15 Helicopter Flights in New Zealand Worth Booking

1.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 619 reviews · 25 min · from $230Our pick

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef over glacier crevasses and ice pinnacles, with guided commentary through your headset. The flight includes a 10-minute snow landing, or an alpine landing in summer when snow is absent. Pilots such as Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Sam have been praised for clear commentary, but weather can cancel the route.

“This was one of the highlights of our 4 week trip to New Zealand, well organised and a fabulous experience. We got a call a day or two before to move our flight to an earlier time as the weather would be better and it certainly was. 25 min flight including plenty of time on the top to have photos hear some commentary from the pilot any so snow angels in the snow. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 451 reviews · 35 min · from $289

You’ll fly with Glacier Country Helicopters over Franz Josef and either Fox or Tasman Glacier, with live commentary from your pilot and a 10-minute snow landing. Pilots including Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Gus have been praised for calm flying and clear local insight. Routes and landings depend on weather.

“Amazing Glacier landing - don't miss out on a lifetime experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 25 min · from $226

You’ll fly from Mount Cook Aerodrome over the Tasman Valley and a blue glacier lake, with commentary from your English-speaking pilot. The helicopter then lands on a mountain in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, giving you time for photos and close views of Aoraki Mount Cook. Snow landings happen most of the year but are not guaranteed in summer.

“Absolutely loved our trip!! Zippy our pilot was so nice and gave us a lot of information! Amazing photos photos to last a lifetime!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 342 reviews · 35 min · from $289

From Franz Josef township, fly above Fox and Franz Josef glaciers with an English-speaking pilot, then land on the snow for photos and mountain views. The flight lasts about 30 minutes, with 35 minutes total for check-in, flight, and landing. Weather can change the route, so keep your schedule flexible.

“the setup was excellent, the staff welcoming and knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

Fly from Franz Josef town to the ice, then spend about 2.5 hours hiking across changing glacier terrain with a trained English-speaking guide. Expect crevasses, blue ice, ropes, and possible ice caves. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Abbey, and Tom add local stories and glaciology, while all key gear is provided.

“After a rain out before the day began, them a second rain out after we arrived the next day for attempt 2, the third time was the charm for us, though sadly our hike was cut short again due to weather. However the helicopter rides were smooth, the views gorgeous, and the hiking an absolute blast for all ages. Rosa, our guide, was excellent.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448

Fly onto Fox Glacier, fit crampons, and follow a local guide through ice caves, arches, crevasses, and meltwater channels for up to three hours. Guides such as Kate, Billy, Keeley, and Toa are praised for clear glacier explanations and steady support. Weather controls the schedule, so book early in your Fox Glacier stay.

“The Heli-Hiking was the highlight of our New Zealand vacation and truly one of the best experiences in my life ! Definitely a Must Do in any trip to New Zealand. You get insights into the life of the glacier, see characteristic elements of the compression zone and have the opportunity to take marvelous pictures. Our guide Kate was awesome! She was highly motivated, enthusiastic and extremely qualified even though being quite young - made it even more impressive ! Don’t miss this experience, it’s amazing !”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 291 reviews · 25 min · from $230

Fly from Queenstown over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks, then land at a remote alpine location chosen by your pilot. The small group holds up to six people, with pilots such as Bill, Jono, Danny, and Scottie praised for friendly commentary and careful flying. Snow is possible in winter, but the landing may also be on rugged ground or grass.

“Amazing experience easy to get to and very helpful staff”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328

Take a ski plane and helicopter over Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, flying up the Tasman Valley to the Tasman Glacier. Land on the upper snowfields, step into the alpine silence, then return to Mount Cook Airport by the other aircraft. Pilots provide English commentary, with weather-based changes possible.

“Amazing, once in a lifetime experience. Inflite Mt Cook were so easy to deal with & our pilot Ben was awesome - thanks guys.”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to a remote Tasman Glacier landing, then spend up to two hours walking through ice caves, moulins, and changing blue ice with a trained guide. Leather boots, socks, crampons, poles, and jackets are supplied. Guides such as Hunter, Anna, and Tori are praised for safety and photos. Weather controls the schedule.

“Well organised, everyone had a view either there or back. Guide was knowledgeable and the scenery spectacular”

Check availability →Read our full review

10.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238Top rated

Fly above Franz Josef Glacier with Glacier Country Helicopters on a scenic 25-minute trip from Franz Josef. Your pilot may include views of the rainforest, glacier, Fox Glacier, and Southern Alps before landing for about 10 minutes on an alpine peak. Snow is seasonal, and pilots such as Mark, Mike, Rachel, and Sam have earned strong praise for safe, informative flights.

“Amazing heli ride over the glacier. Would recommend. It’s such a stunning sight to behold. A must do activity.”

Check availability →Read our full review

11.Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 202 reviews · 50 min · from $408

Spend 50 minutes above Queenstown with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, flying over Skippers Canyon, Rees Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park, and the Earnslaw Burn. You may land on a glacier for photos, with pilots such as Alfie, Jeremy, Luke, and Alice providing commentary. Glacier landings can change with weather and snow conditions.

“Fantastic helicopter flight and got to land on the Glacier. The pilot was brilliant and made the experience very memorable. Would do it again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

12.Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · from $245

From Franz Josef township, a professional pilot carries you over icefalls, crevasses, forest, and the Southern Alps before landing on a glacial snowfield. You get about 10 minutes on the snow for photos and fresh alpine air. Flights carry up to six passengers and run year-round when weather allows.

“Have a nice time, and enyou. We have a nice trip and land und the gletchere. Pilot was very good. Nice trip”

Check availability →Read our full review

13.Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · from $308

From Franz Josef town, you’ll fly over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers in a small helicopter, with live pilot commentary and a snow landing on Franz Josef Glacier. The flight lasts about 20 to 25 minutes, with roughly 10 minutes on the ice. Warm clothing and sturdy shoes matter, and weather can change the plan quickly.

“Wonderful and frankly amazing experience whilst visiting New Zealand from the UK with friends and family. Beautiful clear skies. Trip of a lifetime. All before breakfast!”

Check availability →Read our full review

14.Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 173 reviews · from $887

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound by helicopter, with about 1 hour 15 minutes in the air, a glacier or alpine landing, and a one-hour boat cruise. Your pilot may be Alfie, Luke, Will, Jeremy, Jack, or another experienced crew member. Hotel pickup, headsets, landing fees, and return transfers are included.

“I highly recommend this tour! It's worth it for the views over the mountains, landing on a glacier, and the boat cruise. We saw porpoises, seals, and spectacular waterfalls. Our pilot, Will, was excellent and had great information about the area geography and wildlife!”

Check availability →Read our full review

15.Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Flight with alpine landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · from $245

Take a small twin-engine helicopter from Queenstown over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Your pilot, possibly Bill, Jono, or Jezza, provides commentary before landing at about 1,538 meters for roughly 10 minutes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the flight carries no more than six people.

“Amazing view of the lake and mountains. Great take off and landing. The staff were really nice and friendly. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review