Glenorchy is a slice of New Zealand’s wildest landscapes, and it’s a playground for those seeking memorable tours. This small town offers an array of helicopter adventures with stunning alpine landings, glacier explorations, and panoramic flights that showcase the region’s rugged beauty. What makes Glenorchy especially appealing is its proximity to iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings, as well as the chance to reach some of the most remote and breathtaking spots in the South Island. Personally, I’ve always loved the Earnslaw Burn Glacier & Waterfalls helicopter trip, which combines exclusivity with stunning hanging glaciers and waterfalls—an experience that’s as close to untouched wilderness as you can get.
If you’re eager to see the region from above and land on glaciers, or just want a quick scenic flight, Glenorchy offers a variety of options suitable for different interests and budgets. Whether you’re after a quick 20-minute scenic spin or an 80-minute glacier exploration, the tours here are all about delivering spectacular views and unforgettable moments.
Quick Overview
For those planning their trip, here’s a brief snapshot of what’s available: scenic helicopter flights, including 20-minute Alpine Express tours (more info), and longer adventures like the Glenorchy Glacier Explorer with glacier landings. For more extensive explorations, the Milford Sound and combined Milford Sound cruises make superb day trips. For photography enthusiasts, there’s even a personalized half-day tour (details here) tailored to capture the best shots. Each tour offers a different way to experience Glenorchy’s stunning scenery, from epic mountain vistas to remote glacier landings.
1. Earnslaw Burn Glacier & Waterfalls | 45 mins from Glenorchy
At number 1, this helicopter flight takes you deep into the Earnslaw Burn, a remote valley with dramatic waterfalls and a hanging glacier. The 45-minute tour is perfect for those craving exclusivity; your pilot will land on this untouched alpine terrain, giving you a rare chance to walk among blue ice and towering waterfalls. The views are breathtaking, with a stunning backdrop of Lord of the Rings filming locations, which the pilot points out with expert commentary. The helicopter’s ability to access such isolated spots makes this the ideal choice for adventure seekers and landscape lovers alike.
The highlight is the hanging glacier, whose vivid blue ice is mesmerizing. The tranquil silence of this remote setting makes it a peaceful escape from the crowds. Priced at $299 per person, it offers a premium experience that rewards travelers with spectacular scenery and the thrill of landing on a glacier in the South Island’s wild heart. It’s perfect for photographers and those wanting a true sense of wilderness.
Bottom Line: For a short but unforgettable adventure into New Zealand’s icy peaks, this helicopter tour offers top-tier scenery with exclusive access.
2. Glenorchy: 25-30 Minute Snow Landing Helicopter Experience
Number 2 on our list is the Glenorchy Snow Landing Helicopter Experience. For $193, you get a 25-30 minute scenic flight over the stunning landscapes of Glenorchy, capped off with a landing on a pristine alpine snow peak. This is a fantastic option if you want to see the winter scenery and get a sense of the high country without committing to a full-day tour. The flight offers sweeping views of mountains, glaciers, and valleys that are as dramatic as they are photogenic.
Landing on the snow-covered peak provides a rare vantage point, with panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. This experience is especially popular during winter, when snow blankets the landscape, but it’s equally impressive in summer. The expert pilot shares insights about the region’s geology and film locations, making it both an educational and visually stunning trip.
Best suited for: Those wanting a quick, high-impact scenic adventure with the bonus of an alpine snow landing. It appeals to photography lovers and anyone eager to see New Zealand’s winter landscape.
Bottom Line: A compact but striking helicopter experience that delivers big mountain views and a rare snow landing.
3. 20-Min Helicopter Tour from Glenorchy | Alpine Express
The Alpine Express offers a quick 20-minute escape into the heart of the mountains for just $135. This tour lifts off from Glenorchy and heads towards the Humboldt Mountains, with a scenic flyover of Lake Wakatipu. The highlight is the alpine landing, where you can step out onto a mountain platform, take photos, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
During this short flight, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Lake Whakatipu, the rugged peaks of the surrounding ranges, and the glaciers that carve through the landscape. The pilot provides lively commentary on the region’s geology and film history, making it a great pick for those short on time but eager for a spectacular view.
Best for: Travelers seeking a quick but memorable helicopter ride, especially if you want to combine it with other activities in Glenorchy. The alpine landing makes this experience stand out for its photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a fast, scenic, and thrilling helicopter experience with a mountain landing.
4. Milford Sound Panoramic Helicopter Tour | 50-Min Experience
Number 4, the Milford Sound Panoramic Helicopter Tour, is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” from the air. For 50 minutes, you’ll fly over Dart River, Lake Wakatipu, and the rugged peaks of Fiordland. The flight includes an incredible aerial view of Mitre Peak and Sutherland Falls, plus a remote alpine landing that’s rarely accessible by other means.
This tour stands out because it combines the grandeur of Milford Sound with a scenic flight that avoids the crowds. The pilot’s commentary highlights the region’s geology and wildlife, enhancing the experience. It’s priced at $457 per person, providing a luxurious way to see some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes from above.
Great for: Those wanting a comprehensive view of Milford Sound and the fiord’s surrounding mountains, especially if you’re short on time but want an epic trip. The remote alpine landing adds a special touch.
Bottom Line: A premium sightseeing flight that turns Milford Sound into a 3D experience, perfect for lovers of dramatic scenery.
$457 per person
5. Scenic Blue Ice Glacier Flight from Glenorchy | 40 min
Number 5 is the Scenic Blue Ice Glacier Flight, a 40-minute journey over rugged peaks and glaciers, culminating with a landing on the Blue Ice Glacier. For $369, this tour offers the rare chance to step onto a remote glacier and see the vivid blue ice up close. Your pilot guides you through Mt Aspiring National Park, revealing the region’s glacial history and geology.
The highlight is landing on the glacier, where you can walk on snow and ice, capturing unique photos of the pristine, blue ice formations. The flight also offers views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, making it a perfect mix of adventure and scenery. The glacier landing makes this a top pick for adventure travelers and photographers.
Best suited for: Those wanting an immersive glacier experience with an emphasis on photography and nature. Weather permitting, landing on the glacier creates a genuine sense of adventure.
Bottom Line: A spectacular glacier flight with a rare opportunity to walk on blue ice, ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
$369 per person
6. From Queenstown – Half Day Personalised Photography Tour
Next, the Half Day Personalised Photography Tour offers a private experience for up to two travelers at $363. This tour focuses on capturing the best scenery of Queenstown, Arrowtown, Skippers, Glenorchy, and Wanaka—each a stunning setting for photos. With a local photographer guiding you, you’ll receive tailored tips to improve your shots and ensure you leave with images worth framing.
This is an excellent choice for serious photographers or those eager to learn more about landscape photography. The tour is flexible, allowing you to choose your favorite locations and focus on the subjects that matter most to you. The personalized approach means you’ll get plenty of individual attention and advice.
Ideal for: Photography enthusiasts wanting a customized, behind-the-scenes look at some of New Zealand’s most photogenic spots. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a private guide to maximize their photographic potential.
Bottom Line: A personalized, skill-building tour that turns your camera into a storytelling tool amid New Zealand’s best scenery.
$363 per group up to 2
7. Glenorchy: Glacier Explorer Helicopter Flight with Landings
Number 7, the Glenorchy Glacier Explorer, is an 80-minute adventure for serious explorers at $579 per person. It combines flying over the Rees and Dart Valleys, landing on the Tyndall Glacier shelves, and touching down at Lochnagar, a stunning alpine lake.
This tour is the ultimate glacier experience, with flights over five glaciers, including Rob Roy and Bonar, and a peaceful lakeside landing. The pilot provides in-depth commentary about the region’s geography and history, making this tour both educational and exhilarating. The glacier landings give you a chance to walk on ice and photograph the incredible blue and white formations.
Best suited for: Adventure travelers who want a comprehensive aerial and land-based glacier experience, with plenty of opportunities for photos and exploration.
Bottom Line: An extensive glacier tour that combines flight, landing, and walking on ice—perfect for serious mountain and glacier enthusiasts.
$579 per person
8. Glenorchy | Milford Sound Helicopter Tour & Scenic Cruise
The Glenorchy-Milford Sound combo is a four-hour journey that takes you from land to sea. Starting with a scenic helicopter flight from Glenorchy to Milford Sound, it then continues with a cruise through the famous fiord. Priced at $641, it combines aerial photography with the experience of floating among waterfalls, rainforests, and towering cliffs.
The flight offers spectacular views of Mitre Peak and the Dart River, while the cruise affords close-up views of the waterfalls and wildlife of Milford Sound. The aerial component includes an Alpine landing on the Upper Humboldt Mountains, providing a rare vantage point. This is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive experience of what Fiordland has to offer.
Best for: Those wanting a full-day adventure that combines flying and cruising with the chance to see Milford Sound from multiple perspectives.
Bottom Line: A detailed, high-value experience for those eager to explore Milford Sound by both air and water.
$641 per person
9. Milford Sound & West Coast Beach Helicopter Tour | 75 mins
Last but not least, the Milford Sound & West Coast Beach Helicopter Tour is a 75-minute adventure crossing from the fiord to the Tasman Sea and landing on a remote West Coast beach. For $580, you’ll fly over towering cliffs, waterfalls, and rainforests before touching down on a quiet beach with native plants and stunning ocean views.
This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a longer, more varied helicopter experience that combines alpine peaks with ocean landscapes. The landings on the beach are a highlight, providing a sense of the wild, untouched coast. The flight also offers views of the Dart River, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains.
Best suited for: Travelers wanting a full, immersive helicopter tour that combines mountain, fiord, and coast scenery, with an unusual beach landing.
Bottom Line: An all-encompassing helicopter flight that captures the dramatic contrasts of New Zealand’s landscapes, perfect for explorers.
$580 per person
How to Choose the Best Glenorchy Tour
When deciding, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you’re pressed for time but want a quick overview, the 20-minute Alpine Express is hard to beat. For glacier lovers, the Blue Ice Glacier offers a rare chance to walk on ice. If Milford Sound is high on your list, the 50-minute panoramic or combined cruise options are excellent choices. For photography, the personalized tour allows you to capture the scenery under expert guidance.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons (summer and winter), as these tours tend to fill quickly. Think about combining a helicopter experience with land-based activities, or choosing a longer tour if you want to fully learn about Glenorchy’s stunning landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Glenorchy offers a wide range of helicopter tours that showcase its stunning scenery, from glacier landings and alpine flights to combined sightseeing adventures at Milford Sound. If you’re an adventure traveler, a photographer, or simply someone who wants to see the best of New Zealand’s wild landscapes, these tours deliver. For a quick thrill, the helicopter rides with mountain or glacier landings hit the mark. For a more comprehensive experience, the multi-stop tours over Milford Sound or the glacier explorer provide unmatched views and memorable moments.
Whatever your interests, booking early is key—these adventures are popular for good reason. Prepare your camera, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for some of the most breathtaking scenery this planet has to offer.