HELICOPTER TRAVEL GUIDE
The flights worth leaving the ground for.
The 15 helicopter tours travellers rate highest in New Zealand, from glacier landings on Franz Josef and Fox to the alpine peaks above Queenstown and Mount Cook. The country at its most remote, reachable only from the air.
A 25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, with guided commentary and a possible snow or alpine landing for standout photos.
Most Popular“Amazing views! The diver was super friendly and helpful”
Fly to Franz Josef by helicopter, land on the glacier, then hike ice caves and crevasses with gear and expert guides.
“We had a fantastic time, we did go up 2hrs late because weather and clouds can change very quickly. Be prepared for delays or even cancellation. Tour guides were excellent very knowledgeable. Highly recommend”
Heli hike Fox Glacier pairs short helicopter flights with guided crampon hiking up to 3 hours, with wet-weather gear and safety kit.
“This was everyone’s favorite activity we did in New Zealand! Our guide, Billy, helped make it super fun! We spent a lot of time walking around on the glacier and taking pictures. Billy set up fun opportunities for us to do, like holding on to ropes and sliding into a semi-horizontal crevasse. He also shared…”
25-minute Mt Cook helicopter with alpine landing in Aoraki National Park, Tasman Valley and glacier-lake views. Small-group flight.
“Extraordinary experience. Professional and very efficient book in. Pilot informative. Landing on snow was almost spriritual experience. One of best travelling events we have had.”
Helicopter over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, plus a snow landing for photos. 35 minutes total from Franz Josef, NZ. $289.
“Awesome. Highlight of my NZ trip! Is very weather dependent of course. After checking in we were told that due to cloud we wouldn't be able to land on the glacier so we could either rebook, get a refund or do the 10 minute fly over and get a partial refund. Decided to do the…”
A 25-minute Queenstown helicopter tour with an alpine landing, hotel pickup, and pilot-led commentary over Lake Wakatipu.
Heli-hike the Tasman Glacier from Mt Cook: 15-min flights, up to 2 hours on ice, and Aoraki/Mount Cook views in 3 hours.
“It was fabulous today. The weather was super nice . Our guide Hunter was very helpful and knowledgeable. He took the best group photo for us.”
Helicopter to the Tasman Glacier for a guided 2-hour crampon hike, with big Southern Alps views and glacier ice formations.
“Trip of a lifetime. Visiting a glacier at the bottom of the world in the beautiful country of New Zealand. Unforgetable.”
Fly Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter, then land on a mountain peak for an alpine pause with dramatic Southern Alps and ice views.
“We originally booked for the 25min flight but upgraded to the 35min on the day due to cloud cover. Staff were extremely lovely and very accommodating. They communicated the issue early and offered multiple options including a full refund if we didn't want to upgrade. We are so glad we did as it was definitely…”
50-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown with commentary, glacier views, and a chance to land on Mt Aspiring ice.
“It was simply fantastic. From the pick-up to the flight itself, it was perfect. The staff and the pilot were so nice and friendly. A fantastic experience. Simply, thank you.”
Fly low over Franz Josef Glacier and step onto a snow landing for close-up ice views, in a short, weather-dependent helicopter ride.
“Have a nice time, and enyou. We have a nice trip and land und the gletchere. Pilot was very good. Nice trip”
Twin Glacier helicopter flight from Franz Josef with snow landing. Fly both glaciers, enjoy live pilot commentary, and step onto the ice.
“The weather on the day we went was fantastic and our pilot was very informative and easy to chat with.”
A 50-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown to Mt. Aspiring glaciers, with Skippers Canyon views and a chance to land on ice.
“The website is easy access. The service provider - Southern Glacier is very prompt reply and friendly. Just i feel the Helicopter space is abit tight for my size after wearing multi layer of winter clothing. Great service after the ride to check on our experience. Overall still great experience. I even introduce the activity…”
45-minute helicopter ride over Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers, including a snow landing with 15 minutes for photos.
“Weather changed so we took the crews advice and did the flyover rather than a snow landing .The 2 glacier flyover is definitely worth doing if you can't do the landing option - Brillint service”
Twin Glacier helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox, plus a snowy glacier landing and walk—small-group, pilot commentary, big views.
“Due to bad weather, our flight was rescheduled twice and then moved to the next day. The staff at the office in Franz were really accommodating, I asked to get an earlier flight because I was leaving town. She put me on a 9:30 flying from Fox instead. The flight was amazing. A clear day…”
Every city and landscape worth seeing from the air.
