Which Glenorchy Helicopter Flights & Tours To Choose? Our Best 6 Picks

Glenorchy, on New Zealand’s South Island, is a wild playground for helicopter enthusiasts. Surrounded by towering mountains, shimmering lakes, and remote glaciers, it’s a natural choice for those wanting to see New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes from above. We’re big fans of the Glenorchy: 25-30 Minute Snow Landing Helicopter Experience for its combination of stunning views and a snow-covered alpine landing, offering an authentic winter wonderland photo opportunity. For an all-in-one trip, the Glenorchy | Milford Sound Helicopter Tour & Scenic Cruise stands out by combining aerial views with a cruise through Milford Sound, giving you a comprehensive taste of Fiordland’s grandeur. If glaciers are your thing, the Glenorchy: Glacier Explorer Helicopter Flight with Landings provides a close-up look at towering ice formations and remote lakes you’d otherwise only see in pictures.

This list covers a wide range of experiences, from quick scenic flights to full-day adventures, ensuring there’s something for every kind of traveler—whether you’re on a tight schedule or seeking an unforgettable, bucket-list-worthy trip. All tours provide a different perspective on this stunning part of New Zealand, making Glenorchy a perfect base for helicopter adventures.

Quick Overview

If you’re considering a helicopter tour in Glenorchy, here’s a quick rundown of the options. The Glenorchy: 25-30 Minute Snow Landing Helicopter Experience offers a short but spectacular snow adventure, ideal if you want a taste of alpine life. The 20-Min Helicopter Tour from Glenorchy | Alpine Express is perfect for those wanting a quick, scenic flight plus a mountain landing. For a more in-depth experience, the Milford Sound Panoramic Helicopter Tour and the Milford Sound & West Coast Beach Helicopter Tour combine aerial sightseeing with landings and scenic cruises. Finally, the Glenorchy: Glacier Explorer Helicopter Flight offers a full 80 minutes exploring glaciers and remote lakes.

Now, let’s dive into each tour, exploring what makes them special.

1. Glenorchy: 25-30 Minute Snow Landing Helicopter Experience

This short but unforgettable helicopter flight whisks you over Glenorchy’s rugged landscapes before touching down on a glacier-fed snow peak. With a duration of about 25-30 minutes, it’s perfect if you want a quick taste of alpine adventure. As you soar above snow-dusted mountains and deep valleys, your pilot will point out key landmarks, offering an intimate look at the terrain that inspired countless films like The Lord of the Rings. The highlight is landing on a pristine alpine peak where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, perfect for photos or just soaking in the silence of the snow.

The tour is highly rated, with all six reviews giving it a perfect 5/5. Reviewers praise the stunning vistas, the smooth flight, and the memorable snow landing. It’s a great pick for photographers, winter lovers, and those short on time but wanting to tick a major adventure off their bucket list. The price of $193 per person makes it a somewhat premium experience, but the unique snow landing and outstanding scenery justify the cost.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a quick but intense dose of alpine beauty with the chance to land on snow, this is your go-to Glenorchy helicopter experience.

2. 20-Min Helicopter Tour from Glenorchy | Alpine Express

The Alpine Express offers a 20-minute flight that starts right in Glenorchy and zooms over Lake Whakatipu and the Humboldt Mountains. This tour includes an alpine landing, giving you a chance to step out and breathe the crisp mountain air. It’s a great introduction for those who want a scenic flight with a bit of adventure, at a more affordable price of $135 per person.

From takeoff, the views of Lake Wakatipu sparkle beneath you as your pilot provides local commentary, pointing out landmarks and sharing insights into the region’s geology and history. The highlight is the alpine landing, where you can snap photos against the mountain backdrop or simply enjoy the silence and grandeur of the landscape. Reviewers mention the “expert pilot” and “breathtaking scenery,” making it clear that this tour offers good value for quick, high-impact sightseeing.

This tour suits travelers short on time but eager to see the iconic Humboldt Mountains and the lake from above, with the bonus of landing on a mountain for photos. It’s a perfect option for those who want a scenic thrill and a taste of the mountains’ majesty.

Bottom Line: For a compact, scenic helicopter experience with a mountain landing, the Alpine Express fits the bill perfectly.

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

This 50-minute panoramic flight is a true highlight for anyone wanting to see Milford Sound from the air. It’s a comprehensive tour that covers the spectacular Mitre Peak, Sutherland Falls, and the rugged Southern Alps, with views of Dart River and Lake Whakatipu along the way. Starting from Glenorchy, your flight passes over some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes before reaching the fiord itself.

What makes this tour special is the opportunity to fly past Milford Sound’s towering cliffs and waterfalls without the crowds often encountered on boat cruises. The aerial perspective reveals the true scale and majesty of Fiordland, which is hard to appreciate from the ground. The flight includes a scenic stopover at Milford Sound, where you can take photos and enjoy the serenity of one of nature’s most pristine places.

Rated 5/5 with only two reviews, it seems to offer an exceptional experience. The flight’s value lies in combining stunning scenery with the convenience of a 50-minute duration, making it a good choice for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing time. Expect beautiful mountain vistas, waterfalls, and fjords that will stay with you long after your trip.

Bottom Line: For those seeking a longer, more detailed aerial tour of Milford Sound, this flight offers a stunning overview and a memorable adventure.

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

This 75-minute tour takes you on a sweeping journey from Milford Sound to the wild West Coast, with a land on a remote beach along the way. It’s perfect for those who want a full day of exploration with a mix of mountain, fiord, and ocean scenery. Starting from Glenorchy, you’ll fly past Lake Wakatipu, then over Milford Sound’s cliffs, waterfalls, and rainforest. The highlight is touching down on a West Coast beach, where you can breathe in the salty air and snap photos of the rugged coastline.

What sets this tour apart is the combination of fiord and coastline, offering a diverse range of views. The full Milford Sound traverse showcases jagged cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforests. After the landings, you’ll return via the Dart River and Lake Wakatipu, giving a broad perspective of the region’s natural beauty.

The tour’s worth considering if you want a comprehensive scenic flight with a bit of adventure—landing on the beach adds a memorable touch. The itinerary includes multiple scenic stops, making it ideal for travelers who want variety and a full experience.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a scenic helicopter adventure that covers both Fiordland’s iconic landscapes and the wild West Coast, this tour delivers a well-rounded view.

5. Glenorchy | Milford Sound Helicopter Tour & Scenic Cruise

For a luxurious, all-in-one experience, this tour combines a scenic helicopter flight from Glenorchy to Milford Sound with a two-hour cruise through the fiord. Starting with a spectacular aerial view of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, you’ll then descend into Milford Sound, where you’ll board a boat for close-up views of waterfalls, cliffs, and rainforests.

The highlight is the alpine landing on the Upper Humboldt Mountain range, offering a rare glimpse of the high country. The cruise allows you to see Milford Sound’s majestic features from the water, with informative commentary from your crew. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a full day of scenic and maritime exploration.

Rated with no reviews yet, it promises an intimate, well-organized adventure that combines aerial and water-based sightseeing. It’s perfect for those wanting an immersive experience with the convenience of a combined package.

Bottom Line: For a complete, seamless experience of Milford Sound, combining flight and cruise, this tour offers excellent value and convenience.

6. Glenorchy: Glacier Explorer Helicopter Flight with Landings

This epic 80-minute flight is for serious glacier enthusiasts. Your journey takes you over the Rees and Dart Valleys, landing on Tyndall Glacier shelves and flying over five glaciers, including Rob Roy and Bonar. You’ll even land at the remote Lochnagar alpine lake, a peaceful spot surrounded by towering ice and rock.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of glacier landings and the chance to see glaciers up close from the helicopter. The pilot will share insights into the region’s glaciers, geology, and history, making it both an educational and awe-inspiring experience. The scenic flight offers sweeping views of glaciers, mountains, and remote valleys that are otherwise inaccessible.

Rated highly by those who’ve taken it, this tour delivers a true wilderness adventure for nature lovers and those wanting something extraordinary. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with longer flights and cold-weather gear.

Bottom Line: If glaciers are your main interest and you seek a full, immersive experience, this helicopter tour is hard to beat.

How to Choose the Best Helicopter Tour in Glenorchy

Choosing the right helicopter experience depends on your budget, schedule, and interests. If you’re short on time but want a taste of alpine snow, the Snow Landing is perfect. For a quick scenic flight with a mountain landing, try the Alpine Express. If your goal is to see Milford Sound from above, both the 50-minute panoramic flight and the combined scenic cruise offer different levels of depth—consider the 50-minute option if you want a focused, scenic flight, or the full cruise package for a comprehensive day. Glacier enthusiasts should prioritize the Glacier Explorer, while those looking for a full-day adventure can opt for the Milford Sound Scenic Cruise & Helicopter.

Booking early is advisable, especially in high season, as these experiences are popular. Consider your physical readiness for longer or landing-heavy tours, and don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning vistas.

Final Words

Glenorchy’s helicopter tours offer an impressive array of ways to see New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery—whether it’s snow-capped peaks, glaciers, or fiords. If you want a quick hit of adventure, the snow landing is unbeatable. For a more immersive experience, the glacier or Milford Sound combo tours are excellent choices. Travelers with more time and a love for remote landscapes will find the glacier and West Coast flights particularly satisfying.

Whatever you choose, these helicopter flights turn New Zealand’s wild beauty into a memory that will stay with you. Book early, check the weather, and prepare for some of the most spectacular views of your trip.