Best of · MOUNTAIN & ALPINE HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
Ridgelines, summit landings and the valleys behind them. The 15 below run from a twenty-five minute alpine hop to a half day in the Southern Alps, priced per seat with the landing time called out separately.
Fly over Franz Josef Glacier with an English-speaking pilot, spot crevasses and ice pinnacles, then land on snow or alpine terrain for 10 minutes of photos. The route is weather-sensitive, but pilots such as Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Sam are praised for clear commentary and calm flying.
“Amazing views! The diver was super friendly and helpful”
You’ll fly from Mount Cook Aerodrome through the Tasman Valley, past a blue glacier lake, then land in the Southern Alps for mountain views and photos. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary throughout. Snow landings happen most of the year, but summer conditions can change that.
“It was an awesome experience seeing the mountains and glaciers up close!”
Spend about 10.5 hours exploring Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Thurston Lava Tube, steam vents, Akaka Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Banyan Drive. A professional guide such as Dexter adds local stories, while an optional helicopter flight offers views of craters, waterfalls, coastlines, and forest from above.
“As you go through the reviews, you will see many of the 5 star reviews have a tour guide named Dexter. Dexter was our tour guide and in my opinion THE GUY to give this tour. He's lived here all his life and know so many minute details about the places we visited, the history, and much of it because he experienced it! He is a great guy just to talk to during the stops, and our Hawaii vacation was greatly enhanced by being lucky enough to have him as our tour guide and get to know him. One note to future tours - make sure to take cash for…”
Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown with hotel pickup, live commentary, and an alpine landing chosen by your pilot. See Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, and the surrounding mountains from above. Snow is likely in winter, while summer landings reveal rugged high-country ground.
“Great opportunity to take on! Loved our pilot pete he was very helpful.”
You’ll fly over Aoraki Mount Cook National Park by ski plane and helicopter, with a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier. The route and aircraft order may change with weather. English-speaking pilots, free parking, and flexible rescheduling are included.
“It was brilliant! The wind was picking up so was a bit hit and miss as to whether it would go ahead, but the team were great at keeping me informed (shoutout to Tina for being amazing and making sure I was able to get a slot!) Can’t recommend enough!”
Fly from Reykjavik’s domestic airport with Nordurflug, circle the city and Faxafloi Bay, then land for about 15 minutes on Mount Esja or another summit chosen for safe weather. Pilots such as Max and Jan add commentary, and the 30 to 45 minute trip leaves most of your day free.
“We booked the helicopter tour for the sunrise, it was so beautiful. The pilot gave a commentary while flying about the landscape and history of the lakes and mountains/volcanos. Make sure you wrap up as the wind chills on the mountains were biting but well worth the cold for the amazing views.”
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”
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”
Fly from Queenstown over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables in a six-passenger helicopter, with pilot commentary and a roughly 10-minute alpine landing. Pilots such as Bill, Jono, Jezza, and Jazza have earned praise for smooth flying and friendly local insight. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
“What a fantastic experience. Our scenic flight, including the glacier landing, was by far the highlight of our 4 day stay in Queenstown. Our AS350 Squirrel pilot Pete was extremely professional, and a master of his craft. The surreal feeling, and surprisingly calm environment up there on the Glacier was something we'll never forget. I recommend this tour to everyone who has a passion for the wow factor, you won't be able to wipe the smile off your face for days.”
Fly with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters from Queenstown to Milford Sound, cruise beneath cliffs and waterfalls, then return over Fiordland for an alpine or glacier landing. Pilots such as Luke, Jeremy, Michael, and Andrew provide live English commentary. Weather can change the route.
“This trip was more than we could’ve ever imagined. Any fears I had quickly disappeared the minute we got into the helicopter. Our Pilot Michael was so amazing and made the flight so much fun, along with the great people with us that we had just met. The glacier landings (we were lucky to have two) were unforgettable. Best day ever!!!!”
Take a 15 to 18-minute, 30-mile helicopter flight from Sevierville over downtown, Pigeon Forge, Waldens Creek, Bluff Mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Chilhowee Range. Your pilot narrates the ride through a headset, with flights limited to six passengers.
“We were so disappointed as our flight got canceled due to bad weather. This I understand is not under their control. However we weren’t given accountable answers for the refunds and were told that we have canceled in our system and TripAdvisor should return you the money and that they aren’t accountable”
Fly from Kahului over East Maui’s rainforest, waterfalls, Hana coast, and Haleakala’s crater in a six-seat A-Star helicopter. Pilots such as Drew, Kirk, Vince, and Christian provide narration and music. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with weather-based route changes possible.
“Our guide , Drew, gave us spectacular views over waterfalls and the crater. He also gave us additional information about the area for future exploration! The music was fabulous… adding to the adventure! It was a professional and personal experience! !”
Fly from Whistler Valley over Blackcomb, ancient glaciers, lakes, and Coast Mountain peaks with live English commentary. You’ll land at a mountain location for about 20 minutes of photos and fresh air. Private and small-group options are available, with pilots such as Mack, Douglas, and Nick.
“Just stunning and easy and amazing!!! Would definitely do it again - so absolutely beautiful. And the company made everything super easy from on time pickup, to easy instructions and great tour.”
From Glentanner, fly for about 55 minutes over Aoraki Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Your pilot provides commentary, and the flight includes an alpine snow landing where you can step out for mountain views. Groups are limited to six people.
“The ground staff provided excellent services by explaining details of our trip and safety procedures. Greg, both our pilot and guide, carried us safely over top of the mountains as well as throughout the trip! We are pleased to say that the whole trip was memorable caused it was managed by capable hands.”
Take a 45-minute scenic flight from Mount Cook Airport in both a ski plane and helicopter, with a 10 to 15-minute landing on the Tasman Glacier. You may fly either aircraft first, then change over on the ice. Live commentary, headsets, and a professional pilot are included.
“An amazing experience to fly over Mt Cook in perfect weather and land on the top of the Tasman Glacier by helicopter. Then the plane down was just as memorable. This experience is hard to compare”
By what you want moving underneath the aircraft.
