New Zealand
The Best Helicopter Tours in Queenstown
Ranked, reviewed and price-checked — 12 Queenstown helicopter tours compared, starting from $238.
Why fly over Queenstown?
Queenstown is the helicopter capital of the Southern Hemisphere. Departing from the Queenstown lakefront or Frankton airfield, scenic flights cross the jagged Remarkables, the Crown Range and the lonely Earnslaw glaciers, with most premium tours continuing to Milford Sound — the eighth wonder of the world — for a fjord landing beneath Mitre Peak. Shorter local circuits include Cecil Peak landings with a glass of champagne and Skippers Canyon historical flights. Because so much of Fiordland is roadless, a helicopter is genuinely the only way to see its hanging waterfalls, untouched valleys and tidewater glaciers in a single afternoon. Queenstown's pilots are also some of the most experienced mountain aviators in the world, regularly flying in support of skiing, mountaineering and film productions.
For a full overview of operators, departure points and routes, see our Queenstown helicopter tours hub — or browse all destinations worldwide.
Our Picks
Top 8 helicopter tours in Queenstown
Ranked by review score, traveller volume and route quality.
- 1
2hr Scenic Milford Sound Flight with Landing - 201
5.0 (69) 2 hrMitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Your 2 hour tour includes a landing in Milford Sound & a once in a lifetime landing on a glacier/alpine in the
- 2
Helicopter Tour with Alpine Snow Landing from Queenstown
5.0 (46) 45 minOn this unique experience, fly high through alpine scenery to a carpet of snow! Lift off from base and fly to your pilot’s favourite, of the many breathtaking mountains in the southern lakes region,
- 3
Altitude Golf by Helicopter from Queenstown
5.0 (22) 1 hr 30 minMeet your pilot who will fly you up to our Over The Top exclusive Golf course 4000ft above Queenstown, with 180-degree views overlooking the magnificent Wakatipu Basin Enjoy our Par 3 course, attemp
- 4
Private Champagne Picnic on a Peak with Helicopter Ride
5.0 (21) 1 hrThe Picnic on the Peak is one of our most popular excursions. Queenstown has some of the most breathtaking scenery in New Zealand and what better way to enjoy the remarkable views of Lake Wakatipu and
- 5
Milford and Fiordland Highlights Tour by Helicopter from Queenstown
5.0 (18) 2 hrView alpine lakes, rivers, forests, glacial valleys, and ice capped mountains from above with this 2-2.5 hour helicopter tour. Fly over the fiord and enjoy landing on a remote west coast beach and an
- 6
Milford Sound Helicopter and Cruise Tour from Queenstown
5.0 (10) 5 hrGo 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 Fiordl
- 7
Queenstown Helicopter Tour: Glacier Landing and Scenic Views
5.0 (10) 50 minTake 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, befor
- 8
Queenstown Helicopter Experience Exclusive Earnslaw Burn Glacier
5.0 (6) 1 hrDiscover the breathtaking beauty of Earnslaw Burn, home to a stunning hanging glacier, vibrant blue ice, and cascading waterfalls. As the only company permitted to land at this hidden gem, Heliworks p
How we ranked these Queenstown helicopter tours
- Operator safety record. All featured operators meet FAA/CAA Part 135 standards with verified insurance and pilot experience.
- Verified traveller reviews. Ratings weight both score and review volume, so a 4.9 from 800 travellers ranks above a 5.0 from 12.
- Route quality. Priority goes to flights with the most iconic landmarks, longest in-air time and best window views.
- Value for money. Price-per-minute and inclusions (transfers, photos, meals) factor into the final rank.
Looking for a private helicopter?
Bespoke charters worldwide — quote in 2 hours, no obligation.
More Guides
