Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island is a magnet for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. Its stunning mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes, and rugged fiords make it a natural fit for helicopter adventures that elevate your experience from spectacular to unforgettable. Whether you’re dreaming of soaring over the Remarkables, landing on a glacier, or exploring Milford Sound from the sky, Queenstown has something to satisfy your desire for high-altitude adventure. The rides are more than just sightseeing; they’re a chance to witness some of the most iconic landscapes in New Zealand, often with a touch of adrenaline or serenity depending on your mood.
Our favorite experiences include the Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour with its alpine landing, offering personalized views and a chance to step high above Queenstown for a picture-perfect moment. Or, for those looking to combine flight with a cruise, the Milford Sound Helicopter & Cruise brings together two of the region’s greatest natural wonders. Whatever you choose, booking early is wise — weather can be unpredictable, and these flights are popular.
Quick Overview
Queenstown’s helicopter tours range from quick 20-minute scenic flights to full-day explorations with glacier landings. Many include alpine landings on snow-capped peaks, giving you fantastic photo opportunities and that “pinch me” moment. Others combine a Milford Sound cruise with a helicopter for a full immersion into Fiordland’s rugged beauty. Some tours are tailored for film fans, taking you over Lord of the Rings filming locations, while others focus on glacier exploration or mountain discovery. Each offers a different perspective, but all promise breathtaking views and unforgettable memories.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these top-rated Queenstown helicopter experiences.
1. Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing
At number 1, the Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing offers a personalized 20-minute flight led by a pilot who will select the best alpine landing spot for the day. You get to take in panoramic views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains from both the air and on foot. This tour is perfect if you want a quick but immersive experience that combines scenic flying with a secluded alpine spot, accessible only by helicopter. Rated 4.9/5 from 288 reviews, travelers love the breathtaking vistas and the opportunity to stand high above the town. The pilot’s commentary helps bring the scenery to life, making this a top choice for first-timers or those short on time. Expect 20 minutes of smooth flying with an alpine landing that’s adaptable daily.
Bottom line: It’s a compact, high-quality experience focusing on personalized views and exclusive access. Ideal if you want a quick taste of Queenstown’s alpine beauty.
2. Queenstown: 20-Minute Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Flight
At number 2, this 20-Minute Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Flight gets a perfect 5.0/5 from 160 reviews and costs about $219. It’s slightly longer and offers hovering close to the Remarkables, the mountain range that defines Queenstown’s eastern skyline. You’ll land around 1,538 meters (5,046 feet) above Lake Wakatipu, with panoramic views stretching to the Southern Alps. The pilot’s commentary makes this flight both scenic and informative, perfect for those who want to learn while they see. Guests rave about the snowy peaks, stunning lakes, and smooth ride.
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient. The highlight is the alpine landing—which, in winter, often has snow at your feet—making it a memorable experience. The small group size enhances the feeling of exclusivity and intimacy.
Bottom line: It’s a short, high-value trip with the chance to touch snow and get up close to Queenstown’s iconic peaks—great for photography and quick adventures.
3. Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
Number 3 on our list is the Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise, rated 5.0/5 from 159 reviews, which blends the spectacle of Milford Sound with a scenic flight. For about $838, you get a 4-hour tour that combines a helicopter flight over Fiordland with a cruise in Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations. The flight includes an alpine or glacier landing, giving you an extraordinary perspective on glaciers, waterfalls, and towering peaks.
This tour is perfect if you want a full immersive experience, with the added benefit of a cruise through the fiord’s stunning cliffs and waterfalls. It’s well-rated for its professional pilots and the unforgettable scenery. Imagine hovering high above Mitre Peak or stepping onto a remote glacier — a true highlight of any trip to Queenstown.
Bottom line: A comprehensive combo experience suited for travelers seeking both aerial and water views of Milford Sound with plenty of photo opportunities.
4. Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight
Number 4, the Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight, offers a 50-minute adventure over Mt. Aspiring National Park featuring glaciers and rugged peaks. For around $378, this tour dives deep into the glacial landscapes that helped carve New Zealand’s dramatic scenery. The flight includes an exhilarating glacier landing, allowing you to step onto icy terrain and capture unforgettable photos.
Guests are impressed by the spectacular views and the chance to see mountain scenery that’s usually only accessible by helicopter. The highlight is the landing on a glacier, which is as close as most travelers will get to real ice in the wild. You also fly over historic Skippers Canyon and enjoy breathtaking scenery around Queenstown.
Bottom line: Perfect for adventure lovers wanting a longer flight with a glacier landing — a true highlight for photographers and thrill-seekers alike.
5. Southern Glacier Experience Helicopter Flight from Queenstown
Rated 5.0/5 from 119 reviews, the Southern Glacier Experience offers a 50-minute snow landing in Jura Glacier. It costs about $476 and gives you rare access to the Southern Alps, with views of Mt. Aspiring and the Rees River valley. The flight is tailored to those who want close-up mountain scenery, with plenty of photo opportunities of glaciers, alpine peaks, and turquoise lakes.
Guests frequently mention the breathtaking scenery and the snow landing as unforgettable moments. The pilot shares commentary on the geology and landscape formation, adding educational value. The flight’s length makes it a more comprehensive option for those wanting time in the air.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want to combine glacier views with mountain scenery in a longer, more detailed flight.
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