GCH Aviation is widely respected as one of New Zealand’s premier aviation operators, providing all aspects of tourism and charter helicopter, jet, fixed wing flights, air ambulance, helicopter rescue operations and various other commercial flying services.
Coastwide Helicopters is part of the commercial division of the GCH Aviation Group with its operational base at Greymouth airport.
Coastwide Helicopters have been part of the GCH Aviation group of companies since 2017. Prior to that Coastwide Helicopters have been part of the West Coast aviation sector since 1987.
Heli biking
Paparoa Track Heli Bike lift
Get your bike adventure off to a flying start with a Heli Bike lift with Coastwide Helicopters.
The Paparoa track on the West Coast of the South Island is New Zealand’s latest ‘Great Walk’ to be formed as a shared walking and mountain biking track. A Heli Bike lift with Coastwide Helicopters allows you to experience a less strenuous start to your journey by avoiding around two hours of uphill biking.
A Coastwide Helicopters Heli Bike lift to the track above Ces Clark hut will allow you to cut out 800-1000m vertical climb and between 10-15km (dependant on landing site). The track is easily achievable in one day for experienced mountain bikers with a heli lift. The 56.2 km track is maintained to an advanced Grade 4 mountain biking standard. A myriad biking adventure through alpine tops, limestone karst landscapes and thriving rainforests.
Your Bikes will be transported in purpose-built Dart Aerospace racks. These racks are designed to protect your bikes from damage. Bikes are strapped in standing upright allowing cost effective travel with bikes and passengers flying together in one load. Hop out of the helicopter, hop on your bike and your adventure begins.
Experience the remote beauty and take in panoramic views of the Paparoa Range on New Zealand’s latest Great Walk/Bike.
Plan your trip wisely – take a personal locator beacon, plenty of water, warm clothing.
You will need to book your huts through the Department of Conservation if you wish to stay a night or two.
Information on the track: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/west-coast/places/paparoa-national-park/things-to-do/tracks/paparoa-track/#fees-and-bookings
Scenic Flights
Discover the beauty of the west coast
Capture the splendour of the West Coast of New Zealand from the air with Coastwide Helicopters. From snow-capped mountains and glaciers to rugged back country and panoramic coastal views.
Greymouth Scenic
Experience the thrill of a helicopter flight over the heart of the West Coast, Greymouth. Known by the Māori name of Māwhera, meaning widespread river mouth, referring to the mighty Grey River.
Take in the view from above by helicopter of the places that make this West Coast town unique. Get a bird’s eye view of the locally famous “Greymouth River Bar”, a notorious rough river mouth cautiously navigated by fishing boats.
In the spring, look down upon the many locals enjoying the whitebait season on the banks of the Grey River. Every year these little fish bring friends and families together for the catch and a few of the once locally brewed, Monteiths beer. If you ask anyone of these whitebaiters if they have caught much, the standard reply will most commonly be “Enough for a feed”. Never to give away if the catching has been plentiful!
Greymouth has a rich history of coal and gold mining. Your pilot can point out areas of interest that relate to these valuable West Coast resources. To the south, Shantytown Heritage Park is a re-created gold rush town with a museum and steam train.
If the weather is clear to the south, you may be lucky enough to see New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook.
Get a different perspective of this beautiful part of the West Coast with Coastwide Helicopters.
Heritage Flight
Take in some of the West Coast’s rich mining history with a flight over the old mining settlement of Rewanui where native bush is slowly reclaiming this once bustling mining town. The return flight takes in the coastline, with black sand and rocky beaches flanked by ferns and waterfalls.
Glacier Flight
Fly over the majestic Southern Alps for breath-taking views of mountain peaks, glaciers and rugged West Coast beaches. Choose to land at an alpine tarn high up in the mountains for a true backcountry experience.
Call us now to book your adventure on 03 762 6117
Commercial
You can trust in coastwide helicopters
Coastwide Helicopters is synonymous with aviation on the west coast of New Zealand. Coastwide has been providing Helicopter services to a diverse range of clients for the last 30+ years and is now a division of GCH Aviation.
GCH Aviation is a long established aviation company which specialises in providing industry-leading commercial helicopter services headquartered at our world-class purpose-built facility at Christchurch International Airport.
Over many years we have carefully acquired a team of pilots with a diverse experience, back- ground and impeccable safety record, giving our clients the assurance that specific tasks will be completed with ease, precision and the utmost safety.
Through continued reinvestment in our fleet of helicopters and support equipment, our talented pilots are proud to operate a modern fleet of powerful helicopters. Our helicopters are equipped with safety critical enhancements such as electronically controlled engine systems, dual hydraulic flight controls, hydraulically actuated cargo hooks and load weighing systems. The safety of our customers, staff, community and environment are paramount in our proposal to our clients. This is a statement reinforced by the New Zealand Helicopter Association awarding GCH Aviation a Diamond Safety Recognition Award for over 30 years’ continuous service without injury to self, passengers or crew.
If you are a return customer, we thank you for your continued support of Coastwide Helicopters. If you are new to our business, welcome – You are in safe hands!
GCHA provide more than just a service. We partner with our clients to provide efficient solutions.
Coastwide and GCH Aviation provides our clients a depth of experience that comes with over 30 years in the commercial helicopter business. Coastwide and GCH Aviation deliver more than the helicopter and pilot, we bring experience and advice on how to complete each mission safely and efficiently. Our team works with the client to ensure that the mission is completed on time, on budget and with the peace of mind that you are working with some of the most experienced helicopter pilots in New Zealand.
For commercial enquiries please contact us on 03 762 6117
what can we do for you
Lifting
With a helicopter we can lift heavy items and construction materials up to 1,300 kg into difficult access locations.
Lines Inspection
Our helicopters provide access for lines-people to inspect power and overhead lines, and can hoist equipment for repairs and maintenance.
Fire Fighting
We are highly experienced in providing helicopter support services to fire fighting operations including remote locations and mountainous terrain
Wire Stringing
We have a wealth of experience in wire stringing operations in all types of terrain. With a purpose-built wire stringer accommodating any size drum.
Photography & Filming
Our highly skilled pilots are experienced in all forms of aerial filming and photography work.
Remote Access
We help with accessing remote locations safely and efficiently for equipment maintenance, supply drops, inspections and search and rescue operations
Diamond Safety Recognition Award
The safety of our staff, customers, and the environment are paramount to GCH Aviation. To actively manage the hazards and risks associated with operating throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific, personnel use systems developed over the 30+ years of operational experience that GCH Aviation has in the New Zealand helicopter industry.
In June 2017 Garden City Helicopters were awarded a Diamond Safety Recognition Award by the New Zealand Aviation Industry Association for 30 years continuous service without accident to self, passengers, or crew.
CONTACT DETAILS
For all scenic and adventure flight enquiries call us on 03 762 6117
For commercial operations please call 03 762 6117
Physical address: 64 Water Walk Road Greymouth
