Top South Island Helicopter Tours

See the Franz Josef Glacier from the air on a helicopter flight above ice falls, snowfields, and crevasses. Touch down on a snowfield to see the icy landscape up close, and take in sweeping views across the maritime glacier. This helicopter tour departs from a helipad in Franz Josef township.

*WORLD EXCLUSIVE FLIGHT* Join this tour for the unique opportunity to fly in both a Ski Plane and Helicopter, the only flight like it in the world! Fly up in either a ski plane or helicopter on this incredible 45 minute flight which includes a Tasman glacier landing (10-15 minutes) we switch aircraft for the flight home! Flying through the remarkable Tasman Valley and landing on the snow covered peaks with this scenic option is an unforgettable experience and a WORLD EXCLUSIVE FLIGHT with both the ski plane and helicopter! Get your camera ready!! Check in closes 30 minutes prior to the flight time

Take to the skies above Queenstown and land on a remote glacier blanketed in snow for a true alpine adventure. Experience the stunning vistas of Skippers Canyon, with its rich gold rush history, before touching down on an ancient glacier. Step onto the pristine ice to witness the mesmerising blue crevasses up close, providing a rare opportunity for spectacular photographs. The journey back offers awe-inspiring views over valleys and ridgelines, making this a must-do adventure for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. - Unique glacier experience near Queenstown - Breathtaking aerial views of Skippers Canyon and Southern Alps - Opportunity for stunning photographs of ancient glacial ice - Guided by experienced local pilots familiar with the region

Embark on an exhilarating adventure as you explore the majestic peaks and awe-inspiring valleys surrounding Aoraki / Mount Cook. Fly over the lower Tasman Glacier and soar above the Liebig mountain range, taking in the towering peaks of the Southern Alps. Make an alpine landing to take in the breathtaking panoramic views.

Land atop Fox Glacier during a 30-minute helicopter tour, narrated by an experienced alpine pilot. Watch snowfields and ice formations come into view as you hover above the glacier, then land in the snow above the icefalls at the top. Your scenic aerial tour takes in the majestic Southern Alps, with impressive views of Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Add a bit of mystery to your day when you opt for the pilot’s choice glacier tour. Fly deep into the Southern Alps and over Franz Josef Glacier, admiring views that you can’t get from the ground. Then, depending on the day’s conditions and your pilot’s judgment, fly over Fox Glacier or Tasman Glacier, and into the Southern Alps for a snow landing and special photo opportunity.

On this Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and hike, land atop the glacier and explore ice caves and pinnacles with a small group. Soar above New Zealand’s Southern Alps during a scenic flight, then grab your crampons and make your way through dramatic ice formations during a moderately difficult hike. Numbers are limited to 11 to ensure personalized attention from your expert guide.

Go one step further taking our Milford Sound / Piopiotahi return scenic Helicopter flights and a wonderous 2 hour Milford Sound Cruise with our partners at Mitre Peak Cruises, to experience the Fiordland National Park from the sky, land and water. A remote alpine landing tops off this up close exploration of a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. Spot wildlife such as seals, dolphins and the Fiordland Crested penguins roaming around Milford Sound. This is an experience you will never forget in the unofficial 8th wonder of the world.

Hover above the Southern Alps on a spectacular helicopter ride that lets you see places you couldn’t otherwise access without expert mountaineering skills. Glide over Aoraki Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, and down the Tasman Glacier, then over to the West Coast for a glimpse of the famous Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Learn more about the mountains via helpful commentary from your pilot.

See the imposing Southern Alps on an aerial tour with a helicopter landing on the snowfields of Franz Josef Glacier. Your 40-minute helicopter flight soars above the stunning alpine landscapes of the South Island, narrated by the professional pilot. Enjoy prime views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Tasman Glacier from above before descending toward the lush rainforests at the edge of the Tasman Sea.

Experience the thrill of a helicopter flight and alpine landing on a 20-minute scenic helicopter tour, departing from Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village. You’ll get sweeping views over the Ben Ohau Range before touching down on a landing site in the mountains (snow is seasonal). Enjoy this South Island alpine setting as your professional pilot narrates the vista from above.

The GRAND TOUR including snow landing (allow 40 minutes) The “grand-daddy” of all flights! Explore both glaciers as well as taking in Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. We top this off by landing you on the snow for photo opportunities. As a bonus, weather permitting we cross the main divide for you to view the Tasman Glacier.  This will be your ultimate helicopter scenic flight excursion from Fox or Franz Josef on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Be sure to have plenty of space on your camera memory card and bring your phone as well. You will be amazed by the stunning scenery topped off with the snow landing where you will have the chance to photograph the magnificent scenery. (allow 40 min)

There are many great places to enjoy the mountain views in Queenstown, but the best are undoubtedly from the air. Catch views of the Remarkables you can’t get any other way on a scenic helicopter flight. The pilot selects the route on the day. Hover close to peaks and land high above Lake Wakatipu, with unparalleled views of the Southern Alps. The package includes hotel transfers for your convenience.

This Queenstown helicopter flight makes a grand circle over the Wakatipu Basin with a mountain landing in the Remarkables Range. Your 30-minute aerial tour covers scenic vistas above the wild Shotover River, which thunders through the sheer gorge walls of Skippers Canyon. Stand in the snow 5,045 feet (1,538 meters) above Queenstown for a not-to-be-missed panorama of Lake Wakatipu and beyond.

Lift off from Kaikōura's beachfront helipad on a scenic helicopter tour over the deep-sea canyon and coastline. Look out for sperm whales, humpbacks, Hector's dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat while enjoying panoramic views of the Seaward Kaikōura mountain range and Kaikōura Peninsula. Headsets with microphones provide live commentary and the chance to ask questions during this unforgettable aerial whale-watching experience.

Gain up-close access to the remote alpine landscapes of the South Island on a premier helicopter flight. This 40-minute aerial tour from Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village soars above the Southern Alps and makes a snow landing atop Tasman Glacier, where you’ll enjoy prime views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Back in the air, fly through the Burnett Mountains and marvel at the expansive Mackenzie Basin below.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier with this incredible adventure designed for those short on time but big on exploration. Begin your adventure with a scenic Helicopter Flight. Marvel at panoramic views of the West Coast and surrounding mountain ranges. Land on the iconic glacier and spend 15 minutes on the stunning ice with our expert guides, immersing yourself in this iconic natural wonder. This adventure is perfect for all fitness levels: A hassle-free experience that’s accessible to everyone. With exclusive access to the Franz Josef Glacier Guides, we are the only operator permitted to land on the Franz Josef Glacier.

Take to the skies on a 50-minute Queenstown helicopter flight that includes a snow landing on Jura Glacier. Soar above Lake Wakatipu’s northern shores and discover unparalleled views of New Zealand’s Southern Alps from an aerial perspective. After your pilot lands atop the glacier, snap photos of surrounding alpine peaks, such as Mt Aspiring, before the return helicopter ride over glacier-fed lakes and the Rees and Dart River valleys.

Take a scenic flight over Fiordland National Park on this 20-minute helicopter tour, departing from Te Anau. Enjoy aerial views of mountain peaks and alpine lakes including Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau. Listen to live commentary from the professional pilot via audio headsets. Top off your adventure with an alpine landing. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

The scenic Southern Alps are a popular flyover destination, with incredible views of the mountains and glaciers from the air. Rather than just flying over, this tour adds a snow landing during your flight, so you can enjoy the sprawling alpine views and get astonishing landscape photos without a massive hike. Fly around the ice-trapped Fox Glacier and past Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.

The rugged peaks, wild glacial valleys, and frozen rivers of the Fox Glacier are even more impressive from above and a helicopter flight offers an unbeatable viewpoint. Hop aboard for a scenic helicopter ride, gaze out over the magnificent landscapes, then enjoy a thrilling snow landing overlooking the glacier.

Experience the best view in town. Land on the Remarkables spur, overlooking Queenstown at sunset! This flight includes a complimentary drink of choice which you can enjoy during your landing whilst watching the sunset over Queenstown Drink options: bubbles, beer, whisky or there are non-alcoholic options available

See Fiordland National Park’s enormous Doubtful Sound from the sky on this scenic helicopter tour. It’s impossible to access by road so this helicopter tour offers a quick and convenient way of visiting this stunning landscape of rugged mountains, lakes, and lush native rainforest. If weather permits, land in an isolated location to get panoramic photos of the fjord.