Best of · MOUNTAIN HELICOPTER FLIGHTS IN QUEENSTOWN
Four-seat aircraft and one weather window a day mean the good mountain helicopter flights in Queenstown go early. Below: the 15 to book ahead, what each includes and how they differ.
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.”
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 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 1.5-hour helicopter flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound with a pilot guide such as Pete, Bill, or Jono. Land at Milford Sound, then touch down in a remote alpine area, often near snow or glaciers. Hotel pickup, drop-off, and live commentary are included.
“Wonderful and knowledgeable. When we had others cancel, they saved the day with an amazing flight and 2 landings.”
From Queenstown Airport, your pilot flies you over the Southern Lakes region to a snow-covered mountain landing. You can build a snowman, sled, enjoy a snowball fight, or simply take photos in the quiet. Pickup, commentary, and shared or private flights are available.
“Ben was a great pilot and guide! Terrific experience. Friendly, professional, top notch all around. It was truly over the top!”
You’ll fly from Queenstown over forests, frozen lakes, Milford Sound, and the Southern Alps before landing beside a glacier. A professional pilot-guide uses Bose headsets to explain the views. The flight lasts about 90 minutes, carries up to 12 people, and includes hotel pickup, drop-off, fees, and bottled water.
“Incredible experience. Knowledgeable and professional pilot and immaculate helicopter. Worth every dollar”
Fly from Queenstown over Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, walk at your first landing, then cross the fiord to a wild Tasman Sea beach and finish with a glacier or alpine landing. English-speaking pilots such as Jeremy and Luke may provide commentary.
“An extraordinary experience, one of the most amazing things I have ever done. I was incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to do two flights with the Glacier Southern Lakes team. I loved the first flight so much, I booked another different flight the same week. I hope to come back next year and do it all again. On both occasions I had the pleasure and good fortune of flying with Jeremy - thankyou so much, I look forward to the next flight!”
You’ll fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound with an English-speaking pilot, land in remote alpine country, then board a two-hour boutique cruise. The 6-person group keeps the outing personal, while the helicopter route offers views of glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and Fiordland’s steep fjords.
“Absolutely superb. Our pilot flew an amazing route, not just through valleys but over the highest peaks and into dead end gorges to spiral up. Thrilling. And a time efficient way to see Milford Sound, eliminating the long drive. That's my first bucket list item ticked off.”
Fly privately from Queenstown over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, with up to four landings at places such as Lake Quill, a glacier, a West Coast beach, and the fiord. Your pilot-guide handles the narration, while a gourmet picnic includes cheese, meats, bread, Champagne, beer, and soft drinks.
“Nothing short of spectacular!!!! Absolutely amazing! Our pilot Capt Heath was fabulous. We didn’t want it to end! Pictures could never do it justice… A MUST!!!”
Take a 20 to 30 minute helicopter flight from Frankton over Lake Wakatipu to Cecil Peak. Enjoy a two-hour picnic with local meats, cheeses, salad, fruit, sparkling wine, beer, and soft drinks before flying back to Queenstown. Small groups are limited to six people.
“Such an amazing experience, pick up & drop off included which is so convenient. Ben the pilot was awesome! Package includes drinks & food platter everything in there was delicious. The best part was the mountain top views 😍 definitely recommend doing this with your loved one! Loved every bit of this! I would go back and do it again in a heart beat lol! 🩵”
Fly with Over The Top from Queenstown to Milford Sound, join a scenic cruise beneath Mitre Peak and waterfalls, then land on a remote alpine site before returning by helicopter. Your pilot-guide provides commentary, Bose headsets help you hear clearly, and hotel pickup is included.
“Our pilot, Ben, was both fun and skillful and shared interesting points of fact, stories, gorgeous vistas, and strategic landings. He was professional and knew how to make the experience the best it could possibly be for everyone on board…a true captain of his “ship”. Highly recommend.”
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound with Over The Top Limited in a shared or private helicopter. Your pilot, such as Ben, Davey, or Choppy, narrates the Southern Alps, waterfalls, and rainforest before two landings: a remote West Coast beach and an alpine glacier. The flight lasts about two hours.
“This was an amazing experience. Our pilot was so pleasant and knowledgeable about the terrain. It was a highlight for our family and one we will remember always!!! Cannot recommend enough. There is no other way to really be able to appreciate the gorgeous land that is southern New Zealand!”
Fly from Queenstown with a local pilot, land at Milford Sound for a short nature walk and Mitre Peak photo, then touch down on a glacier or snowy alpine ridge. Expect in-flight commentary, possible Lord of the Rings film-site views, and changing routes based on weather.
“The Whole team at Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters are exceptional Jeremy was our pilot, he was very professional and did everything to make our trip very memorable. Will fly with them again Thankyou so much!”
By what you want moving underneath the aircraft.
