3-Hour Experiences: the 7 Best Flights to Book

1.Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448Our pick

Fly onto a remote part of Fox Glacier, then spend up to three hours following ice steps through caves, arches, crevasses, and frozen rivers. Guides such as Billy, Kate, and Keeley explain how the glacier moves while you walk in boots and crampons. Return by helicopter when weather allows.

“Taylor our guide was excellent, finding plenty things to see on the glacier and explaining a lot about the terrain and glaciers in general.”

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2.Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to Tasman Glacier, then follow an experienced guide across blue ice, moulins, tunnels, and changing formations for up to two hours. Guides such as Hunter, Anna, Tori, and Rich are praised for safety, photos, and clear explanations. Warm gear, crampons, and two scenic flights are included.

“Flavia was an excellent and knowledgeable guide as well as being very friendly and making sure all members of the party were catered for”

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3.Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 218 reviews · 3 hours · from $564

From Mount Cook Airport, you’ll fly over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the ice, and spend two hours hiking among crevasses and ice formations. Guides such as Kerry, Scott, Maddie, and Jess have earned high praise for clear safety advice and glacier knowledge. Equipment is provided, but bring warm layers and sturdy shoes.

“excellent day. the helicopter ride and the glacier hike itself was amazing. both the pilot and the glacier guide as well as all the staff at the airport were amazing. would recommend this activity”

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4.3-Hour Hunter Valley Scenic Helicopter Tour Including 3-Course Lunch from Cessnock

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · from $290Top rated

You’ll take a private 15-minute helicopter flight from Cessnock over vineyards, Hunter Valley Gardens, and Cypress Lakes golf course, then land for a three-course lunch. Pilots including Michael and Nick have been praised for clear, friendly service. The helicopter carries up to three passengers.

“Fantastic customer service right from the start. Prompt communication regarding the booking and extremely helpful beforehand. Our pilots, Michael and Nick were excellent, very knowledgeable of the sights and helpful in every way making the flight enjoyable. Certainly, a day to remember.”

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5.Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $601

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier, land at about 1,200 meters, and spend two hours walking the ice with a guide. Boots, crampons, poles, wool socks, and waterproof layers are supplied. The return flight may show the Hochstetter Icefall.

“It was an amazing experience! We had a great time with our guides. Highly recommend a morning trip due to weather conditions!”

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6.Everest Base Camp: 3 Hour Helicopter Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · from $1,600

Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and above Everest Base Camp in a five-seat helicopter, with Himalayan views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Changtse. You get up to 45 minutes at Everest View Hotel for tea, coffee, or breakfast. English-speaking support and hotel pickup in Kathmandu and Patan are included.

“We were picked by the tour agent, Nepal Social Treks, and had contact with Nabin, who has been extremely helpful the whole time, he also arranged transportation and a guided tour in Kathmandu for us. A huge compliment to him. His team guided us through the airport customs etc, The helicopter (Airbus) looked well maintained and the pilot, Troy, was very professional and has a lot of experience. we flew to Lukla airport first to drop off a technician, some fuel and food and after that, straight to the mountains. we were very lucky as the skies were blue and hardly any wind, we flew to 19000 feet (above basecamp)…”

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7.3 Hour Helicopter Wine Tasting Tour in Hunter Valley

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $225Best value

Take a private helicopter from Cessnock Airport over Hunter Valley’s vineyards and Hunter Valley Gardens, stopping at two wineries for about an hour of tasting at each. Pilot Grayson is often assigned and can add a personal touch, including requested flyovers when practical.

“Great experience, VIP service if you get Grayson as a pilot you'd be verry lucky,so experienced friendly and informative..10 out of 10.highly recommend”

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