South Island
Queenstown Scenic Flights – Helicopter, Plane & Heli-Hike Options
Soar above one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes with a scenic flight from Queenstown. Whether you’re after a short alpine loop or a full-day adventure to Mount Cook or Milford Sound, Queenstown is the South Island’s gateway to unforgettable aerial experiences.
From glacier landings and fly-cruise-fly combos to heli-hikes and heli-skiing, you’ll find flight options to suit every kind of traveller — and every season.
This guide breaks down the differences between helicopter tours, fixed-wing flights, and combo packages, helping you compare destinations, pricing, and what each experience includes.
Why Choose a Scenic Flight from Queenstown?
Queenstown isn’t just about bungy jumps and jet boats — it’s one of the best places in the country to take off into the skies. Scenic flights operate daily, offering front-row views of the Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu, remote alpine valleys, and some of New Zealand’s most dramatic wilderness landscapes.
For those wanting to see more, extended flights take you:
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Across the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, including a cruise through the fiord
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Over the Mackenzie Basin to Aoraki/Mount Cook, with snow or glacier landings
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To the Tasman Glacier for a full-day heli-hike experience
In winter, you’ll also find seasonal options like heli-skiing, while summer opens up heli-biking experiences on remote backcountry trails.
What This Guide Covers:
In the sections below, you’ll find everything you need to know about Queenstown’s flightseeing options, including:
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Differences between helicopter and fixed-wing tours
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Glacier landing and snow landing options
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Which flights include a cruise or guided glacier hike
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How long each trip takes and how much it typically costs
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Seasonal options, weather policies, and family suitability
We also link to trusted local operators offering flights to Milford Sound, Mount Cook, and Queenstown’s local alpine areas.
Frequently Asked Questions – Queenstown Scenic Flights
Flight Types & Tour Options:
What types of scenic flights are available in Queenstown?
You can choose from:
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Helicopter flights with alpine or glacier landings
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Fixed-wing plane flights offering wide-angle views of the mountains and lakes
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Combo flights that combine a helicopter and plane in one loop
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Heli-hike tours, which include a guided glacier walk
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Fly-cruise-fly packages to Milford Sound
What’s the difference between helicopter and fixed-wing flights?
Helicopters can hover, fly lower, and land on rugged terrain like glaciers or mountaintops. Fixed-wing planes offer a smoother, more elevated flight with expansive views and are often used for longer journeys to destinations like Mount Cook and Milford Sound.
What is a combo flight?
Combo flights allow you to experience both a fixed-wing plane and a helicopter in a single tour. These are common on full-day trips to Mount Cook or Milford Sound and often include a glacier landing or cruise.
Do any flights include a Milford Sound cruise?
Yes — many Milford Sound fly-cruise-fly packages include a scenic flight from Queenstown, a boat cruise through Milford Sound, and a return flight. This option saves over 8 hours of driving time.
Queenstown Svenin Flight Destinations & Inclusions
Where can I fly to from Queenstown?
Popular destinations include:
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Milford Sound (often with a cruise)
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Mount Cook / Aoraki National Park
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Tasman Glacier (for heli-hike tours)
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Queenstown’s local mountains, such as The Remarkables and Cecil Peak
- The Wset Coast: Haast, Franz Josef
Can I do a heli-hike from Queenstown?
Yes — full-day heli-hike packages fly from Queenstown to the Tasman Glacier near Mount Cook. These tours include a scenic flight, landing on the glacier, and a 2-hour guided walk using crampons.
Are glacier or snow landings included?
Many longer helicopter flights include alpine snow landings or glacier landings. Heli-hike and Mount Cook flights often feature landings on the Tasman Glacier.
Seasonal Experiences in Queenstown:
What is heli-skiing in Queenstown?
Heli-skiing is available in winter and involves flying by helicopter to remote backcountry snowfields. It’s suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders and includes multiple runs per trip.
Can I go heli-biking in Queenstown?
Yes — in summer, some operators offer heli-biking, where you and your mountain bike are flown to a remote alpine trail. It’s a unique adventure for experienced riders.
Is it better to fly in summer or winter?
Both seasons offer incredible views. Summer features turquoise lakes and exposed glaciers, while winter offers snow-covered peaks and crisp visibility. Morning flights are typically calmer year-round.
Duration, Pricing & Booking Scenic flights From Queenstown
How long do Queenstown scenic flights take?
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Local alpine flights: 20–30 minutes
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Milford Sound fly-cruise-fly: 4–5 hours
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Mount Cook flights: 3–5 hours
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Heli-hike tours: Full day
How much do scenic flights from Queenstown cost?
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Local flights: From NZD 290
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Milford Sound fly-cruise-fly: From NZD 595–995
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Mount Cook scenic flights: From NZD 730–1100
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Heli-hike packages: From NZD 995+
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — these flights often sell out, especially in summer and around holidays. Booking in advance ensures availability and preferred departure times.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights are weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable for flying, tours may be rescheduled or fully refunded. Operators will advise as early as possible.
Travellers & Group Info When Travelling in Queenstown
Can children join scenic flights?
Yes — most operators welcome children of all ages on scenic flights. For heli-hikes, children usually need to be 8 years or older and able to wear safety equipment like crampons.
Is there a weight limit for passengers?
Yes — most operators have a per-person weight limit (usually around 120kg), and may request your weight during booking for aircraft balance and safety.
Are private or charter flights available?
Absolutely. Most companies offer private charters for couples, families, or small groups. These allow flexible routes, photo stops, and custom landing sites.
Queenstown Scenic Flight Duration & Price Guide
Here’s a quick overview of the most popular flight options from Queenstown, including their typical duration and starting price. Final prices may vary by operator and season.
| Tour Type | Duration | Price (From) |
|---|---|---|
| Local Scenic Flight | 20–30 minutes | NZD 290 |
| Alpine Snow/Glacier Landing | 30–40 minutes | NZD 390–490 |
| Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly | 4–5 hours | NZD 595–995 |
| Mount Cook Scenic Flight | 3–5 hours | NZD 730–1100 |
| Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike | Full day | NZD 995+ |
| Heli-Skiing (Winter Only) | Half-day/full day | NZD 1000+ |
| Heli-Biking (Summer Only) | Half-day | NZD 850+ |
The Helicopter Line – Queenstown
Offering scenic helicopter flights with glacier landings, alpine loops, and heli-hike access to Mount Cook.
View Scenic Flights →
Heli – Glenorchy Air
Fixed-wing scenic flights to Milford Sound and Mount Cook, plus heli-hike combo packages.
View Flights →
True South Flights
Specialists in Mount Cook and Milford Sound scenic flights, including glacier landings and remote airstrip access.
View Flights →
Heliworks Queenstown
Scenic flights, private charters, and heli-ski access. Known for snow landings and custom routes.
View Flights →
Alpine Helicopters
Scenic helicopter flights over Queenstown, Mount Aspiring, and Mount Cook, plus heli-biking and luxury packages.
View Flights →
Final Thoughts – Take a Flight Over Queenstown
Whether you’re looking for a quick alpine loop, a breathtaking glacier landing, or a full-day heli-hike adventure to Mount Cook or Milford Sound, Queenstown offers some of the best scenic flights in New Zealand. With options for every season — from heli-skiing in winter to heli-biking in summer — there’s no shortage of ways to explore the Southern Alps from above.
Booking a scenic flight from Queenstown is more than just sightseeing — it’s an unforgettable aerial journey through some of the country’s most spectacular and remote landscapes. Compare your options, choose your adventure, and take off on a flight you’ll never forget.
Discover More Adventures in Queenstown
Scenic flights are just the beginning. Queenstown is packed with world-class experiences for every traveller — from adrenaline-pumping adventures like jet boating, bungy jumping, and skydiving, to relaxing lake cruises, wine tours, and luxury spas.
Families will love gondola rides, alpine luge tracks, and wildlife encounters, while couples can enjoy romantic sunset cruises or stargazing evenings. In winter, Queenstown becomes a snowy playground for skiing, snowboarding, and heli-skiing. Come summer, hiking, biking, and lake activities take centre stage.
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