Queenstown: 2.5 Hour Flight to Fiordland's Iconic Locations

Fiordland National Park, Queenstown



Escape the crowds and on our epic 2.5-hour heli tour with three landings at Lake Quill, Tutoko Glacier & Earnslaw Burn, plus scenic flyovers of Milford Sound. Fiordland’s best, all in one flight.

This is a 2.5-hour scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown over Fiordland, ideal for adventure seekers interested in alpine and glacier landings.

Highlights

  • Bird’s eye view of Milford Sound
  • Alpine and glacier landing (weather permitting)
  • Views of Lake Quill and Sutherland Falls (580m / 1,900 ft waterfall)
  • Exclusive landing at Earnslaw Burn

Description

Departing from Queenstown, this signature Fiordland flight glides over coastal fjords, glaciers, and mountain peaks. You will pass Ben Lomond, the Richardson Mountains, and Glenorchy village, continuing to Lake Erskine near the source of Sutherland Falls, fed by Lake Quill’s 580m-high waterfall.

The flight then moves along the West Coast to Milford Sound and Mitre Peak, followed by a landing at Earnslaw Burn, a valley with hanging glaciers and cascading waterfalls. This location remains impressive year-round, with fresh snow in winter adding to the scenery.

The return route includes a circle over historic Skippers Canyon before landing back in Queenstown. Winter months (June to August) may bring reduced waterfall flow at Earnslaw Burn, but glaciers and valley views remain remarkable.

Includes

  • 2.5 hour flight duration
  • 1 alpine lake landing
  • 1 glacier landing (weather permitting)
  • 1 Earnslaw Burn basin landing
  • Inflight commentary
  • Optional hotel pickup and drop-off

Excludes

  • Food

Important Information

  • This is a shared scenic flight with 6 to 9 passengers onboard. Minimum passenger numbers are required to confirm the flight.
  • Seating is assigned based on weight and balance for safety; specific seating cannot be guaranteed.
  • Accurate individual weights are required at booking. Significant discrepancies may affect the flight manifest or incur extra charges.
  • The flight includes three landings: alpine lake, glacier, and Earnslaw Burn valley.
  • Flights are weather dependent. Routes and landings may be modified or rescheduled for safety.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To book, bring warm clothing and suitable footwear for landings in alpine and glacier terrain. Early morning flights offer calmer weather conditions and clearer views.

Frequently Asked Questions

The flight includes panoramic views of Fiordland’s mountains, glaciers, fjords, alpine and glacier landings, and stops at locations like Lake Quill, Sutherland Falls, and Earnslaw Burn.
The shared scenic flight lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
Yes, the flight includes glacier and alpine landings, weather permitting.
The flight lands at sites such as Earnslaw Burn and on glaciers, providing close-up views of the terrain.
Yes, passengers get a bird’s eye view of Milford Sound from the air.
You can book the scenic flight online through various operators departing from Queenstown.
Glacier and alpine landings depend on weather conditions and are subject to change for safety reasons.
Meals or refreshments are generally not included; please check the operator’s details for options.
The scenic flight departs from Queenstown Airport, near the town center.
Yes, photographers can bring cameras and equipment to capture views of Fiordland’s landscapes during the flight.

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