Queenstown: The Grand Circle Scenic Helicopter Flight

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Queenstown, New Zealand

Great choice

5+ bookings last month.

35 minutes (approx.)
Flight time: 25 to 30 minutes
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

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.

Queenstown grand circle helicopter flight and alpine landing
Soar for 30 minutes around the Wakatipu Basin
Land atop a mountain peak in the snow-capped Remarkables
Enjoy aerial alpine views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Shotover River
Hear expert commentary from the knowledgeable pilot
Hotel pickup and drop-off included

What's Included

Hotel pickup and drop off
Scenic helicopter flight
Pilot guide & commentary
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Alpine landing (approx. 10 mins)
Allow 35 minutes total trip duration including alpine landing

Items of a personal nature

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Meeting point

The Helicopter Line, Queenstown
29 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Take a thrilling aerial tour over the Wakatipu Basin on this 30-minute Queenstown helicopter flight. Following hotel pickup, board the six-passenger, twin-engine copter, equipped with an open cabin for prime viewing.

Marvel at the South Island’s outstanding landforms and spectacular beauty as your pilot expertly maneuvers the chopper down Skippers Canyon above the untamed Shotover River. Your pilot points out filming locations from "The Lord of the Rings" and the ski fields of Coronet Peak before flying over the nearby Remarkables mountain range, where you’ll make a seasonal alpine landing at 5,045 feet (1,537 meters), overlooking Queenstown and shimmering Lake Wakatipu.

After landing in Queenstown, enjoy a convenient transfer back to your hotel.

Lake Wakatipu (Pass By)

Shotover River (Pass By)

Coronet Peak Ski Area (Pass By)

Additional Info

Total weight per passenger: 331 lbs
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Most travelers can participate
All children must be accompanied by a fare paying adult
It is recommended that warm clothing and suitable footwear be worn on this tour due to cold temperatures. Moderate fitness is required.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Michelle_P

We were blessed with perfect weather on the day my friend and I did this helicopter flight. Was magical. The views were amazing and the landing and hanging out on the snow at the glacier was fantastic. Highly Highly recommend.

Reviews

5.0

based on 32 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

I spent a lovely time and...

Nozomi_O, Mar 2024

I spent a lovely time and had a great experience. I satisfied with this special trip🥰 Thank you so much!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Kia Ora Naomi, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review after your flight with us. We're glad we could leave you with such special memories from your time in Queenstown. Best wishes, The Helicopter Line

Absolutely spectacular!

Michelle_P, Jan 2024

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Kia Ora Michelle, We thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. Nothing beats the views over Queenstown on a beautiful day. Thank you for joining our Queenstown town. We appreciate your recommendation.

My husband has mobility...

Mary_A, Sep 2023

My husband has mobility issues. The pilot was so very kind and accommodating helping him in and out of the helicopter. I couldn't ask for a more positive experience!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

Kia Ora Mary, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. We're so happy to hear how much you enjoyed your flight and time with your pilot. Thank you for joining our team in Queenstown.

Must Do

Traci_E, Jun 2023

The flight and views were spectacular and to land and experience snow was fabulous !!!Jono our pilot was great too

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Kia Ora Traci, Thanks so much for joining our team in Queenstown. We thank you for your fantastic 5-star review. We're so glad you enjoyed your flight with Jono. We appreciate your support. Kind regards, The Helicopter Line, Queenstown

Birds Eye

Bruce_L, May 2023

This is a fantastic way to explore Queenstown, or anywhere for that matter. This was a highlight of my holiday. I’d definitely do this again.

Response from Host, May 2023

Kia Ora Bruce, We agree - this is a fantastic way to explore Queenstown! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5-star review. We're glad you enjoyed your flight with our team. Thanks for joining us in Queenstown.

The best activity we did....

David_C, Nov 2022

The best activity we did. We enjoyed the ride very much and the amazing views. Love it..We will do it again.. Highly recommended.

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Hi David, Thank you for taking the time to share your review. We’re so thrilled to be your best activity in Queenstown. Thank you for joining us. We appreciate your support of The Helicopter Line.

We did this tour with our friends as...

Collette P, Oct 2017

We did this tour with our friends as they had never been in a helicopter before. Definitely a must to see Queenstown from the air. The commentary by the pilot was informative and he sat the helicopter down on one of the mountains which really made you feel like you were on top of the world. A very special memory has been created for us.

The flight was absolutely amazing! The...

Demi P, Aug 2009

The flight was absolutely amazing! The views were stunning, and words can not describe them. Definitely worth doing. Pilot was lovely and very knowledgeable! The whole trip was a breathtaking experience! Loved it!