Queenstown/Milford
Queenstown Helicopter Scenic Flights: Snow Landings & Milford
From snow-capped alpine peaks to the iconic fjords of Fiordland, soar above New Zealand’s unmissable landscapes with an unforgettable helicopter experience. Whether you’re seeking a quick scenic spin or a full-day expedition to the spectacular Milford Sound, our tours depart from Queenstown with comfort, adventure and panoramic views built-in.
Explore Our Queenstown Scenic Flight Options
Experience the very best of New Zealand’s alpine wilderness with Heliworks Queenstown Scenic Flights. Our premium helicopter tours blend adventure with comfort, giving you unrivalled views of the dramatic landscapes that define Queenstown and Fiordland.
Lift off above Lake Wakatipu, trace the ridgelines of the Southern Alps, and witness the rugged beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park from an extraordinary vantage point. Fly deeper into Fiordland National Park to marvel at the sheer cliffs, remote valleys, and iconic waterfalls that shape the world-famous Milford Sound.
Choose from short scenic flights over Queenstown, exclusive snow and glacier landings, or extended journeys to remote destinations like Earnslaw Burn and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Every experience is guided by highly skilled local pilots and designed to deliver breathtaking views, memorable landings, and a sense of true alpine adventure.
At Heliworks, we don’t just offer helicopter tours — we craft elevated, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.
Queenstown Scenic Flight Options
Quick Overview
- Remarkables Scenic – 20 minutes
Snow landing (weather permitting) & panoramic views over Queenstown. - Queenstown Essential – 45 minutes / 2 landings
Shotover River, Cecil Peak, Coronet Peak & Skippers Canyon. - Glacier Express – 60 minutes
Blue ice glacier landing + Mt Aspiring & Skippers Canyon. - Snow Landing Experience – 35 minutes
Alpine snow touchdown with expansive Wakatipu Basin views. - Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli – 4 hours
Scenic flight, glacier landing & Milford Sound cruise. - Earnslaw Burn Picnic – 90 minutes
Exclusive landing + gourmet picnic beneath a hanging glacier. - Milford + Earnslaw Burn Combo – 5 hours
Milford Sound cruise + exclusive Earnslaw Burn landing. - Fiordland’s Finest – 150 minutes
Glacier landing, alpine lakes & sweeping Fiordland vistas.
Remarkable's Experience
Price: $320 Per person – Child $225 pp
Departure: 9:00 am & 11:30 am
Duration: 20 minutes approx.
Experience a spectacular introductory helicopter flight over Queenstown and the Remarkables, one of only a few mountain ranges in the world running north to south. Enjoy sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu, the Wakatipu Basin, and Queenstown township as you climb towards the peaks.
If conditions allow, you’ll touch down for a snow landing — the perfect opportunity to capture dramatic alpine photos and enjoy a moment surrounded by pure mountain serenity.
Highlights
- Panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown
- Landing atop The Remarkables (weather permitting)
- Unique north–south mountain range viewpoint
- Incredible photo opportunities from start to finish
- Ideal short flight for first-time heli passengers
Queenstown Essential
Price: $620 Per person – Child $435 pp
Departure: 9:30 am &11:30 am
Duration: 45 minutes approx. with two landings
Discover Queenstown’s most iconic landscapes on this extended scenic flight that captures the very best of the region. This is the perfect introduction to alpine flying, combining dramatic peaks, river gorges, historic landmarks, and two unforgettable landings.
Lift off along the Frankton Arm before touching down on Cecil Peak for sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Continue past Ben Lomond and into Moonlight Creek, before entering the famously narrow and rugged Skippers Canyon, a key site of New Zealand’s gold-mining history.
Follow the winding Shotover River back towards Coronet Peak, where you’ll enjoy a second landing before returning to base.
Highlights
- Two scenic alpine landings
- Cecil Peak, Ben Lomond & Coronet Peak
- Fly through historic Skippers Canyon
- Stunning river, gorge & mountain views
- The most complete Queenstown overview flight
Heliworks Glacier Express
Price: $790 Per person – Child $555 pp – Infant $395
Departure: 9:15 am & 11:45 am
Duration: 60 minutes approx.
Experience a spectacular journey deep into the Southern Alps, culminating in a landing on a pristine blue ice glacier. This is one of Heliworks’ most sought-after adventures, offering dramatic alpine scenery and a rare opportunity to stand on glistening glacial ice.
Ascend above Skippers Canyon for panoramic views of historic gold-mining sites before flying toward the incredible ice fields of Mt Aspiring National Park. Touch down on an untouched glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity surrounded by towering peaks and shimmering blue ice formations.
Highlights
- Remote blue ice glacier landing
- Fly over Skippers Canyon
- Views of Mt Aspiring and Southern Alps
- Stunning alpine valleys & river systems
- A top-rated, unforgettable glacier experience
Heli Tour with Snow Landing
Price: $450 Per person – Child $315 pp – Infant $225
Departure: 9:00 am & 11:30 am
Duration: 35 minutes approx.
Step into a winter wonderland with this scenic helicopter flight featuring an exhilarating snow landing high in the mountains. Perfect for families and first-time flyers, this tour delivers classic Queenstown alpine beauty with a fun, photo-friendly stop on a snowy peak.
Enjoy expansive views over the Wakatipu Basin, the Remarkables, and Queenstown township as you head toward your snow landing site. Leave fresh footprints in the snow, take spectacular photos, and soak up the crisp alpine air before the scenic return flight via Skippers Canyon.
Highlights
- Snow landing in a winter alpine setting
- Panoramic Queenstown & Remarkables views
- Scenic flyover of historic Skippers Canyon
- Ideal short adventure for families
- Great photo opportunities in the snow
Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli
Price: $1425 Per person – Child $995.00 pp – Infant $715
Departure: 9:30 am
Duration: 4 hours approx.
Experience Milford Sound from above and below with this premium heli-cruise adventure. Begin with a breathtaking helicopter flight over the Richardson Mountains and Fiordland’s dramatic alpine terrain before landing on a remote glacier for an unforgettable photo stop.
Descend into Milford Sound for a scenic cruise past towering cliffs, thundering waterfalls, and the iconic Mitre Peak. Keep an eye out for native wildlife including fur seals, dolphins, and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (seasonal). A final scenic flight returns you to Queenstown via sweeping alpine ridgelines and deep glacial valleys.
Highlights
- Glacier landing en route to Milford Sound
- Milford Sound cruise included
- Stunning waterfalls, cliffs & wildlife sightings
- Fly above Fiordland National Park
- One of the top bucket-list experiences in NZ
Earnslaw Burn Picnic
Price: $1030 Per person – Child $720.00 pp – Infant $515
Departure: 11:45 am
Duration: 90 minutes approx.
Escape into a hidden alpine paradise with an exclusive landing in the breathtaking Earnslaw Burn — accessible only with Heliworks. This extraordinary experience combines spectacular scenery with a luxury gourmet picnic set beneath a towering hanging glacier.
Soar above the Wakatipu Basin before descending into a valley framed by cascading waterfalls, ancient ice formations, and dramatic cliffs. Enjoy locally sourced delicacies in complete tranquillity, surrounded by one of New Zealand’s most cinematic landscapes — famously featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Highlights
- Exclusive landing site (Heliworks-only)
- Gourmet picnic with locally sourced produce
- Hanging glacier & cascading waterfalls
- Featured in LOTR & Hobbit film locations
- Ideal for proposals, romantic trips & special occasions
Milford Heli-Cruise & Earnslaw Burn
Price: $1845 Per person – Child $1290 pp – Infant $925
Departure: 9:30 am
Duration: 5 Hours approx.
This premium combination tour pairs the world-renowned beauty of Milford Sound with the exclusive alpine magic of Earnslaw Burn. Begin with a spectacular helicopter flight over remote Fiordland valleys and hidden alpine lakes before landing in Milford Sound for a breathtaking cruise.
After the cruise, fly to the secluded Earnslaw Burn for an extraordinary landing beneath its hanging glacier — a site accessible only with Heliworks. Then soar over the rugged peaks of the Richardson Mountains on your return to Queenstown.
Highlights
- Milford Sound cruise + Earnslaw Burn landing
- Glacier-carved valleys & alpine lakes
- Exclusive landing beneath hanging glacier
- Stunning waterfalls (seasonal variation)
- One of the most immersive Fiordland experiences
Fiordland's Finest
Price: $1850 Per person – Child $1295 pp – Infant $925
Departure: 2:15 pm
Duration: 150 minutes approx.
Explore the very best of Fiordland National Park from the air with this signature helicopter experience. Witness dramatic alpine lakes, remote valleys, massive waterfalls, and a stunning glacier landing (weather permitting) as you journey deep into one of the world’s most untouched wilderness areas.
Touch down in the breathtaking valley of Earnslaw Burn, featuring its iconic hanging glacier and sheer ice walls, before continuing across Fiordland’s vast network of peaks and hidden waterways. This is a true celebration of New Zealand’s wildest landscapes.
Highlights
- Glacier landing (weather permitting)
- Exclusive Earnslaw Burn experience
- Alpine lakes, valleys & waterfalls
- Richardson Mountains, Glenorchy & Lake Erskine
- A premium Fiordland scenic showcase
Queenstown Helicopter Scenic Flight FAQs
“Here are the most common questions travellers ask before booking a Queenstown helicopter scenic flight.”
1. What are the main scenic flight options available in Queenstown?
Queenstown offers a wide range of scenic helicopter experiences, including short alpine flights, snow landings, glacier landings, Milford Sound heli-cruise packages, and extended Fiordland adventures. Popular options include the Remarkables Scenic, Queenstown Essential, Glacier Express, Earnslaw Burn Picnic, and Milford Sound combination flights.
2. How long do Queenstown helicopter tours typically last?
Flight durations range from 20 minutes for short alpine experiences to 5 hours for Milford Sound and Earnslaw Burn combination tours. Most scenic flights fall between 35 and 60 minutes, depending on the landing locations and flight paths.
3. What should I wear on a helicopter flight in Queenstown?
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. For snow or glacier landings, warm layers, sunglasses, and a windproof jacket are recommended year-round. In winter, gloves and hats help keep you warm during alpine landings.
4. Are helicopter flights weather dependent?
Yes. Helicopter flights depend on safe flying conditions. If the weather prevents take-off or landing, the operator will either reschedule your flight or offer a refund. Morning flights often have the calmest conditions.
5. Are helicopter tours in Queenstown safe?
Absolutely. Heliworks operates under strict New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority safety standards, with highly experienced local pilots and modern aircraft maintained to the highest level.
6. Can children and infants join helicopter scenic flights?
Yes. Children and infants can fly on most scenic flights. Infants typically travel on a parent’s lap, while children require their own seat. Child and infant pricing varies by tour.
7. What are the highlights of the Remarkables Scenic flight?
The Remarkables Scenic flight includes panoramic views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu and may include a snow landing on The Remarkables (weather permitting). It’s an ideal introduction to alpine helicopter flying.
8. What is included in the Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli experience?
This tour includes a scenic helicopter flight over Fiordland, a glacier landing, a Milford Sound cruise, wildlife viewing opportunities, and a return flight via remote alpine terrain. Total duration is approximately 4 hours.
9. Is the Earnslaw Burn Picnic suitable for special occasions?
Yes. The Earnslaw Burn Picnic is a popular choice for proposals, honeymoons, and romantic celebrations. It includes an exclusive landing beneath a hanging glacier and a gourmet picnic in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine settings.
