South Island
Last Updated: 5 May 2026
Reviewed by the Must Do New Zealand team, based on current helicopter flight options and operator information.
Best Queenstown Helicopter Flights & Milford Sound Scenic Tours
Lift off from Queenstown with The Helicopter Line and experience some of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery from above. Choose from short scenic helicopter flights over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, or extend your adventure toward Fiordland and Milford Sound.
From snow landings and glacier views to dramatic valleys, mountain peaks and coastal fiords, these Queenstown helicopter tours are designed for travellers who want more than a view from the ground. Whether you’re booking a local scenic flight or a once-in-a-lifetime Milford Sound helicopter experience, every flight showcases the South Island’s wild beauty from the air.
Looking for the best helicopter flight in Queenstown? These scenic flights and Milford Sound helicopter tours offer unforgettable alpine views and landings.
Scenic Helicopter Flights over Queenstown, The Remarkables & Milford Sound
Queenstown Helicopter Scenic flights are located in the adventure capital and favourite destination for visitors in New Zealand with so many things to exhilarate and thrill for everyone.
Queenstown is located in one of the most stunning alpine settings with a backdrop of the Remarkable mountain range that rises from the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the only way to appreciate this amazing scenery is from above with a scenic flight
See unrivalled scenery as you experience the best view in Queenstown, land on the Remarkables Spur overlooking Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin with Coronet and Cecil Peaks in the distance. Take a scenic flight to Milford Sound and join Mitre Peak Cruises to discover the sights and sounds of Milford Sound up-close, Before returning to Queenstown by helicopter allowing you to set foot upon the alpine landscape.
Choose Your Queenstown Helicopter Flight
These are some of the best helicopter flights in Queenstown, from short scenic tours to premium Milford Sound helicopter experiences with alpine landings.
Which Queenstown Helicopter Flight is Right for You?
- Short Scenic Flights (25–30 min)
Best for quick views over Queenstown and The Remarkables - Snow Landing Flights (Most Popular)
Ideal if you want to land on a mountain and experience alpine terrain - Milford Sound Helicopter Tours (Best Overall)
The most complete experience combining Fiordland, glaciers, and remote scenery
Queenstown Panorama
Flight Time: 25 minutes
Price: Adult $402.84 per person (15 Years & Over)
Price: Child $281.84 pp (aged 4 to 14)
Price: Infant $205.17 pp (aged 0 to 3 yr)
Departs: Choose flight time on booking
⭐ Most Popular” → Queenstown Panorama
Designed to surprise, this spectacular scenic helicopter flight maintains a relaxed and leisurely pace whilst exposing a dramatic panorama of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Township. You’ll appreciate first hand how Queenstown earned its name – Fit for a Queen. Survey the ‘kingdom’ whilst the tranquillity and silence descend on you. Remote and memorable.
What’s included:
- Scenic helicopter flight.
- Alpine landing (possible snow landing in winter
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Informative pilot commentary
Highlights:
- Take in the dramatic panorama of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown.
- Alpine landing high above the town.
- Discover the enormity of the Lake Wakatipu.
The Pilots Choice special
Flight Time: 25 minutes
Price: Adult $402.84 per person (15 Years & Over)
Price: Child $281.84 pp (aged 4 to 14)
Price: Infant $205.17 pp (aged 0 to 3 yr)
Departs: Choose flight time on booking
Today your pilot chooses your scenic adventure! Experience views of majestic Queenstown as you perch on rugged mountain terrain, you may even be standing on snow in the winter. Don’t forget your camera as these views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu are not to be missed.
Highlights: Flight might vary on the day
- Indulge in a bird’s eye view of Queenstown and her surrounding mountains.
- Alpine landing at the top of the infamous Remarkables mountain range.
- Stand 1538m above Queenstown and capture her stunning views.
- Scenic helicopter flight.
- Alpine landing (possible snow landing in winter
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Informative pilot commentary
Southern Glacier Experience
Flight Time: 50 minutes
Price: Adult $876.31 per person (15 Years & Over)
Price: Child $613.27 (aged 4 to 14)
Price: Departs: Choose flight time on booking
This journey offers dramatic views of the majestic Southern Alps and the Aspiring National Park. Discover the ancient glacial icefalls before experiencing an alpine snow landing. Stand in snow surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. Travel through bush covered valleys as you admire unparalleled views of Mount Aspiring and the mighty Rees and Dart valleys, before traversing Lake Wakatipu’s mysterious northern shores.
Highlights:
- Alpine landing among snow-capped peaks.
- Awe-inspiring views of the Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park on a premier 50 minute trip.
- Soar above untouched native forests and glacial icefalls.
The Grand Circle
Flight Time: 30 minutes
Price: Adult $508.05 per person (15 Years & Over)
Price: Child $360.75 pp (aged 4 to 14)
Price: Departs: Choose flight time on booking
On this premier scenic flight you will marvel at the outstanding and stunning beauty of the Wakatipu Basin from the mouth of the Shotover River to beyond Coronet Peak. See spectacular film locations from Lord of the Rings. The flight includes a landing on the Remarkables, 1538m above Queenstown where you can stand in the snow during winter and admire the stunning view across Lake Wakatipu to the Southern Alps.
Highlights:
- Circle the whole of stunning Queenstown from above.
- Alpine landing high above the town.
- Discover the enormity of the Lake Wakatipu.
Milford Sound Heli with Cruise
Flight Time: Four hours
Price: Adult $1674.58 per person (15 Years & Over)
Price: Child $1170.08 pp (aged 4 to 14)
Price: Infant $836.48 pp (aged 0 to 3 yr)
Departs: Choose flight time on booking
Taking our magnificent Milford Sound flight option upon landing in Milford, join the Mitre Peak Cruises, an exploratory nature cruise on the Sound. View cascading waterfalls, sheer rock faces and unique wildlife, voyage out past St Anne’s lighthouse to the Tasman Sea before returning to Milford Sound to re-board your helicopter. Homeward bound, complete your journey with an alpine landing for the ultimate Milford Sound experience.
Highlights:
- Uninterrupted aerial views from Queenstown to Milford Sound.
- 2 hour Mitre Peak cruise on Milford Sound.
- Pass alpine lakes, waterfalls and ancient glaciers.
Milford Sound Scenic Flight
Flight Time: 90 minutes
Price: Adult $1417.55 per person (15 Years & Over)
Price: Child $991.42 pp (aged 4 to 14)
Departs: Choose flight time on booking
Journey through New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery. This captivating flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound takes you over secluded alpine lakes, lush rainforest, through deep bush lined valleys and past rugged mountain peaks. Experience the grandeur of the Southern Alps en route to landing at The Divide. Fly into the heartland of Fiordland experiencing unparalleled views of world famous Milford Sound and the iconic Mitre Peak before landing at Milford Sound. Homeward, experience an alpine snow landing.
Highlights:
- Discover the enormity of the Southern Alps and Fiordland National Park.
- Be thrilled with a remote alpine landing.
- Unparalleled aerial views of the legendary Milford Sound.
Queenstown Helicopter Flights – FAQs
The most popular option is a scenic helicopter flight with an alpine or snow landing, such as the Queenstown Panorama or Pilot’s Choice. For a premium experience, Milford Sound helicopter tours offer the most dramatic scenery and longest flight time.
Choose from six options: Queenstown Panorama (25 min), Pilot’s Choice (25 min), The Grand Circle (30 min), Southern Glacier Experience (50 min), Milford Sound Scenic Flight (90 min), and Milford Sound Heli + Cruise (around 4 hours). Most include an alpine or seasonal snow landing (weather permitting).
Flight times range from around 25 minutes for short scenic flights to 90 minutes for Milford Sound helicopter flights, with extended experiences including cruise options lasting up to 4 hours.
Expect breathtaking aerial views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, alpine valleys, glaciers, and Fiordland landscapes. Most flights include informative pilot commentary and an alpine or snow landing.
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound for dramatic fiord scenery, then join a cruise to experience waterfalls, wildlife, and sheer cliffs up close before returning by helicopter with an alpine landing (conditions permitting).
Yes. The Milford Sound Scenic Flight (around 90 minutes) offers aerial views of Fiordland and Milford Sound, including a remote alpine landing (conditions permitting).
Prices start from around NZD $400 per person for short scenic flights, with longer glacier and Milford Sound helicopter tours priced higher depending on duration and inclusions.
Safety comes first. Flights, routes, and landings may be adjusted, delayed, or cancelled due to weather. If cancelled, you’ll usually be offered rebooking or a refund in line with the operator’s policy.
Wear warm layers, sunglasses, and enclosed footwear. In winter, bring gloves and a beanie. Always follow your pre-flight information and pilot guidance on the day.
