Best of · SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS IN NEW ZEALAND
The 15 best scenic helicopter flights in New Zealand you can board today, with the seat price, the minutes actually airborne and who each one suits. Number one is first for a reason; start there.
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!”
Fly from Paihia over Russell, Waitangi, island beaches, and Cape Brett on a 20-minute helicopter trip with pilot commentary. Upgrade to land on the Hole in the Rock, or choose the one-hour option for a short walk with a Māori guide. Flights carry up to five people.
“It is a phenomenal way to aquaint yourself with the Bay . I strongly recommend this activity if the weather is great.”
Take a small-group helicopter flight from Fox Glacier Township over icefalls and crevasses, then land on the snow for photos and alpine air. Your English-speaking pilot, including pilots such as Paul, Andy, or Jay, provides commentary throughout. Bring warm layers, sunglasses, and sturdy closed-toe shoes.
“Most incredible and awesome flight mode and the most stunning scenery Top notch”
From Aspiring Helicopters’ hangar near Wanaka, fly over glacial valleys, rugged Southern Alps peaks, and the start of the Shotover River. Your pilot chooses the safest glacier landing, on Isobel or Tyndall, for a 10-minute snow stop with time for photos, snowballs, and mountain air.
“Our pilot was friendly, fun, skilled and provided an excellent outing.”
Take a 30-minute helicopter flight around Queenstown’s Wakatipu Basin, with views of the Shotover River, Skippers Canyon, Coronet Peak, and Lake Wakatipu. Your pilot provides commentary, and a seasonal alpine landing in the Remarkables gives you about 10 minutes on the snow at 5,045 feet.
“This is a fantastic way to explore Queenstown, or anywhere for that matter. This was a highlight of my holiday. I’d definitely do this again.”
Fly from Christchurch Airport over the city, earthquake recovery zones, Lyttelton Harbour, Diamond Harbour, Port Hills, Sumner, and New Brighton. Your pilot provides live commentary, with a maximum of four passengers and seating assigned for aircraft balance.
“Disappointed with what we saw and flight time. Basically circled the city to the beach then back to the airport. Not much to see that you couldn’t do for cheaper in the gondola.”
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!”
Take a 9-minute helicopter flight from central Wellington with an English-speaking pilot, safety briefing, and views of the CBD, harbour, Te Papa, The Beehive, and the Cake Tin. On clear days, you may see Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds. Flights carry up to six people.
“Alles perfekt geklappt Sind nach Rücksprache später gestartet Wir waren mit Kreuzfahrt Schiff in Wellington Das war überhaupt kein Problem Sind nach dem Flug ohne Probleme zum Hafen gekommen Pilot top Flug top”
Join Wanaka Helicopters for a 45-minute flight above Wānaka, with two alpine landings and views of Mt Roy, the Matukituki River, Mou Waho, Mount Aspiring, Lake Hāwea, and Stevensons Arm. English-speaking pilots, including Travis, point out the best sights along the way.
“The highlight of our 2.5-week trip to New Zealand was undoubtedly landing on Mt. Roy. The experience was absolutely breathtaking, and we captured some of our best photos, all thanks to our amazing pilot!”
Take a 50-minute Southern Lakes Helicopters flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Your English-speaking pilot points out glaciers and mountain features, then lands on the Tasman Glacier for a brief snow stop. Clear weather may reveal both the Pacific coast and Tasman Sea.
“Excellent trip. Our pilot was very knowledgeable and pointed out all the glaciers and mountains. The landing on the glacier was a highlight. The weather was perfect. A great experience.”
Take off from Rosedale with an English-speaking pilot for a 20-minute flight over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, Eden Park, volcanic cones, and Rangitoto’s crater. Flights hold up to seven people, with smaller groups flying in a Robinson R44.
“Really awesome, enjoyed every minute, pilot and staff were wonderful, would recommend this trip and I will be going back again.”
Take a roughly one-hour helicopter flight from Manapouri over Lake Manapouri and into remote Doubtful Sound. Your pilot provides live commentary, and weather permitting, the helicopter lands at an isolated viewpoint. Flights carry up to six passengers and return to the airport.
“Great views, beautiful and informative. Seeing the whole area was awesome. Great pilot. A very wonderful experience, recommend for sure.”
From The Helicopter Line base in Franz Josef, you fly above Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, cross the Southern Alps toward Tasman Glacier and Mount Cook, and make a snow landing on ancient ice. The small group has up to six people, with English pilot commentary and no hotel pickup.
Fly for 55 minutes over the Southern Alps with an English-speaking guide, passing Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, Mount Sefton, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, and the Tasman Glacier. Choose a helicopter or ski plane, and use your camera during the flight.
“Amazing trip. Plane landed and took off from glacier, which was awesome.”
Depart Milford Sound by helicopter, pass Bowen Falls, Harrison’s Cove, alpine lakes, and the cliffs of Fiordland before landing on Tutoko Glacier. You get about 15 minutes in the air, a short snow stop for photos, headsets, live commentary, and a return to Milford.
“awesome experience. lovely and super friendly staff! views from above are spectacular. photos and videos won't give the views justice!”
By what you want moving underneath the aircraft.
