You’ll Love These 7 Helicopter Flights & Tours In Wanaka

Wanaka’s rugged landscape, towering peaks, and pristine lakes make it a natural choice for helicopter adventures. Whether you’re after panoramic views, an alpine landing, or a full-day wilderness trip, Wanaka offers some of the most spectacular helicopter experiences in New Zealand. We particularly love the Wānaka: Helicopter Scenic Flight Wānaka Experience, which provides a gentle introduction to the region’s stunning scenery with a memorable alpine landing. If you’re craving something longer and more adventurous, the Wānaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight Wānaka Max offers two alpine landings and views of iconic locations like Mount Aspiring and Mou Waho Island. For those interested in glacier landings and the Southern Alps, the Wanaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Experience combines breathtaking scenery with guaranteed snow landings year-round.

No matter your interest or budget, Wanaka’s helicopter tours deliver unforgettable perspectives on some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes. Keep reading to find out which trip suits your style and how each offers a unique glimpse into the wild beauty of this region.

1. Wānaka: Helicopter Scenic Flight Wānaka Experience

At number 1, the Wānaka: Helicopter Scenic Flight Wānaka Experience is perfect for first-timers or travelers with limited time. This 25-minute flight offers a gentle introduction to Wanaka’s jaw-dropping scenery, culminating in an alpine landing at 1,200 meters. From above, you’ll see the shimmering Lake Wanaka, the charming town below, and the towering peaks of Roy Peak and Mount Aspiring—a true highlight for photographers and nature lovers alike.

This tour is highly rated, with a 5/5 score from four reviews, highlighting its consistent quality. The flight is smooth, with enough time to soak in the panoramic views without feeling rushed. The alpine landing gives you a brief but memorable moment on snow or ice, depending on the season. It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it an accessible way to see the best of Wanaka’s landscape with minimal fuss.

Bottom line: This short, scenic flight is ideal if you want a taste of alpine grandeur and spectacular vistas without committing to a longer tour. It’s a great option for travelers pressed for time or looking for a memorable experience on a budget.

2. Wānaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight Wānaka Max

For those wanting a more comprehensive aerial tour, the Wānaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight Wānaka Max delivers 45 minutes of flying, including two alpine landings—one at Coromandel Peak, near Mt Roy, and a flyover of Mou Waho island, famous for its “lake within a lake”. The flight also showcases the Matukituki River, Mount Aspiring, and the expansive Lake Hāwea.

This tour boasts a string of highlights, from snow-capped peaks of the Mount Aspiring National Park to the striking contrast of Lake Hāwea and the rugged Schaeffer Valley. Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the stunning variety of scenery, making this a favorite for photography enthusiasts. The longer duration and multiple landings give a richer experience, allowing you to absorb more of the area’s natural beauty.

Bottom line: If you’re after a fuller, more detailed aerial adventure with multiple landings and incredible views, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable way to see Wanaka’s diverse landscapes.

3. Wanaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Experience

Number 3 on our list is the Wanaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Experience. This 35-minute flight includes a 10-minute glacier or snow landing—guaranteed year-round—and offers spectacular views of the Southern Alps. It’s operated by a family-owned business, which adds a personal touch to what is already an extraordinary experience.

This tour stands out because of its guaranteed snow landing, which is rare outside of winter. During the flight, you’ll see mountains, glaciers, and snowfields that seem untouched by humanity. The flight’s duration balances scenic highlights with the thrill of landing on snow, making it perfect for those who want a bit more adventure. Reviewers note that the views are stunning and the pilots are extremely knowledgeable about the region’s geography.

Bottom line: This tour offers an excellent value for those wanting a snow landing and to experience the Southern Alps’ grandeur from above and on the ground. It’s a top choice for adventure seekers who want a deeper connection to the landscape.

4. Wānaka: Heli Siberia – Helicopter Flight, Hike & Jet Boat

Number 4 combines heli flights, hiking, and jet boating in a full-day adventure, making it the most comprehensive option on our list. The Wānaka: Heli Siberia – Helicopter Flight, Hike & Jet Boat spans about 5 hours and takes you over the Wilkin River and Mount Aspiring National Park, with a self-guided hike through the Siberia Valley and a jet boat ride with Wilkin River Jets.

This tour is a true wilderness immersion, perfect for active travelers wanting to explore from the air to the river. The helicopter flyover offers breathtaking views, including Lake Crucible and the Siberia Valley. The hike is a chance to experience the high country environment up close, and the jet boat adds a splash of adrenaline. Visitors praise the guide’s local knowledge and the remote, untouched feel of the area.

Bottom line: For a full-day wilderness experience combining helicopter flight, hiking, and jet boating, this tour is hard to beat. It’s best suited for active, outdoor-minded travelers who want an authentic backcountry journey.

5. Wānaka: Heli Jet Combo – Helicopter & Jet Boat Adventure

The Wānaka: Heli Jet Combo is a shorter, 1-hour experience that combines a helicopter flight over Mount Aspiring and Siberia Valley with a jet boat ride. It’s about giving you a taste of both the aerial and river adventures in one quick, exciting package.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of scenery and action without a full day commitment. The helicopter provides bird’s-eye views of the Southern Alps while the jet boat whips through native beech forests and river valleys, creating a dynamic experience. Reviews note the small group size (limited to 6), which makes the trip more intimate.

Bottom line: Perfect for those with limited time but wanting to experience both scenic helicopter flight and high-speed river adventure, this combo tour offers great value and variety.

6. Wanaka: Milford Sound Scenic Helicopter Flight

Number 6 is the Wanaka: Milford Sound Scenic Helicopter Flight. This 2-hour flight is a longer journey from Wanaka, including a landing in Milford Sound for a walk and photos of Mitre Peak. It’s the ultimate scenic experience for those wanting to combine lake, mountain, and fiord views.

This experience is notable for its extra-value—a stop in Milford Sound allows you to walk among towering cliffs and capture incredible photos. The flight also guarantees a snow landing, regardless of the season. The route offers a deeper immersion into the Fiordland region, with spectacular scenery and a chance to appreciate the scale of New Zealand’s wilderness.

Bottom line: If you’re willing to spend extra time on a journey that rewards you with unforgettable views and a walk in Milford Sound, this tour is the way to go. It’s best for those who want a comprehensive scenic flight with a true sense of adventure.

7. Wanaka: Black Peak Helicopter Hike with Alpine Hut Stay

Wrapping up our list, the Wanaka: Black Peak Helicopter Hike with Alpine Hut Stay offers a two-day experience. It includes a helicopter ride to Black Peak, a summit hike, and an overnight stay in a cozy alpine hut with meals included.

This tour is designed for serious hikers and those seeking a multi-day adventure. The helicopter delivers you directly into the backcountry, where you’ll hike to the summit for panoramic views and stay overnight in a private hut with a wood-burning stove. The experience combines scenic flight, outdoor exploration, and comfort, ideal for well-prepared travelers wanting an immersive outdoor experience.

Bottom line: If you have the time and want a full immersion in the mountains, this tour offers an unmatched experience. It’s best suited for active hikers comfortable with multi-hour hikes and overnight stays.

How to Choose Your Wanaka Helicopter Tour

Choosing between these options depends on your time, budget, and interests. If you want a quick taste of the scenery, the scenic flight with alpine landing is perfect. For a more in-depth exploration, the max tour offers multiple landings and a richer experience. If glaciers excite you, the glacier experience provides guaranteed snow landings, while the full wilderness day with jet boating suits active outdoor lovers.

Consider your fitness level for hikes, whether you’re OK with longer tours, and your desire for unique features such as glacier landings or overnight stays. Booking early, especially in peak seasons, ensures you get your preferred date and time. Lastly, always check the weather—helicopter tours are weather-dependent and sometimes need to be rescheduled.

In summary, Wanaka offers a range of helicopter experiences, from quick scenic flights to multi-day wilderness adventures. Whether you’re after a breathtaking view of Mount Aspiring, a snow landing, or an overnight alpine stay, these tours deliver. For first-timers, the scenic flight with an alpine landing is a perfect introduction, while seasoned outdoor enthusiasts might prefer the full-day Siberia trip or the overnight hut stay. No matter which you choose, booking early is wise to secure your spot in these unforgettable sky-high adventures.