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.