6 Hour’s – Queenstown’s Helicopter Gin Tour

If you’re looking for a truly memorable way to experience Queenstown’s stunning landscapes paired with some of New Zealand’s finest spirits, the Queenstown Helicopter Gin Tour might just be your ideal pick. With a perfect blend of scenic helicopter flights, visits to three distinct distilleries, and tastings in charming locations, it offers a rich experience that appeals to wine and spirit lovers alike.

What truly makes this tour standout are the breathtaking mountain landing with a gin-tasting at the summit, the opportunity to explore award-winning distilleries, and the chance to enjoy delicious local food in quaint settings. However, keep in mind that this experience is on the pricier side, and it’s best suited for those who appreciate a mix of adventure, good spirits, and scenic beauty in their travels.

Three things we love about this experience:

• The spectacular helicopter ride with a mountain landing, offering unforgettable photos and views
• The chance to visit three different distilleries, each with their unique vibe and signature gins
• The combination of tasting, sightseeing, and food, all in a well-organized six-hour window

A possible consideration: The tour is weather-dependent—if the helicopter can’t fly due to poor conditions, you’ll switch to a road-only version with a partial refund, which might be less thrilling but still enjoyable.

This tour caters best to adventurous spirits, food and drink enthusiasts, and those wanting to combine scenic flightseeing with the indulgence of tasting authentic local gins. Now, let’s take a closer look at what you can expect along the way.

Key Points

• Breathtaking Scenic Flight: The helicopter ride includes a stunning mountain landing, creating an unforgettable highlight.
• Multiple Distillery Visits: Enjoy tastings at three carefully selected local distilleries, including New Zealand’s most exclusive gin.
• Authentic Experiences: Learn about gin production, history, and the art of tasting from knowledgeable guides.
• Culinary Pairings: Savor shared platters and cheese alongside your gin tastings, enhancing the overall experience.
• Flexible Options: If weather cancels the helicopter flight, a road alternative is available, with a partial refund.
• Comfort and Convenience: The tour includes hotel pickup, WiFi on the vehicle, and a small group size for a more intimate experience.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start with a Scenic Helicopter Flight and Mountain Tasting

The adventure kicks off at The Helicopter Line in Queenstown around midday. You’re picked up from your hotel—no need to worry about logistics—and then flown into the skies. The helicopter pilot, Charlotte, was praised for making the flight feel both safe and exciting. Expect about 20 minutes of flight time, with a spectacular landing on a mountain top—a highlight that sets this experience apart.

Here, you’ll enjoy your first gin and tonic while soaking in panoramic views of Queenstown, the surrounding mountains, and the Gibbston Region. This exclusive gin, Limited Gin, holds the title of being the most expensive in New Zealand, making sipping it atop a mountain a true once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Visiting Cardrona Distillery

Next, the tour continues with a scenic helicopter hop to the Cardrona Distillery. The group’s guide, Ana, was noted for her engaging tour, which included a welcome gin & tonic and an educational session on how gin is made. You’ll get to walk through the distillery, learning about its history and production process—an excellent opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

The tasting room is private, offering a relaxed setting to sample not only their signature gin but also other award-winning spirits and liqueurs. Guests have appreciated the knowledgeable staff and the chance to taste a variety of spirits, with some reviewers noting the deliciously smooth gins and thoughtful presentation.

Drive Over Crown Range Road

Feeding your eyes with incredible views, the group then departs Cardrona in a luxury Mercedes van, heading down the Crown Range Road. This short 10-minute drive offers sweeping vistas of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding peaks. It’s a perfect moment for photo ops and to take in the landscape’s natural grandeur.

Arrowtown’s Winery: Food, Gins, and Wines

The next stop is the charming gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Here, you’ll visit The Winery, where a shared platter of Whitestone cheeses, bread, olive oil, and dukkah complements your gin tasting. The selection includes three New Zealand gins, which you can enjoy with soda or tonic, or swap for wine—The Winery boasts over 80 bottles for sampling.

Guests often highlight the delicious food pairings and the relaxed, historic atmosphere. The variety of options allows for a more personalized experience, especially if you prefer wine over gin, or want to try a bit of both.

Final Stop at the Gin Garden

Your last tasting takes place at the Gin Garden by Broken Heart Spirits in Arthurs Point. Here, you’ll learn about the brand’s history and the flavor profiles of their award-winning gins. The setting is intimate, and reviewers mention the friendly hosts and the light food offerings, like German-style tarte flambee.

Many find this stop a fitting conclusion to a day filled with flavors, views, and stories. Returning to Queenstown around 7 pm, you’ll leave with a sense of having experienced the region in both sight and spirit.

What the Experience Means for You

This tour offers more than just a taste of gin—it’s a well-crafted day that combines adventure, education, and indulgence. The scenic helicopter ride is a highlight, providing unbeatable views and a sense of exclusivity, while the visits to distilleries expose you to New Zealand’s innovative spirit scene. The food and drink pairings elevate the experience, making it a satisfying journey through local flavors.

The small group size (maximum 14 travelers) ensures a personal touch, and the included WiFi and hotel pickup add to the convenience. The tour’s duration of six hours allows plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed, making it suitable for those who prefer a relaxed pace.

Pricing and Value

At $470.86 per person, this experience is definitely on the higher end, but considering the private helicopter flight, multiple tastings, food, and transportation, the value is fairly balanced for those who prioritize unique, immersive experiences. For fans of spirits and scenic views, the exclusivity and quality of the stops justify the cost.

Considerations for Travelers

Weather can impact the helicopter portion of the tour, with cancellations possible. However, a road-only option is available with a partial refund, which might be less scenic but still enjoyable. It’s best to book with flexibility in mind. Also, the minimum age is 18, and weight restrictions of 276 lbs per person are in place—important details for planning.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers eager to combine scenic flightseeing with tasting some of New Zealand’s best spirits. It’s perfect for food and drink enthusiasts who enjoy learning about local products in a relaxed environment. Plus, those who appreciate beautiful landscapes and want a luxurious, guided day will find this tour highly rewarding.

If you’re after a completely adrenaline-fueled adventure or on a tight budget, this might not be the best fit. However, for a memorable, all-encompassing day in Queenstown that pairs stunning scenery with gourmet drinks, it’s hard to beat.

Final Thoughts: Why This Tour Is Worth It

The Queenstown Helicopter Gin Tour offers a unique blend of adventure and sophistication that’s perfect for those wanting to experience New Zealand’s scenic beauty alongside its fine spirits. The mountain landing and helicopter flight are unforgettable highlights, giving you a sense of awe from start to finish.

Visiting three distinct distilleries means you’ll get a well-rounded taste of local craftsmanship, and the accompanying food and wine options make it a true feast for all senses. The small-group format and inclusion of transportation make the day smooth and enjoyable, especially if you want to relax and soak it all in.

While it’s a premium experience, the combination of scenic views, educational tastings, and luxury transportation makes it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting a special day out in Queenstown.

FAQs

Can I cancel this tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than that will not be refunded.

What happens if the helicopter can’t fly due to weather?
You’ll be offered a road-only version of the tour with a partial refund, allowing you to still enjoy the day’s other highlights.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pick-up from your Queenstown accommodation, making it very convenient.

What is the tour duration?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, providing ample time at each stop.

How many people participate in this tour?
The tour is limited to 14 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and dinner are not included, so it’s recommended you eat beforehand. You’ll enjoy shared platters and cheese at the winery as part of the experience.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $470.86 per person, which covers flights, tastings, food, transportation, and guides.

Is this suitable for all ages?
The minimum drinking age is 18 years. Passengers must also meet weight restrictions (276 lbs max).

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring your passport or NZ driver’s license for age verification. Comfortable clothing and camera gear are recommended.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
While the tour includes tastings, non-drinkers can usually opt out and enjoy the scenery and food instead—check with the provider beforehand.

The Queenstown Helicopter Gin Tour offers a luxurious, scenic, and flavorful day that’s worth considering if you want to combine adventure with gourmet indulgence. It’s a special way to see Queenstown from above and taste some of New Zealand’s best spirits, all in one memorable package.