Best of · MOUNTAIN HELICOPTER FLIGHTS IN NEW ZEALAND
Four-seat aircraft and one weather window a day mean the good mountain helicopter flights in New Zealand go early. Below: the 15 to book ahead, what each includes and how they differ.
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!”
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 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!!!!”
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”
Take a 20-minute helicopter flight above Queenstown, with an alpine landing on the Remarkables Spur at about 5,000 feet. Your English-speaking pilot points out glaciers, gold-mining sites, film locations, lakes, and valleys. Pickup from selected hotels is available, and flight paths depend on weather.
“The flight was smooth and amazing. Jack was very friendly and polite. He also made sure we enjoy the flight . He also flewed the flight very smoothly”
Take a 35-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters over Queenstown, Skippers Canyon, and the Whakatipu Basin. Your pilot explains the area’s geology and gold-mining past before landing on a remote alpine peak. Snow may cover the landing site in winter, but the route and landing depend on weather.
“Awesome experience, exciting, rewarding. Great people with heaps of friendly information.”
Take a 45-minute helicopter flight from Mount Cook Airport over braided rivers, glaciers, and Aoraki Mount Cook. Land on the Tasman Glacier for 10 to 15 minutes with the engines off. Pilots such as Mark, Rob, and Dillon have earned praise for calm flying and clear commentary.
“This was a bucket list item price for us. We were so thankful that we had this opportunity. Everything about the experience was top-notch. Suggestion is to book a couple of days for the area just in case there is bad weather on the day that you have booked. It saved us from a disappointment. Once you have flown in a helicopter and landed on a glacier and stepped on it, no one can ever take that away from you.”
Take a 25-minute AS350 helicopter flight from Mount Cook Airport over braided rivers and Tasman Terminal Lake. Land for 10 to 15 minutes on Brass Peak or Liebig Dome, with views toward Aoraki Mount Cook. Pilot commentary, headsets, and a small group make the flight easy to follow.
“The glacial landing was so exciting, felt safe the whole flight, the views of Mt Cook, the Abel Tasman glacier and icebergs in the lake...priceless experience, loved it”
Take a 35-minute helicopter flight over Fox Glacier and the Southern Alps, with 20 to 25 minutes in the air and about 10 minutes on the snow. Your pilot provides live commentary as you view crevasses, icefalls, rainforest-ending glacier country, and Aoraki Mt. Cook from above.
“So flexible due to bad weather. Such a unique perspective and definitely worth doing even if you can't perform a landing. Breathtakingly spectacular. Very friendly and accommodating guys”
By what you want moving underneath the aircraft.
