Tours Activities for couples Luxury experiences Wheelchair accessible Outdoor activities Nature & adventure National parks Air & helicopter tours Extreme sports & adrenaline Sightseeing Glacier exploration Viewing points

Our most popular and exclusive experience. Fly to the remote Earnslaw Burn, home to a dramatic hanging glacier and cascading waterfalls — a truly unforgettable location loved by both guests and crew.

Highlights

• See the famous hanging glacier and waterfalls featured in film and TV series
• Exclusive landing at Earnslaw Burn, only accessible with Heliworks Queenstown
• Scenic flight over Skippers Canyon and historic gold mining landscapes
• Land in a remote alpine valley surrounded by towering peaks and glacial views
• Seasonal magic: snowy glacier views in winter, waterfalls in warmer months

Description

This experience is a favourite for a reason. The Earnslaw Burn features a dramatic hanging glacier and countless waterfalls — an awe-inspiring alpine landscape that feels straight out of a fantasy. Even better, Heliworks is the only operators permitted to land here, making this an exclusive opportunity to explore one of New Zealand’s most spectacular and untouched locations. Your journey begins with a scenic flight over rugged schist slopes and historic gold mining remnants in Skippers Canyon, before descending onto the valley floor of the Earnslaw Burn. Towering above is the majestic glacier, with meltwater creating cascading waterfalls all around in the warmer months — a view that’s both humbling and unforgettable. This location has captivated audiences around the world, featuring in The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Travel Guides Australia, Tracked, and The Summit. Standing in the heart of the Earnslaw Burn, it's easy to see why filmmakers and travellers alike are drawn to its raw beauty. In the winter months (June – August), the number of flowing waterfalls may be fewer, but the glacier becomes even more impressive. Fresh snowfall blankets the valley, and a close-up flyover of the glacier reveals its deep, icy blue tones — creating a truly magical alpine experience

Includes

60-minute Helicopter Experience to the Earnslaw Burn Exclusive landing in the Earnslaw Burn valley (20 minutes) Aerial views of Skippers Canyon and gold mining sites Close-up glacier flyover with seasonal variation Time on the valley floor to explore and take photos Commentary from experienced local pilot Hotel Pickup and Dropoff (Optional)

Important Information

• Shared Experience: This is a shared scenic flight. You may be travelling with 6 to 9 passengers onboard the helicopter. Please note there are minimum passenger numbers to confirm a flight.
• Seating Configuration: Seating is arranged to ensure the safety and balance of the aircraft. Seats are assigned based on weight and balance requirements, and we are unable to guarantee specific seating positions.
• Weight Restrictions: Accurate individual weights are required at the time of booking. Any significant discrepancies may result in changes to the flight manifest or additional charges. Scenic Landing: This flight includes one exclusive landing at Earnslaw Burn — a remote alpine valley accessible only by Heliworks Queenstown, offering a truly spectacular and unforgettable experience.
• Weather Dependent: All flights are subject to weather and operational conditions. Routes and landing locations may be adjusted or rescheduled for safety.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund