Category: Scenic flight

You haven’t truly experienced Queenstown until you’ve seen it from the air. A scenic helicopter flight gives you a completely different perspective — one that reveals the full scale, beauty, and драматичність of New Zealand’s alpine landscapes.

When you fly with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, you’ll soar above some of the region’s most iconic природних локацій. From the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu to the rugged peaks of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and the dramatic canyons carved by the Shotover River, every moment of your flight is designed to impress.

You’ll also have the chance to land in remote alpine environments — whether it’s snow-covered peaks or ancient glaciers — giving you the rare opportunity to step into places that are otherwise inaccessible.

If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit, you’ll recognise many of the landscapes below. As aerial filming specialists for these films, the team knows exactly where to take you for a true “Middle-earth” experience.

To make the most of your time, it’s recommended that you book your flight early in your Queenstown itinerary. This gives you flexibility in case of changing weather conditions. If your flight cannot operate, you can easily reschedule or receive a full refund.

Choose Your Scenic Flight Experience

The Remarkables (Flight 101)

You’ll enjoy one of the best views in Queenstown as you fly towards The Remarkables mountain range. After landing on an alpine ridge at around 5,000 feet, you’ll take in panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and surrounding peaks — perfect for unforgettable photos.

Price: Adult $245, Child $170
Duration: 20 minutes
Landing: Alpine landing

Skippers Express (Flight 103)

You’ll fly over Coronet Peak before landing high above the historic Skippers Canyon. On your return, you’ll pass through the Ben Lomond saddle, offering incredible views over Queenstown and the Wakatipu basin.

Price: Adult $300, Child $210
Duration: 30 minutes
Landing: Alpine landing

Alpine Scenic (Flight 104)

This flight combines the best of Queenstown’s alpine scenery with a snow landing on one of the region’s stunning peaks. Your route may vary depending on snow conditions, making each experience unique.

Price: Adult $340, Child $240
Duration: 35 minutes
Landing: Snow landing

Glacier Explorer (Flight 105)

You’ll head west into Mt Aspiring National Park, flying over Paradise Valley and into a world of towering peaks and blue ice glaciers. After landing on a glacier, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and truly absorb the remote alpine environment before returning via hidden lakes and historic gold mining areas.

Price: Adult $570, Child $400
Duration: 50 minutes
Landing: Glacier landing

Lord of the Rings + Glacier Explorer (Flight 107)

This is the ultimate experience for both adventure seekers and film fans. You’ll fly through iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, guided by expert pilots who were directly involved in the production.

You’ll visit locations such as the Shotover River, Dart Valley, and Glenorchy, with landscapes that brought Middle-earth to life — including Isengard, Lothlorien, and Amon Hen. Along the way, you’ll enjoy both alpine and glacier landings, fully immersing yourself in these невероятні surroundings.

Price: Adult $755, Child $525
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Landing: Alpine & Glacier landings

If you want to truly experience Milford Sound, there’s no better way than by helicopter. From the air, you’ll witness one of the world’s most breathtaking World Heritage Areas in its full scale — untouched, dramatic, and unforgettable.

As you fly, you’ll discover a landscape shaped by nature over thousands of years. You’ll see ancient rainforests, crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountain peaks rising sharply from deep fjords. It’s a perspective that simply can’t be matched from the ground.

Every Milford Sound helicopter flight includes a glacier landing on the spectacular Mt Tutoko glacier, deep within Fiordland National Park. This gives you the rare opportunity to step into a remote alpine environment and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of New Zealand’s wilderness.

You can choose from several unique experiences — whether you want a classic scenic flight, a combination with a cruise, or an extended journey to explore even more of the region.

To make the most of your trip, it’s highly recommended that you book early in your Queenstown itinerary. This gives you flexibility in case of weather changes. If your flight cannot operate, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Please note: Glacier landings are subject to weather conditions, and routes or landing locations may vary at the pilot’s discretion to ensure your safety.

Choose Your Milford Sound Experience

Milford Sound (Flight 201)

You’ll lift off towards Milford Sound with iconic Mitre Peak guiding your way. As you fly deeper into Fiordland, you’ll explore remote valleys, ancient forests, and pristine rivers.

Once in Milford, you can enjoy a short nature walk and capture that classic Mitre Peak photo before continuing your journey. You’ll then fly past dramatic mountain ranges and ледяні waterfalls before landing on the stunning Mt Tutoko glacier.

Price: Adult $855 | Child $600
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Landing: Milford & Glacier landing

Milford Sound + Cruise (Flight 202)

You’ll experience Milford Sound from both the air and the water. After your helicopter flight, you’ll join a scenic cruise through the fjord, passing towering cliffs and powerful waterfalls.

Keep an eye out — you may spot dolphins, seals, or even penguins along the way. After your cruise, your journey continues with a breathtaking flight and glacier landing.

Price: Adult $975 | Child $680
Duration: 4 hours
Landing: Milford & Glacier landing

Milford Extended (Flight 203)

This is one of the most popular options if you want to see even more. You’ll fly the full length of Milford Sound, out to the rugged Tasman Sea, where you’ll land on a remote West Coast beach.

Combined with your Milford landing and glacier experience on Mt Tutoko, this flight offers an incredible variety of landscapes in one unforgettable journey.

Price: Adult $975 | Child $680
Duration: 2.5 hours
Landing: Milford, Beach & Glacier landing

Milford Highlights (Flight 204)

If you’re short on time but still want an incredible experience, this flight gives you a stunning overview of Milford Sound and Fiordland’s glaciers.

You’ll enjoy a scenic flight over rivers, valleys, and ледяні formations before landing in a spectacular alpine glacier environment — perfect for once-in-a-lifetime photos.

Price: Adult $750 | Child $525
Duration: 1.25 hours
Landing: Glacier landing

Fly / Cruise / Heli Milford Sound (Flight 205)

For the ultimate Milford Sound experience, you can combine multiple perspectives in one journey.

You’ll travel one way by fixed-wing aircraft and return by helicopter, including a scenic mountain landing. While in Milford, you’ll also enjoy a full cruise through the fjord, taking in waterfalls, wildlife, and dramatic cliffs from the water level.

Minimum 8 passengers required. Bookings may be combined to meet this requirement.

Price: Adult $840 | Child $590
Duration: 4 hours
Landing: Milford & Alpine landing

If you’re looking to elevate your experience in Queenstown to something truly exceptional, these premier helicopter flights are designed specifically for you. This is not just sightseeing — this is a fully immersive journey into some of the most remote, untouched, and spectacular landscapes in New Zealand.

From the moment you lift off, you’ll leave the ordinary behind and enter a world of dramatic alpine peaks, ancient glaciers, deep fjords, and vast wilderness areas that very few people ever get to experience. With extended flight times, you’ll have the opportunity to travel further, explore deeper, and truly appreciate the scale and beauty of the South Island from above.

Unlike standard scenic flights, these premium experiences are designed with flexibility and exclusivity in mind. You’re not limited to short routes — instead, you’ll journey across multiple regions, discovering hidden valleys, icy formations, remote coastlines, and pristine natural environments that are inaccessible by road.

One of the defining moments of your experience will be landing in a completely remote alpine location. Here, surrounded by silence and untouched wilderness, you can step out of the helicopter, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and take in panoramic views that stretch for miles.

To make the experience even more special, you’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch paired with premium Central Otago wine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic escape, or simply treating yourself to something unforgettable, this moment becomes a highlight you’ll remember for a lifetime.

These experiences are perfect for couples, friends, or small groups who want something beyond the typical tourist activities. Each flight can also be customized as a private charter, allowing you to tailor the route, landings, and timing to suit your personal preferences.

You’ll also have the option to choose your helicopter. The luxurious Airbus H130 T2 offers enhanced comfort, quieter flight, and panoramic visibility, while the Squirrel helicopters provide versatility and excellent performance in alpine environments.

Choose Your Premier Experience

Milford Experience (Flight 301)

Your journey begins as you lift off from Queenstown and head towards one of the most iconic природних wonders in the world — Milford Sound.

As you fly, you’ll pass over ancient forests, winding rivers, and dramatic mountain ranges shaped by glaciers over thousands of years. The scale of the landscape becomes even more impressive as you approach Milford, where towering cliffs rise sharply from the fjord below.

After landing in Milford, you’ll have time to step out and take in the surroundings, including capturing the famous Mitre Peak — one of the most photographed locations in New Zealand.

From there, your journey continues along the full length of Milford Sound, out towards the Tasman Sea and the rugged West Coast. You’ll witness powerful waterfalls cascading down sheer rock faces and experience the raw beauty of this remote region.

A glacier landing on Mt Tutoko adds another unforgettable dimension to your flight. Standing on the ice, surrounded by crevasses and ice formations, you’ll feel completely immersed in the alpine environment.

To complete the experience, you’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic with wine in a remote alpine setting before returning to Queenstown via historic valleys rich in gold mining heritage.

Price: $1,750 per person (min. 2) $1,340 per person (3 or more)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Landing: Milford, Glacier & Alpine picnic

Fiordlander (Flight 302)

This flight takes you even deeper into the heart of Fiordland National Park, revealing hidden природні treasures that few visitors ever see.

You’ll fly across Lake Wakatipu and into a remote alpine world where towering peaks, waterfalls, and ледяні lakes dominate the landscape. One of the highlights is Lake Quill, perched high in the mountains, along with the spectacular Sutherland Falls — one of the tallest waterfalls in New Zealand.

As you continue, you’ll follow parts of the famous Milford Track before reaching the Tasman Sea and then flying the length of Milford Sound. The constantly changing scenery ensures that every moment of the flight feels new and exciting.

After landing on Mt Tutoko glacier, you’ll have time to explore, take photos, and truly absorb the scale of the environment around you.

Your journey then continues to a peaceful alpine location, where you can relax and enjoy a gourmet picnic surrounded by untouched wilderness. This combination of adventure and tranquility makes it one of the most popular premium experiences.

Price: $2,055 per person (min. 2) $1,465 per person (3 or more)
Duration: 3 hours
Landing: Lake Quill, Glacier & Alpine picnic

Doubtful Experience (Flight 303)

If you’re looking for something more remote and less travelled, this experience takes you to Doubtful Sound — a place known for its scale, silence, and raw natural beauty.

Flying west from Queenstown, you’ll pass over Lake Wakatipu and Lake Manapouri, with views into the Iris Burn valley and the Kepler Track. As you cross the Wilmot Pass, Doubtful Sound reveals itself — vast, dramatic, and far less visited than Milford.

You’ll explore the fjord from above, taking in its sheer cliffs, deep waters, and hidden inlets before continuing out towards the Tasman Sea. The sense of isolation here is unmatched, making it a truly unique experience.

After exploring the region, you’ll land in a remote alpine location for a gourmet picnic and wine, giving you time to relax and fully appreciate the surroundings before your return flight.

Duration: 3.5 hours
Landing: Alpine & Alpine picnic
Private charter only

Fiordland Ultimate Experience (Flight 304)

This is the most comprehensive Fiordland experience, designed for those who want to see it all.

You’ll explore multiple fjords, including Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, and lesser-known gems such as George and Bligh Sounds. Each location offers a different perspective, from dramatic cliffs and waterfalls to wide open coastal views.

Your journey includes flights over lakes, valleys, and mountain ranges, as well as a glacier landing on Mt Tutoko. Along the way, you’ll witness iconic природні landmarks such as Lake Quill, Sutherland Falls, and the Milford Track.

To complete the experience, you’ll enjoy a gourmet alpine picnic in a remote location, surrounded by some of the most untouched landscapes in New Zealand.

This flight is perfect if you want the ultimate combination of adventure, variety, and exclusivity.

Duration: 3.5 hours
Landing: Alpine, Lake Quill, Glacier & Alpine picnic
Private charter only

Southern Alps Circle (Flight 305)

If you want to experience the full diversity of the South Island in a single day, this is the ultimate journey.

You’ll travel north over Mt Aspiring and continue towards New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook, as well as Mt Tasman. Along the way, you’ll see vast glacier systems, alpine valleys, and pristine lakes.

Crossing to the West Coast, you’ll fly over the famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, where rivers of ice flow down into lush rainforest — a rare and striking природний contrast.

Your journey continues along the rugged coastline before heading into Fiordland and Milford Sound, giving you a complete overview of the South Island’s most iconic landscapes.

Multiple landings are included throughout the day, allowing you to step into these remote environments and fully experience their beauty.

Duration: 4–5 hours
Landing: Glacier, Snow & Alpine
Private charter only

Stewart Island / Rakiura (Flight 306)

For a truly unique and immersive adventure, you can fly to Stewart Island — one of New Zealand’s most untouched and ecologically rich destinations.

Here, you’ll discover ancient forests, secluded beaches, and abundant wildlife. With the help of experienced local guides, you can explore the island’s history, flora, and fauna, or simply enjoy the peaceful атмосфера at your own pace.

A highlight of this experience is Ulva Island, a protected, predator-free sanctuary where you can encounter rare native bird species in their natural habitat. This offers a rare glimpse into what New Zealand looked like before human impact.

You can choose to visit for a day or extend your journey with an overnight stay in boutique accommodation, making it a truly unforgettable escape.

These premier experiences are designed to go beyond expectations — giving you the freedom to explore, the time to truly enjoy each moment, and the opportunity to experience New Zealand in a way that very few ever do.

Landing: Stewart Island
Private charter only

Why settle for just a scenic flight when you can combine it with Queenstown’s most thrilling adventure activities? With our Combo Adventure Flights, you can mix helicopter flights with adrenaline-packed experiences or more relaxing indulgences — depending on what kind of adventure you’re after.

In the summer, try heli-biking and heli-hiking, soaring over alpine trails before exploring them on foot or by bike. In winter, you can experience snowmobiles, heli-skiing, or skifield heli-transfers in untouched backcountry terrain.

For a more relaxed experience, our Central Otago Wine Explorer flight combines flight, stunning scenery, and premium local wine tastings — the perfect way to enjoy Queenstown from the air.

Helicopter flights plus action equals the ultimate Queenstown adventure. With New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes as your playground, you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.

High Flyer (Flight 401)

Combine four epic activities — jet boating, helicopter flight, gondola, and luge — all in one amazing adventure.

Depart from Queenstown’s main pier for high-speed jet boat thrills on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Then fly by helicopter to the Remarkables for a breathtaking 5,000-foot photo opportunity and scenic flight over Queenstown. Continue with three adrenaline-fuelled luge rides before descending via gondola back to town.

Price: Adult $370 | Child $265 | Family $1,140 (2A, 2C)
Duration: 2 hours
Landing: Alpine landing

Central Otago Wine Explorer (Flight 405)

Fly east from Queenstown along the Kawarau River into Central Otago’s gold-mining and wine country. See the dramatic landscapes shaped by miners over 100 years ago, now home to world-class vineyards.

Visit Mt Difficulty Winery in Bannockburn for wine tasting and lunch at your leisure. Return to Queenstown via the Nevis Mountains and Lake Wakatipu, with a scenic alpine landing en route for unforgettable photographs.

This flight is also a perfect alternative when weather prevents flights to Milford Sound.

Price: Private Charter – Price on Application
Duration: 2 hours
Landing: Alpine & Mt Difficulty

Queenstown Snowmobiles

For winter thrill-seekers, Queenstown Snowmobiles offers the only wilderness snowmobiling experience in New Zealand. Access remote trails and backcountry terrain by helicopter, with sweeping views of Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring, and even Stewart Island on clear days.

Professional guides ensure your safety and enjoyment, while small group sizes (up to six people) allow for a personal and immersive adventure. Tours operate seven days a week, with four departures daily during the winter months (snow dependent: early July–late October).

Price: Adult $835 | Child $585
Duration: 2–2.5 hours
Landing: Snow landing

Queenstown Heli-Skiing & Heli-Boarding

Escape the crowded ski fields and experience pristine alpine wilderness where the slopes are all yours. With our heli-skiing and heli-boarding adventures, you’ll access untouched powder, wide-open valleys, and breathtaking scenery that few ever get to see.

We offer a range of heli-ski and heli-board options tailored to your ability and goals. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or looking to try heli-skiing for the first time, our skilled guides will ensure you have the perfect day on the mountain. Small groups, with a ratio of 5 clients per 1 guide, are grouped by ability so everyone can enjoy the slopes safely and at their own pace.

Your day includes everything you need for an unforgettable alpine adventure: experienced guides, helicopter landing fees, lunch, Department of Conservation fees, safety equipment, and transfers. All flights are private charters, giving you a fully personalized and flexible experience.

Step off the helicopter, feel the crisp mountain air, and carve through powder in one of the most spectacular wilderness settings in New Zealand. This is more than skiing or boarding — it’s a journey into untouched alpine beauty that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Experience New Zealand like a giant eagle soaring across the Southern Alps on your very own Middle-earth adventure. Flying with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters in Queenstown is a truly magical way to immerse yourself in the landscapes made famous by The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Our principal pilot, Alfie Speight, was the aerial filming pilot for both trilogies, and you may even have the opportunity to fly with him. Alternatively, one of our highly experienced pilots can share incredible behind-the-scenes stories from life on the film sets. With decades of experience in this region, our team knows Middle-earth intimately and can guide you to the iconic filming locations around Queenstown and the Southern Alps.

Middle-Earth Queenstown (Flight 108)

This scenic flight combines the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown with the magical film locations of Middle-earth.

From Queenstown Airport, soar like a giant eagle over the rugged Remarkables to Lake Alta and the schist slopes where Dimrill Dale was filmed. As you cross the Wakatipu Basin, spot the Kawarau River before flying over the historic gold-mining valley of Skippers Canyon, landing high above the Shotover River — famously known as the Ford of Bruinen, where Arwen conjured the flood to repel the Nazgûl.

Return over Ben Lomond Saddle for panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, then pass over Deer Park Heights to see the mountain tarn featured in scenes with the Rohirrim refugees. This 45-minute flight is an unforgettable journey through cinematic landscapes.

Price: Adult $495 | Child $350
Duration: 45 minutes
Landing: Alpine landing

Lord of the Rings + Glacier Explorer (Flight 107)

Experience the ultimate Middle-earth adventure with the possibility of flying alongside Alfie Speight, the aerial filming pilot of the movies.

Soar above the Shotover River and Skippers Canyon, fly over mountains featured in The Two Towers, and land on a glacier near Mt Earnslaw, giving you a sense of crossing the Redhorn Pass. Continue to Glenorchy via the Dart Valley to witness landscapes representing Isengard, Amon Hen, and Lothlórien. Two landings allow you to fully immerse yourself in these legendary locations while capturing breathtaking photos.

Price: Adult $755 | Child $525
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Landing: Alpine & Glacier landings

Middle-Earth Private Charters

For a completely personalized adventure, design your own Middle-earth helicopter charter. Explore New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region, which is the closest real-world equivalent to Tolkien’s fantasy world.

Fly over glaciers, rugged mountains, deep lakes, meandering rivers, and native forests, untouched and breathtaking. Your charter can include glacier landings, remote alpine picnics, and a visit to your choice of The Lord of the Rings filming locations. Along the way, our expert pilots share exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from the film productions.

This is your chance to create a truly magical and private Middle-earth adventure — the landscapes are real, the experience is unforgettable, and the stories behind the flights are legendary.