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“Excellent service. Poor weather and they kept trying to enable us to go which they eventually did. Couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you.”
Fly to Franz Josef by helicopter, land on the glacier, then hike ice caves and crevasses with gear and expert guides.
“We were meant to do a heli hike but weather meant we only did a short encounter. Totally ok and understand you can’t control the weather and we were given an option to delay to the next day. We were a little cramped in the helicopter and Read more”
Heli hike Fox Glacier pairs short helicopter flights with guided crampon hiking up to 3 hours, with wet-weather gear and safety kit.
“Amazing!! The staffs are very kindly, and glacier is the most beautiful experience I’ve ever met!😍😍”
25-minute Mt Cook helicopter with alpine landing in Aoraki National Park, Tasman Valley and glacier-lake views. Small-group flight.
“Great experience! We spent most of the 25 minutes at the mountain landing spot. It was beautiful, but we would have preferred to spend more time flying in the helicopter rather than taking photos at the top for about 15 minutes.”
Helicopter over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, plus a snow landing for photos. 35 minutes total from Franz Josef, NZ. $289.
“An amazing experience that is hard to put words around. Fabulous staff who were so friendly and helpful. I decided to book the Helicopter flight to the Glaciers last minute and was provided with information from the team immediately about my trip. They called to move my time so that I would not miss out…”
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.
“AMAZING! Loved it! Worth every cent! Tory our guide was 10/10 so knowledgeable, kind and friendly. She really went above and beyond making our day special. Information and introduction at the beginning was presented well and clear. Jackets and pants included were good quality. Helicopter ride breathtaking.”
Helicopter to the Tasman Glacier for a guided 2-hour crampon hike, with big Southern Alps views and glacier ice formations.
“Outstanding experience. We loved it. The helicopter trip both ways was terrific and the scenery was breathtaking. The walk on the glacier and information provided was great. We learned alot. Plenty of photo opportunities in a variety of areas. We were lucky to have great weather because all the morning trips had been canceled yet…”
Fly Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter, then land on a mountain peak for an alpine pause with dramatic Southern Alps and ice views.
“Incredible a must do The weather was perfect and the scenery is stunning The landing experience was surreal The pilot was informative”
50-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown with commentary, glacier views, and a chance to land on Mt Aspiring ice.
“We have been on many helicopter tours, and I daresay this was the most impressive!! Landing on the glacier was incredible. didn't feel rushed at all, and covered so much magnificent terrain! Definitely recommend...was the cherry on the top of our lovely NZ vacation!!”
Fly low over Franz Josef Glacier and step onto a snow landing for close-up ice views, in a short, weather-dependent helicopter ride.
“What an experience Clear crisp day Excellent visibility First time it was absolutely awesome Crew were fantastic”
Twin Glacier helicopter flight from Franz Josef with snow landing. Fly both glaciers, enjoy live pilot commentary, and step onto the ice.
“From the moment we walked through the doors of The Helicopter Line we were made to feel welcome and at ease. Our pilot James was fabulous he was funny and informative also helpful getting us up off the snow when we fell The views of the glaciers were amazing but stepping out of the choppa…”
A 50-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown to Mt. Aspiring glaciers, with Skippers Canyon views and a chance to land on ice.
“Is an amazing experience! Our Pilot, Jack was attentive, friendly, helpful & yes…we have nothing to comments about improvements. Will definitely recommend this experience with friends!”
45-minute helicopter ride over Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers, including a snow landing with 15 minutes for photos.
“We took the 45 minute ride and not a minute was dull. They day was overcast but the ground staff kept us updated every 15 minutes and were supportive. Kudos to them. The flight was exhilarating. Breathtaking views and the flight was so smooth. Our pilot was great, guiding us throughout the flight. The surprise…”
Twin Glacier helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox, plus a snowy glacier landing and walk—small-group, pilot commentary, big views.
“Spectacular views and awesome staff. Pilot was fantastic and gave us plenty of information about the history of the glaciers during the flight. Landing on the glacier and taking in the view was an incredible experience not to be missed!”
Every city and landscape worth seeing from the air.
