families. Gentle landing with easy walking.

Family-Friendly Features:

  • Lower altitude glacier landing (1,800m)
  • Easy 30-minute walk on gentle ice
  • Ice cave exploration (when safe)
  • Glacier meltwater streams
  • Child-friendly interpretation

Operational Details:

  • Special family briefing included
  • Minimum age: 8 years
  • H145 accommodates up to 8 (ideal for families)
  • All safety equipment provided (crampons, helmets)
  • Warmer landing site selected for comfort
  • Shorter flight time ideal for children

Photography Special

2.5-3.5 hours
R66 / H125 (Door-off operations)

Designed for photographers. Multiple landings at golden hour with door-off flying for aerial photography.

Photography Opportunities:

  • Door-off flying for clear shots
  • Sunrise/sunset landings
  • Multiple locations: Glacier, lakes, peaks
  • Time at each location for setup

Operational Details:

  • Door-off operations require special briefing
  • Reduced passenger capacity for equipment
  • Early morning/late evening operations
  • R66 ideal for smoother ride and visibility
  • H125 with doors removed for best access
  • Maximum 3 photographers + guide

Alpine Lakes Heli-Hike

2-2.5 hours
All helicopters (varies by group size)

Explore the stunning alpine lakes around Mount Cook. Land at secluded lakes for short hikes and photography.

Lake Landings:

  • Lake Mueller (glacial turquoise waters)
  • Hooker Lake (iceberg viewing)
  • Sealy Tarns (reflection photography)
  • Blue Lakes (color-changing waters)

Operational Details:

  • Lakeside confined area landings
  • Watch for wind gusts off water
  • R44 suitable for 2-3 passengers
  • H145 for larger groups to multiple lakes
  • All landings require firm, stable ground
  • Avoid disturbing wildlife habitats

South Island Scenic Tour

3 Days

Day 1

NZCH → NZMC - Mount Cook glacier flight training

Airspace: Class G, Mount Cook FIZ 122.5

Day 2

NZMC → NZQN - Alpine crossing to Queenstown

Airspace: Class D arrival, Queenstown Tower 124.8

Day 3

NZQN → NZHK → NZCH - Coastal return via West Coast

Airspace: Multiple CTR transitions, flight planning required
Aircraft: R66, H145 or Piper Archer II/III

West Coast Industry Support

2 Days

Day 1

NZCH → NZHK - Crew transport to West Coast

NZHK → Remote strips - Site survey flights

Airspace: West Coast uncontrolled airstrips in Class G

Day 2

West Coast circuits - Equipment transport

NZHK → NZCH - Return with personnel

Airspace: Hokitika CTR, then Arthur's Pass crossing
Aircraft: R66, H125 or STOL-capable fixed-wing

Wine & Food Tour

2 Days

Day 1

NZCH → NZOU - Waitaki Valley vineyards

Scenic coastal flight - Oamaru to Moeraki

Airspace: Coastal Class G, Oamaru CTAF 123.1

Day 2

NZOU → NZQN - Central Otago wineries

Return to NZCH via Mackenzie Country

Airspace: Queenstown CTR, then Class G high country
Aircraft: Piper Archer II/III

Scenic Tours from Christchurch

R66 Alpine Explorer

2-3 hours
Robinson R66

Designed specifically for the R66's capabilities, this tour showcases its extended range and turbine performance in challenging alpine environments.

R66 Exclusive Features:

  • High-altitude lake landings (Lake Coleridge, Lake Heron)
  • Extended coastal range to Kaikoura Peninsula
  • Multiple remote high-country station visits in one trip
  • Turbine-powered hover capability for photography

R66 Operational Notes:

  • Turbine engine allows higher density altitude operations
  • Extended range enables direct routing over uninhabited areas
  • Enhanced instrumentation for marginal weather capability
  • CowanSim R66 includes realistic fuel burn and performance
  • Consider load planning - useful load ~1,200 lbs
  • Ideal for premium passenger experience with quieter cabin
Typical Route: NZCH → Arthur's Pass → West Coast glaciers → Return via different valley
R66 requires turbine management attention - monitor ITT and torque

Port Hills & Banks Peninsula

30-45 min
R66 / H125 / R44

Departing from CAC, this tour offers breathtaking views of Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, and the volcanic formations of the Port Hills.

Highlights:

  • Summit Road and Crater Rim
  • Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island
  • Godley Head & Taylor's Mistake
  • Christchurch CBD bird's-eye view

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Christchurch Control Zone (CTR) transition approval required
  • Remain west of Christchurch Class C airspace (below 1500ft AGL)
  • Lyttelton Harbour: Class G, but within Christchurch CTR lateral boundaries
  • Godley Head: Coastal warning area - watch for ships' cranes
  • CTAF for Port Hills area: 123.1
  • Must remain clear of Christchurch International traffic patterns
Typical Route: NZCH → Port Hills → Lyttelton → Godley Head → Return to NZCH
Watch for nor'westers - common afternoon turbulence

Waimakariri & Pegasus Bay

45-60 min
R66 / H125 / H145

Follow the braided Waimakariri River from the foothills to the sea, with stunning coastal views of Pegasus Bay and the Canterbury coastline.

Key Features:

  • Braided river patterns (unique aerial view)
  • Coastal wetlands & birdlife
  • Ashley River confluence
  • Kaiapoi & Woodend townships
  • Pegasus Bay coastline

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Waimakariri area has Class D airspace - remain west of controlled zone
  • Christchurch Control Area (CTA) floor at 1500ft in this sector
  • Kaiapoi zone: Transition at or below 1000ft AGL
  • Coastal route: Class G below 500ft along beach
  • Flight following available from Christchurch Information 124.4
  • Avoid Woodbourne Military Airspace (R383) to north
Route: NZCH → Waimakariri Gorge → River mouth → Coastal return

Canterbury Plains Scenic

1.5-2 hours
Piper Warrior / Archer

Low-level flight over the patchwork of Canterbury farms with options for coastal or inland routing to various airstrips.

Features:

  • Patchwork farmland patterns
  • Rangiora (NZRT) & Ashburton (NZAS) overflights
  • Mt Hutt & Southern Alps backdrop
  • Multiple farm strip options

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Canterbury Plains: Mix of Class D and Class G
  • Rangiora (NZRT): Uncontrolled, CTAF 123.1
  • Ashburton (NZAS): Flight Information Zone, 122.7
  • Farm strips: All Class G, landowner permission required
  • Avoid Christchurch Control Zone without clearance
  • Military low-level routes through area - check NOTAMs
Optional Stops: Rangiora (NZRT), Ashburton (NZAS), or any farm strip with permission
Canterbury's nor'west arch often visible to the west

Coastal Run to Oamaru

2-2.5 hours
Piper Archer

Christchurch to Oamaru (NZOU) following the coastline with options for low-level coastal flying or higher cruise.

Route Points:

  • Waimakariri River mouth departure
  • Coastal views of Pegasus Bay
  • Ashley & Waipara river mouths
  • Moeraki Boulders (famous spherical rocks)
  • Oamaru's Victorian precinct view

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Coastal corridor: Class G below 1500ft, Class C above
  • Timaru (NZTU) Control Zone: Class D, frequency 118.1
  • Oamaru (NZOU): Flight Information Zone, 123.1
  • Must cross Timaru CTR at approved points or above 2500ft
  • Maritime Patrol: Coastwatch operations common
  • Check for military exercise areas offshore
Flight Plan: NZCH → follow coast at 1500-2500ft → NZOU
Monitor weather - coastal fog common mornings

Alpine Foothills Explorer

Custom Duration
Both Helicopter & Fixed-Wing

Explore the transition from plains to mountains, suitable for both aircraft types with different operational considerations.

For Helicopter:

  • Confined area landings in foothills
  • Low-level valley flying
  • Access to high-country stations

For Warrior:

  • Rangiora (NZRT) or Mt Hutt (NZMF) stop
  • Foothills overflight at safe altitude
  • Return via different route

Airspace & Procedures:

  • Foothills area: Class G, uncontrolled
  • Mt Hutt (NZMF): Ski field airstrip, CTAF 122.9
  • Hororata (NZHT): Private strip, prior permission required
  • Helicopter: Special rules for mountain flying apply
  • Fixed-wing: Minimum safe altitude 2000ft above highest terrain
  • Mountain radio frequency: 130.6 for area broadcasts
Common Stops: Hororata (NZHT), Mt Hutt (NZMF), or high-country farm strips
Mountain weather changes rapidly - careful planning required