15 Must-Try Helicopter Flights & Tours In Queenstown

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand—and its helicopter tours are a prime way to see the jaw-dropping scenery from a perspective few get to enjoy. Whether you want a quick flight over the Remarkables or a full-day trip to Milford Sound with glacier landings, Queenstown offers a variety of options that cater to different interests and budgets. Some flights include cinematic alpine landings, like the Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing, perfect for snapping photos from a secluded mountain spot only accessible by air. Others, like the Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise, combine water and air for a more immersive experience. No matter what your style, these tours promise unforgettable views and stories you’ll be telling for years.

Quick Overview

This list covers scenic helicopter flights, alpine landings, glacier explorations, and full-day adventures. Prices vary from around $150 for short loops to over $887 for comprehensive trips involving glacier landings and Milford Sound cruises. Many tours include hotel pick-up, informative pilots, and photo opportunities. Now, let’s explore each experience in detail, so you can find the one that best fits your trip.

1. Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing

At number 1, this 25-minute helicopter experience offers a personalized view of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains, plus an alpine landing chosen by your pilot on the day. The tour includes breathtaking aerial views and the chance to capture Queenstown from a secluded spot only reachable by helicopter. The pilot’s discretion means each flight offers a unique landing location, adding a sense of spontaneity and adventure. With 291 reviews rating it 4.9/5, it’s clear that travelers love the personal touch and stunning vistas. The tour departs from a variety of locations in Queenstown, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a quick, customizable flight with spectacular views and a unique alpine landing.

2. Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Flight with alpine landing

For around $245, this 20-minute scenic flight takes you soaring over the Remarkables, with an alpine landing that puts you high above Lake Wakatipu. Known for its informative pilot commentary and personal experience, this tour offers a perfect balance of quick flight and mountain adventure. Reviewers mention landing on snowy peaks and enjoying unparalleled vistas stretching to the Southern Alps. Landings are on mountain peaks at about 5,046 feet (1,538 meters), providing incredible photo opportunities and a true sense of scale that will stay with you.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a memorable mountain landing with engaging commentary in a slightly longer flight.

3. Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

This 4-hour tour combines a breathtaking helicopter flight over Fiordland National Park with a scenic cruise of Milford Sound. The helicopter takes you high above glaciers, waterfalls, and towering cliffs, culminating in a private cruise where you can witness the fjord’s grandeur up close. The experience is capped at just six people, making it intimate and personal. The inclusion of wheelchair accessibility makes it more inclusive too. Reviewers rave about the breathtaking vistas and the unique chance to see glaciers and snow-capped peaks from above.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive, luxurious experience with both aerial and water views of Milford Sound.

4. Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

Spanning 50 minutes, this tour offers a high-adrenaline adventure exploring the glaciers of Mt. Aspiring National Park. The helicopter flies over spectacular scenery, including glacial icefalls and historic Skippers Canyon, with an exhilarating landing on a glacier. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a more in-depth look at the region’s icy landscapes. The flight’s length, combined with scenic views of untouched wilderness, makes it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

Bottom Line: Best for those craving a longer, more immersive glacier experience with plenty of photo ops.

5. Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50-Minute Helicopter Flight

This 50-minute flight packs in some of the best views of Mt. Aspiring, the Rees and Dart River valleys, and a snow landing on Jura Glacier. Reviewers consistently praise the fabulous pilot commentary and the opportunity to get close to snow-capped peaks. It’s a scenic, full-length flight that offers plenty of photo opportunities and a sense of scale that leaves you in awe.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an extended, scenic flight with a snow landing and plenty of mountain vistas.

6. Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise & Helicopter Alpine Tour

This 4-hour tour combines a scenic helicopter ride over Fiordland with a boat cruise in Milford Sound. It’s designed for those who want to see both the journey and the destination, with breathtaking views from the air and water. The helicopter lands in Milford Sound for your cruise, giving you excellent photo opportunities of waterfalls, glaciers, and peaks. The combo gives a well-rounded perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bottom Line: For those wanting a balanced experience of aerial views and a scenic cruise in Milford Sound.

7. 25-Minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

This quick 25-minute flight is perfect if your schedule is tight but you still want unrivaled views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables Range. You’ll land on the Remarkables spur, a mountain ridge offering unbeatable photo ops at 5,000 feet. Reviewers mention the smooth ride and spectacular scenery, making it one of the best value short flights in Queenstown.

Bottom Line: Great for a quick, high-impact sightseeing experience with a mountain landing.

8. Queenstown: Remarkables Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

At just 20 minutes, this tour offers a scenic helicopter flight with a landing on the Remarkables Spur. You’ll enjoy views of the deep valleys seen in movies like The Lord of the Rings. It’s perfect for those wanting a brief but stunning aerial adventure that captures the rugged beauty of the mountains.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking a short but visually impressive helicopter experience.

9. Milford Extended Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

For 2.5 hours, this is one of the most comprehensive Milford Sound helicopter tours available. It includes aeriel views of Fiordland, a landing in Milford Sound, and informative narration. The small group size (limited to six) ensures a personalized experience. Travelers love the spectacular scenery and the ability to see mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls from above.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a full, in-depth exploration of Milford Sound with plenty of photo opportunities.

10. Helicopter Tour with Alpine Snow Landing from Queenstown

This 45-minute tour takes you over Queenstown, culminating in a landing in a pristine snowfield. The highlight is the epic photo ops and the chance to stand among snow-capped peaks, something most travelers only dream of. Reviewers call it the best part of their trip, praising the professionalism and safety of the experience.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a longer flight with a snow landing and memorable photos.

11. Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour

This 1 hour and 10-minute tour is tailored for LOTR fans, flying over locations used in the movies and landing in Mt. Aspiring National Park. The small groups and detailed narration make it a favorite for movie buffs and scenery lovers alike. Reviewers mention the unique views of Middle Earth and the expert pilot.

Bottom Line: Best for LOTR fans or anyone wanting a scenic adventure with a cinematic twist.

12. Milford Sound and the Glaciers Helicopter Tour including Landing

This 1.5-hour tour flies over Milford Sound and lands on a glacier, giving you up-close glacier views and a memorable landing. It pairs spectacular scenery with adventure, ideal for those who want an all-in-one experience with plenty of photo opportunities.

Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a combination of fjord scenery and glacier exploration.

13. Queenstown Memories Helicopter Flight

This 30-minute flight offers the best aerial shots of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range, with the option to land on a rocky outcrop. Reviewers appreciate the flexibility of departure times and the personalized experience, perfect for capturing those unforgettable shots.

Bottom Line: Ideal for photographers or travelers wanting a shorter, customizable aerial adventure.

14. Queenstown: The Grand Circle Scenic Helicopter Flight

This 35-minute flight takes you in a grand circle over the Wakatipu Basin, with a mountain landing in the Remarkables. It offers a comprehensive view of Queenstown’s diverse landscapes with expert commentary that enhances the experience. Reviewers mention the spectacular scenery and smooth ride.

Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who want a longer, scenic tour with a mountain landing and detailed commentary.

15. Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer

This 4-hour tour combines a helicopter ride from Queenstown into Milford Sound with a 2-hour cruise. It’s perfect for those wanting to see the sound from above and below, with spectacular waterfalls, glaciers, and rainforests. The experience is ideal for travelers looking for a comprehensive, hassle-free way to explore this UNESCO site.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a full sky-and-water adventure in Milford Sound.

How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Queenstown

When selecting your helicopter experience, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. For a quick snapshot of Queenstown with stunning mountain views, Remarkables Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing or the 25-minute Remarkables Helicopter Tour offer great value. Want a full-day adventure? The Milford Sound with Glacier Landing provides a comprehensive experience.

If your priority is fantasy and film, the Lord of the Rings Tour hits all the right notes. For those craving glacier exploration, the Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn is unbeatable. Remember, book early, especially for tours with limited availability or in peak season, and always check the weather—many tours depend heavily on clear skies.

In sum, Queenstown’s helicopter tours cover everything from quick scenic flights to full-day adventures across glaciers, fiords, and mountain ranges. Whether you’re a photo enthusiast, adventure seeker, or LOTR fan, there’s a perfect flight waiting for you. With options suited to every budget and interest, don’t wait too long—these flights fill up fast, especially during summer. Step into the sky, and prepare for views that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.