Helicopter Flight Options In Queenstown

Adventure Inspiration

Our quick guide to the helicopter flights from Queenstown and nearby

One of the most popular and breath-taking activities in Queenstown is a scenic helicopter flight.  It's a fantastic way to appreciate the stunning alpine scenery of Queenstown and further afield, with unrivalled views from above. 

Ranging from affordable trips through to the tailor-made and truly indulgent end of the market, there are plenty are helicopter flight options to choose from.  We've outlined some of the most popular options.  For bookings check our Scenic Flights Guide.

Helicopter Queenstown

This is the ultimate way to experience a scenic tour of Queenstown and the diverse landscape of the Wakatipu Basin.  Fly past the canyons of the Shotover River, the ski slopes of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and the town itself.  Flights typically include an alpine landing, with Cecil's Peak and the Remarkables being the usual spots.  The helicopter flights range from 20 minutes to 1 hour.  Check out The Helicopter Line & Heliworks.

Helicopter Milford Sound

Fly above the epic Southern Alps on the way to Milford Sound.  Get a bird's eye view of secluded alpine lakes, sky-high waterfalls, lush pristine rainforest, ancient glaciers and rugged peaks before enjoying a remote alpine landing.  Flights typically last around 1.5 hours.  If you combine with a cruise, allow 5 - 6 hours.  Check out The Helicopter Line and Heliworks.

Helicopter Mount Aspiring National Park

Soar above vast untouched tracts of native forest and ancient glacial icefalls before landing amongst the snow-capped peaks of the Mount Aspiring National Park.  Explore hidden alpine lakes and cascading and see inside ice-blue crevasses as you fly over some of the region's most spectacular glaciers.  Flights typically last 50 - 60 minutes.  Check out Aspiring Helicopters.

Helicopter Alpine Golf

A unique experience for golf lovers.  Only accessible by helicopter, fly in, drive, chip, and putt at 4500 feet, overlooking Queenstown and the Southern Alps.  With incredible views of Lake Wakatipu and mountainous peaks, it can rightfully claim to be the most picturesque golf green in the world.  Check out Over The Top Helicopters.

Helicopter Glenorchy

Fly over the amazing scenery before landing on the snow in the Humboldt Mountain Range to admire the panoramic views over Glenorchy. Flights typically last 25 minutes.  Check out Heli-Glenorchy.
 
Helicopter Skiing

Enjoy a day on the mountain after arriving in the most spectacular fashion.  Harris Mountains Heli-Ski have been operating professional and expert heli-skiing trips for nearly 40 years.  Dedicated to providing experienced skiers and boarders with the best runs in the Queenstown area, these guys are your first-stop for some first class action.  Take advantage not just of the expert guidance, but also the fantastic gourmet lunches in your snow-covered, outdoor dining room.

Heli-Glenorchy will deliver you to the great ski areas around Wanaka and Glenorchy working with local experienced guides to ensure you get the best from the mountain.

Helicopter Hiking

Tackle one of the spectacular walking tracks in Mount Aspiring or Fiordland National Parks.  You can choose transport only to and from the track or, a full guided experience. 

Eco Wanaka (flights departing from Wanaka) offer an Alpine Lakes Heli-Hike taking walkers through alpine tussocks and past clear blue lakes in Mount Aspiring National Park. They also offer Lord of the Rings fans the chance to try their Misty Mountains' Heli-Hike that not only offers great views, but also takes in many of the locations used in filming The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.  From 2000 metres, descend 2 hours of guided hike, traversing the ridge line, revealing canyons, cliffs and glaciers before joining the beautiful blue lake below.  Trips include 3 flights and two alpine landings.  Allow 5 hours. 

Check out hiking options with Eco Wanaka and Heliworks.

Helicopter Lord of The Rings

Heliworks offer the ultimate LOTR tour features a 3 hour helicopter trip deep into Isengard, across the Misty Mountains and to the Ford of Bruinen.  The sights of the Wakatipu and Fiordland areas that enthralled movie goers unfold in front of you.  The flight also includes the 680m-high Sutherland Falls and the beauty of Milford Sound.

As mentioned above, Eco Wanaka also offer the Misty Mountains' Heli-Hike takes in many of the locations used in filming The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

Helicopter Weddings

To take your special day to the next level, you could have your ceremony high above Queenstown in The Remarkables Mountain Range.  Or, how about a special wedding photo-shoot of the beautiful bride framed by the snow in the neve high above the glaciers.  A number of helicopter operators can help organise wedding focused trips.  Check out The Helicopter Line.

Mount Cook & The Glaciers

Fly above Mount Cook, the highest mountain peak in New Zealand, vast glaciers and remote snowfields which inspired Sir Edmund Hillary, before his quest of Mt Everest.  Your flight will include a landing on the mighty Tasman Glacier.  You can even book a two hour guided hike to explore the glacial ice formations.

Nowhere else in the world can glaciers be found in such a dramatic setting, in such close proximity to the Sea, making Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers truly unique.  The Helicopter Line operates from Mount Cook, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier townships with multiple flight options available from each location.  This includes Mount Cook and Glacier combo packages.

if you are driving from Christchurch to Queenstown or vice-versa, it's well worth stopping in the area for a couple of days and booking a flight.  

Book A Helicopter Flight

Your flight will be dependent on favourable weather conditions so you will need to check with the operator 24 hours before to check you are good to go.  If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.

Our suggested flight operators which cover all/most of the options outlined above are:

The Helicopter Line 
Heli-Glenorchy 
Heliworks 

To view all the different Helicopter operators in the region and book a flight, check out our Scenic Flight Guide on My Guide Queenstown.