What Are The Best Tours & Experiences In Glenorchy? Our Top 9 Picks

Glenorchy is a standout destination for those craving authentic New Zealand experiences. Known for its dramatic landscapes, it’s the gateway to some of the most stunning scenery on the South Island. Whether you’re after adrenaline-pumping helicopter rides, tranquil glacier landings, or expert photography guides, Glenorchy offers a variety of tours that show off its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and dramatic fiords. We especially love the Glenorchy: 25-30 Minute Snow Landing Helicopter Experience, which somehow combines an aerial adventure with a snow-capped mountain top, perfect for snapping pictures and feeling on top of the world.

If you’re looking to explore beyond the usual, Glenorchy’s tours deliver a mix of adventure, serenity, and photo ops. From soaring over the Southern Alps to touching down on glaciers or cruising Milford Sound, these experiences give a real sense of New Zealand’s wild heart. For travelers with limited time, some options like the 20-Min Helicopter Tour from Glenorchy are perfect quick hits, while those seeking a full immersion might opt for the Glenorchy | Milford Sound Helicopter Tour & Scenic Cruise. Read on to find out which adventure suits your style.

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

This short but unforgettable helicopter flight offers a bird’s-eye view of Glenorchy’s rugged terrain, followed by a landing on a snow-capped alpine peak. It’s the kind of experience that combines the thrill of flying with the serenity of snow-covered mountains. The 25–30 minute flight takes you over some of Glenorchy’s most stunning landscapes, showcasing jagged peaks and deep valleys, before touching down on a pristine snowy summit for panoramic views.

This experience stands out because of its spectacular scenery and the unique snow landing, which isn’t common in many helicopter tours. The helicopter is operated by a skilled pilot with insider knowledge of the area, ensuring a safe and informative flight. The highlight is definitely the chance to stand on a snow peak, with sweeping views that are perfect for photography or just soaking in the silence of the mountains.

For only $193 per person, it’s a reasonably priced way to get a taste of New Zealand’s wilderness from above. It’s ideal for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone wanting a quick adrenaline rush with a view. Be prepared for chilly weather, and make sure your camera is charged—those snow-capped peaks look incredible from all angles.

Bottom Line: This tour offers a compact, high-impact experience with unforgettable alpine vistas and a snow landing that makes it special. Perfect for a quick, scenic thrill.

2. Earnslaw Burn Glacier & Waterfalls | 45 mins from Glenorchy

At number 2 on our list, the Earnslaw Burn Glacier & Waterfalls is a 45-minute helicopter tour that takes you into one of the most remote corners of the Southern Alps. This tour is perfect if you want to see exclusive landings and untouched landscapes. The helicopter whisks you over Glenorchy, then deep into the Earnslaw Burn, a rugged valley carved by glaciers.

What elevates this experience is the landings on a remote alpine glacier and visits to breathtaking waterfalls, including views of the hanging glacier with its stunning blue ice. During the flight, your pilot provides expert commentary, sharing stories about the area’s geology, flora, and fauna. The scenery here feels truly untouched—like stepping into a different world—making it a favorite for photographers and adventure seekers alike.

The tour’s 45-minute duration offers plenty of time to enjoy the vistas, and the shared flight ensures an intimate experience without the cost of a private helicopter. The only real caveat is that it requires warm clothing and comfortable shoes for the landings.

Bottom Line: If you’re after an immersive experience of remote glaciers and waterfalls, combined with expert narration, this tour delivers a memorable slice of wilderness.

3. 20-Min Helicopter Tour from Glenorchy | Alpine Express

For those who want a quick but breathtaking overview, the Alpine Express offers 20 minutes of pure scenic flight. Lift off from Glenorchy and soar over the shimmering Lake Whakatipu, then glide into the Humboldt Mountains for an alpine landing.

This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time but who still want to experience spectacular mountain views and an alpine landing. The flight provides a close-up look at the rugged peaks that surround Glenorchy, giving you a sense of how dramatic this landscape truly is. The pilot shares insights about the local geography, making it educational as well as scenic.

The short duration makes it a great option for those on a tight schedule or as a supplement to other activities. The landing on the alpine terrain offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy fresh mountain air.

Bottom Line: A quick, high-impact flight that’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of the mountains without committing to a longer tour.

4. Scenic Blue Ice Glacier Flight from Glenorchy | 40 min

This Blue Ice Glacier Flight is an epic 40-minute journey over rugged peaks and glaciers, culminating in a landing on the Blue Ice Glacier—weather permitting. It’s a visual feast: towering mountains, glittering ice, and vast snowfields.

What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to land on a remote glacier and see blue ice up close. The flight passes over Mt. Aspiring National Park, offering panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountains. The highlight is the chance to step onto the glacier itself, an experience few tours provide in this region.

The itinerary includes a scenic pass-by of Mt. Aspiring and a brief stop at a mountain viewpoint. The glacier landing is a true highlight, allowing you to walk among ice formations and take incredible photos. The tour costs vary, but the experience justifies the price for those seeking an authentic glacier adventure.

Bottom Line: For glacier lovers and photographers, this adventure provides a rare opportunity to walk on blue ice with unforgettable scenery.

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

Number 5 on our list is the Milford Sound Panoramic Helicopter, offering a 50-minute flight across one of New Zealand’s most iconic sights. Fly past Mitre Peak, Sutherland Falls, and the rugged Southern Alps before landing in Milford Sound itself.

This tour is a favorite for breathtaking aerial views of Milford Sound—often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The flight provides a different perspective than the boat cruises, with aerial views of Dart River, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. The highlight is gliding above Mitre Peak, capturing its dramatic form from above for perfect photos.

The flight duration allows a rundown of Fiordland National Park, and the remote landing spot adds a sense of adventure. It’s suitable for travelers wanting an immersive, scenic experience without the crowds—especially since most people see Milford Sound from the water.

Bottom Line: Ideal for scenic lovers wanting panoramic views of Milford Sound and the surrounding wilderness, with the added thrill of a helicopter flight.

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

This 75-minute tour is the most comprehensive, combining a full traverse of Milford Sound with a landing on a remote West Coast beach. Starting from Glenorchy, it crosses the mountains to the Tasman Sea, then lands on a wild, untouched beach on the West Coast.

This experience is for those who want to see the full range of Fiordland’s landscapes. The flight includes views of waterfalls, rainforests, and towering cliffs, with a thrilling landing on a secluded beach—an experience unique in New Zealand. You’ll also fly over Dart River and Lake Wakatipu, adding to the scenic richness.

This tour offers a balanced mix of aerial sightseeing and tranquil landings, making it well suited for travelers looking for more than just a quick flyby. The longer duration means more time in the air and on the ground, with plenty of opportunities for photos.

Bottom Line: If you want an extensive scenic flight with a beach landing and a full view of Milford Sound, this tour provides an all-encompassing adventure.

7. Glenorchy | Milford Sound Helicopter Tour & Scenic Cruise

This combo experience is a full-day journey designed for those wanting the ultimate Milford Sound experience. After scenic helicopter flight from Glenorchy to Milford Sound, you’ll hop aboard a boat for a 2-hour cruise through the fiord.

It’s the most immersive option, combining aerial vistas with close-up seafaring views. The flight includes an alpine landing on the Upper Humboldt Mountain range, offering incredible perspective on the surrounding peaks. The cruise then takes you past waterfalls, rainforests, and towering cliffs, with frequent commentary from the crew.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time in Fiordland, blending land, air, and water. The combined tour is longer and more expensive but offers a comprehensive taste of the region’s grandeur. Keep in mind, it requires a full day but provides a truly unforgettable trip.

Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a complete Milford Sound immersion—mountains, fiord, and boat cruise—this tour delivers.

8. Glenorchy: Glacier Explorer Helicopter Flight with Landings

Number 8 combines an 80-minute helicopter journey over Rees and Dart Valleys with landings on the Tyndall Glacier shelves. It’s the wildest of all, taking you into the realm of frozen glaciers and remote alpine lakes.

The flight passes over five glaciers, including Rob Roy and Bonar, then lands at Lochnagar, a peaceful alpine lake. The highlight is touching down on the glacier shelves and viewing the glaciers’ blue ice formations. The pilot provides insights into glaciology and the region’s geography.

This trip is best suited for adventure travelers who want an in-depth glacier experience with multiple landings and a chance to walk on ice. It’s a longer tour with a higher price tag but offers unmatched access to the glaciers.

Bottom Line: For glacier lovers craving multiple landings and a deep dive into alpine ice formations, this tour is a highlight.

9. From Queenstown – Half Day Personalised Photography Tour

Finally, the Personalized Photography Tour from Queenstown offers a tailored experience focusing on capturing Queenstown’s beauty. Led by a local photographer, this 4-hour tour takes you to iconic sites like Arrowtown, Skippers, Glenorchy, and Wanaka.

This is perfect if you want to improve your photography skills while exploring local hotspots. The guide offers personalized tips, making it suitable for all skill levels. It’s also a private tour, which means you can focus on your interests and get plenty of one-on-one advice.

The tour is flexible, with options for half or full days, and is especially valuable if you want to turn your trip into a collection of stunning images. It’s more focused on photography than scenery but complements other scenic tours well.

Bottom Line: If photography is your passion and you want expert guidance, this personalized tour offers both learning and beautiful scenery.

How to Choose Your Glenorchy Experience

Choosing between these tours depends on your priorities: want a quick thrill? Try the Glenorchy Snow Landing Helicopter. Craving glaciers? The Glacier Explorer or Blue Ice Glacier Flight might be your best bet. Dreaming of Milford Sound? The Panoramic Helicopter provides unmatched aerial views, while the full Milford Sound & cruise offers an all-in-one adventure.

Consider your budget, time constraints, and interest in landings versus scenic flights. For an all-day immersion, the Glenorchy | Milford Sound Helicopter & Cruise is unbeatable. If you want a personalized touch, the Photography Tour is ideal. Booking early is recommended, especially in high season, to secure your preferred date.

In summary, Glenorchy offers a remarkable set of tours that showcase its stunning landscapes from every angle. Whether you prefer a quick helicopter ride, glacier landings, or combining flying with cruising, there’s something for every traveler. For the best experience, think about what kind of adventure excites you most, then book early to ensure your spot in this spectacular corner of New Zealand.