5 Best Tours In Glenorchy (With Reviews & Prices)

Glenorchy, on New Zealand’s South Island, isn’t just a pretty village—it’s a gateway to some truly memorable experiences. With dramatic landscapes, rugged mountains, and shimmering lakes, it’s the ideal spot for sightseeing by air or land. We particularly like the 20-Min Helicopter Tour from Glenorchy, which offers a quick yet breathtaking glimpse of the Humboldt Mountains and Lake Whakatipu — especially if you’re short on time but want a big view. For those craving a longer, more immersive adventure, the Milford Sound & West Coast Beach Helicopter Tour takes you across Fiordland and lands on a remote beach, combining mountain grandeur with the ocean’s roar. And if photography is your thing, the From Queenstown – Half Day Personalised Photography Tour personalizes your trip with expert tips to capture the region’s best angles.

Quick Overview

Our list includes a variety of helicopter tours offering scenic flights over Milford Sound and Fiordland, such as the 50-Min Milford Sound Panoramic Helicopter Tour, which provides expansive views of Mitre Peak and the Dart River. For a more comprehensive experience, the Glenorchy | Milford Sound Helicopter Tour & Scenic Cruise combines aerial sightseeing with a boat cruise into Milford Sound. Lastly, for a personalized touch, the Half Day Photography Tour offers tailored guidance on capturing Queenstown and the surrounding lakes.

1. 20-Min Helicopter Tour from Glenorchy | Alpine Express

This quick but spectacular 20-minute helicopter flight provides a taste of Glenorchy’s stunning scenery, flying from the village into the heart of the mountains. The tour starts at Glenorchy and whisks you over Lake Whakatipu, with its shimmering waters, offering sweeping views that make even a short trip worthwhile. What makes this tour stand out is the alpine landing—a rare opportunity to step onto a mountain ridge, snap photos, and breathe the crisp mountain air.

The pilot, an expert local, shares insights into the area’s geology and history, making this experience both fun and informative. The flight is suitable for those with limited time but still seeking a memorable highlight. Many reviewers appreciate the personalized service and the chance to get up-close with the Humboldt Mountains. The price of $135 per person makes it an accessible way to add a high-altitude adventure without breaking the bank.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers on a tight schedule who want a quick yet immersive taste of New Zealand’s mountain majesty.

2. Milford Sound Panoramic Helicopter Tour | 50-Min Experience

For those dreaming of the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this 50-minute panoramic helicopter tour offers a sweeping flight over Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park. You’ll fly past iconic landmarks such as Mitre Peak and Sutherland Falls, with stunning views of the Dart River and Lake Whakatipu[].

What truly makes this tour special is the chance to see Milford Sound from the air—without the crowds of the boat cruises. The flight includes a remote alpine landing, allowing you to stretch your legs and soak in the silence of the mountains. The combination of aerial grandeur and land-based exploration gives a comprehensive view of the region’s breathtaking scenery.

Guests praise the “breathtaking vistas” and the smooth, professional pilots. At twice the duration of the shorter helicopter trips, this tour is best suited for those wanting a more detailed aerial tour. Pricing is competitive given the length and scope, and it’s ideal for travelers who want to maximize their scenic experience.

Bottom Line: A must-do for serious sightseers wanting a panoramic view of Milford Sound’s towering peaks and waterfalls.

3. Milford Sound & West Coast Beach Helicopter Tour | 75 mins

This 75-minute helicopter adventure takes you from the dramatic heights of Milford Sound down to the wild West Coast. It’s one of the few tours that combines the grandeur of Fiordland with the raw beauty of a remote beach, landing on a secluded stretch of sand on the Tasman Sea. You’ll begin with a scenic flight over Milford Sound, taking in its waterfalls, rainforests, and cliffs, then descend to the coast for a unique land-and-sea experience[].

The highlight is the sea level landing on the coast, where you can breathe in the salty air and feel miles from civilization. This tour’s strength is its ability to combine mountain, rainforest, and ocean scenery into one flight, creating a truly immersive experience. The full traverse of Milford Sound, along with the beach landing, offers incredible value and variety.

While the tour is longer and more expensive, many reviewers mention the “once-in-a-lifetime” scenery and the thrill of landing on a remote beach. It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, adventurous flight with a mix of landscapes.

Bottom Line: Ideal for explorers wanting to see Milford Sound from the sky and touch the sea on a single trip.

4. Glenorchy | Milford Sound Helicopter Tour & Scenic Cruise

At number 4, the Glenorchy | Milford Sound Helicopter Tour & Scenic Cruise offers a full day of adventure—perfect for those who want a seamless experience. Starting from Glenorchy, you’ll soar over Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River before landing in Milford Sound, where you’ll board a boat for a 2-hour cruise through the iconic fiord.

What sets this tour apart is the combination of aerial sightseeing and a scenic cruise, giving an in-depth look at Fiordland’s towering cliffs, waterfalls, and rainforests. The flight includes an alpine landing on the Upper Humboldt Mountain range, offering panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities.

The tour is well-suited for travelers who want a mix of flying and cruising, with expert commentary from a knowledgeable local pilot. The 4-hour duration makes it a bit more involved but offers great value considering the variety of experiences packed in.

Bottom Line: Great for those who want a comprehensive Milford Sound experience with both aerial and boat components.

5. From Queenstown – Half Day Personalised Photography Tour

For photographers or anyone eager to capture the region’s stunning landscapes, this half-day personalized photography tour focuses on Queenstown and nearby lakes. Led by a local photographer with 25 years of experience, the tour visits spots like Arrowtown, Skippers, Glenorchy, and Wanaka, with tailored tips to improve your shots[].

What makes this experience stand out is the customized guidance, allowing you to focus on your interests and skill level. Whether you’re after sweeping mountain shots, reflections in lakes, or charming town scenes, the guide helps you get the best angles. The private nature of the tour means you’re not competing with others for the perfect shot.

This tour is perfect for serious hobbyists or professional photographers wanting insider tips in a beautiful setting. The only downside is it’s less about the scenery and more about capturing it, making it less suitable if you’re mainly after sightseeing.

Bottom Line: Best suited for photography enthusiasts seeking expert advice in a personalized setting.

How to Choose the Right Tour

Picking the best Glenorchy experience depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you’re after a quick taste of mountain scenery, the 20-Min Helicopter Tour offers a concise, high-impact experience. For those wanting an expansive view of Milford Sound, the 50-Min Panoramic Flight delivers breathtaking sights without the crowds.

If your goal is a fuller adventure with both aerial and water experiences, the Glenorchy | Milford Sound Helicopter & Cruise combines flying and boating for maximum immersion. Meanwhile, outdoor lovers or serious photographers will appreciate the Personalized Photography Tour, especially if capturing images is your top priority.

When booking, consider the season (summer months offer longer days and better clarity), and aim to reserve early, especially for popular tours. Also, check if you prefer a shorter flight or a more comprehensive day trip—each has its own appeal.

Final Thoughts

Glenorchy offers a variety of tours that showcase its stunning landscapes, from quick helicopter rides to full-day adventures combining flying, cruising, and photography. For a quick but unforgettable view, the Alpine Express helicopter is perfect. If you seek a once-in-a-lifetime panoramic experience, the Milford Sound flights are hard to beat. And for those who want to capture the region’s beauty through a lens, the private photography tour is ideal.

No matter which you choose, booking early ensures you secure your spot for these popular adventures. We recommend tailoring your choice to your time constraints and interests—whether a quick flight, a comprehensive cruise, or a personalized photography session. Glenorchy’s scenery is waiting—time to start planning your trip.