Te Anau is the perfect launchpad for exploring some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes by helicopter. Surrounded by Fiordland’s rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, and remote fiords, the area offers some of the most spectacular aerial views available. Unlike many destinations, Te Anau’s helicopter tours give access to unreachable spots like Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound—places that are either impossible to reach by road or require days of trekking. Whether you’re after breathtaking scenery, a quick jaunt over the mountains, or a combination of flying and hiking, Te Anau has an option for you. We’re especially taken with the scenic flights that land in isolated locations, offering photo ops you won’t find elsewhere. If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring over glaciers, fjords, and ancient forests, these tours will satisfy that urge.
To help you make the most of your time in Te Anau, we’ve put together a list of the best helicopter flights and tours. Each experience offers a different perspective of Fiordland’s wild beauty, from quick scenic flights to extended explorations. Whichever you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.
Quick Overview of the Best Helicopter Tours in Te Anau
This list covers a range of options, from quick scenic flights to full-day adventures. You’ll find:
– Short, affordable scenic flights with alpine landings, like the Taste of Fiordland
– Longer, more in-depth explorations of Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, such as the Doubtful And Dusky Sound Helicopter Scenic Flight
– Combination trips that include hiking and landing in remote spots, like the Scenic Helicopter & Kepler Guided Hike
– Comprehensive flights over multiple fiords, including Milford Sound, like the Te Anau: Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Helicopter Flight
Now, let’s take a closer look at each.
1. Discover Doubtful Sound // Helicopter Scenic Flight from Te Anau
At number 1 on our list, this 1-hour scenic helicopter flight takes you over Fiordland’s largest and most famous fjord, Doubtful Sound. This tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive view of the region without the hassle of multi-day cruises. The flight departs from Te Anau and offers stunning vistas of rugged mountains, deep lakes, and lush rainforest that are often inaccessible by road. The pilot will point out highlights like the towering peaks of Fiordland National Park and the expansive Lake Manapouri, which you’ll see en route. If weather allows, there’s also an opportunity to land in an isolated spot, giving you a chance for panoramic photos that truly capture the scale of this wilderness.
What makes this tour stand out is its convenience and quality. Rated 5.0 stars from 7 reviews, travelers praise the “great views” and “beautiful, informative” commentary. The helicopter reaches parts of the South Island most visitors only dream about, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a quick escape into nature. With flexible departure times, it’s easy to fit this into your schedule.
Bottom line: This is an excellent option if you want a high-quality, immersive experience of Doubtful Sound with minimal fuss.
2. Doubtful And Dusky Sound Helicopter Scenic Flight from Te Anau
For those wanting to see multiple fiords in one go, this Doubtful and Dusky Sound tour offers a 1 hour 30-minute journey that explores the dramatic landscapes of both fjords. Departing from Te Anau, the flight features stunning aerial views of glaciers, lakes, and the towering Kepler Mountains. The tour includes two landings—one at Doubtful Sound and another at Dusky Sound—both incredibly remote and untouched. These landings give you time to absorb the silence of these pristine wilderness areas and take photos of the untouched scenery.
What makes this experience special is the combination of spectacular scenery and in-depth exploration. Passengers rave about the “stunning views” and the opportunity to see two of New Zealand’s most remote fjords in one flight. The inclusion of multiple departure times makes it flexible for different schedules.
Bottom line: This is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a more comprehensive look at Fiordland’s most impressive fjords in a single trip.
3. Scenic Helicopter & Kepler Guided Hike from Te Anau with Lunch
If hiking is your thing, this full-day scenic helicopter and Kepler Track combo is hard to beat. For around $475, you’ll first fly over Lake Te Anau and its hidden mountain lakes, then land at Mt. Maury for breathtaking views. After that, you’ll be dropped off at Luxmore Hut to begin a guided hike along the famous Kepler Track. This is a fantastic way for active travelers to combine flying with exploring on foot, with the option to climb Mt. Luxmore or take a gentler descent.
Rated highly in reviews, travelers appreciate the “beautiful helicopter ride” and the “breathtaking views” on the trail. The guide, Sasha, is described as knowledgeable and caring—adding a personal touch. The tour includes snacks, drinks, and an optional lunch upgrade, making it well-rounded.
This experience is ideal for fit hikers with some experience who want to maximize their day with a scenic flight and an authentic mountain trek. The main drawback is the physical effort involved, so it’s best suited for active travelers.
Bottom line: Perfect for adventurous, active travelers who want a combo of scenic flying and a rewarding hike.
4. Dusky Sound // Helicopter Scenic Flight
This Dusky Sound scenic flight offers a 1-hour flight that emphasizes remote wilderness. From Manapouri Airport, you soar over Lake Manapouri and Fiordland’s rugged mountains, then head west toward Tamatea Dusky Sound. The highlight is the remote landings at alpine spots, where you’ll have time to soak in the pristine environment and take photos of glaciers, tarns, and rainforest.
Rated 5.0 stars from 2 reviews, travelers mention the “stunning views” and the chance to see hidden lakes, rivers, and valleys. The flight’s focus on quiet, untouched landscapes makes it appealing to lovers of solitude and natural beauty. The aircraft’s ability to reach these isolated spots makes this tour stand out from more crowded options.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a genuinely remote experience with plenty of time to enjoy the untouched scenery.
5. Te Anau: Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Helicopter Flight
If you want the ultimate Fiordland experience, this comprehensive 3-hour helicopter tour hits all the highlights. It covers Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and Dusky Sound, with landings in three iconic locations. This is the best choice for travelers who want a thorough overview of the region’s most spectacular fjords in one trip.
Rated 5/5 from one review, it’s clear that this tour appeals to those wanting a big-picture view of Fiordland. You’ll get to see towering mountains, glaciers, and lush forests from the air, with opportunities to land in remote spots that are otherwise inaccessible. The flight’s length allows for a more leisurely experience and plenty of time to appreciate the scenery.
Bottom line: Best suited for the serious explorer or those with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing.
$1,713 per person
6. Taste of Fiordland // Helicopter Scenic Flight from Te Anau
For a quick, affordable taste of Fiordland, this 20-minute scenic flight is a great option. It offers aerial views of mountain peaks, lakes, and alpine scenery including Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri, with a live pilot commentary adding context. The flight also includes an alpine landing, giving you a chance to step out and enjoy the silence and beauty of the mountains.
Rated 4.5 stars from five reviews, travelers appreciate the “beautiful views” and the “unparalleled experience” of stepping onto a remote alpine spot. The tour’s shorter duration and lower cost make it a good choice for those on a tight schedule or budget.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a quick but immersive Fiordland experience without a large time commitment.
How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Te Anau
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a quick overview, the Taste of Fiordland offers excellent value. If you want to see multiple fjords in one trip, the Doubtful and Dusky Sound flight is a solid choice. For active travelers, the Scenic Helicopter & Kepler Hike combines scenery with physical activity.
Think about how much time you have—if a quick flight suffices, the Taste of Fiordland or Discover Doubtful Sound are ideal. For a full-blown adventure, consider the Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Sound flight. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time and experience.
Final Thoughts
Te Anau offers some of New Zealand’s most impressive helicopter experiences, with options ranging from quick scenic flights to multi-fiord explorations and active hikes. If you’re short on time but want stunning views, the Taste of Fiordland delivers a lot in 20 minutes. For those seeking a deeper dive into Fiordland’s wild landscapes, the Doubtful and Dusky Sound or the comprehensive Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful trip will satisfy your curiosity.
Whether you’re after a quick thrill or a full-day adventure, these helicopter tours are sure to give you a new appreciation for Fiordland’s rugged beauty. Remember to book ahead, especially in high season, so you don’t miss out on these unforgettable views.