New Zealand · SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS

Scenic Helicopter Flights in New Zealand: The 15 Best

34 tours  ·  from $156 a head

Glacier landings, Milford from above, the Southern Alps end to end. These 15 are compared on airtime, whether you touch down on snow and what happens when the cloud drops, which it does constantly.

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing - From 10 Main Road to the helicopter
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

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”

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Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike - The 10-minute helicopter flight
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

2.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 618 reviews · from $506

Fly from Franz Josef village to the glacier, then spend about 2 hours 15 minutes walking among crevasses, ice caves, pinnacles, and seracs with a small group. Guides such as Sarah, Maya, Angus, and Abby combine glacier science with Maori stories. Gear is supplied, but you need good fitness and flexible plans for weather.

“Absolutely loved this trip. From start to finish so well organised. Our tour guides Tom and Hannah were great and kept us all safe. Very knowledgeable. Would definitely do this experience again! Thank you”

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Heli Hike Fox Glacier - Fox Glacier Guiding at 44 Main Road
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Heli Hike Fox Glacier

3.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 563 reviews · from $477Top rated

Fly by helicopter from Fox Glacier onto Te Moeka o Tuawe, then spend up to three hours walking through ice caves, crevasses, arches, and blue ice. Guides such as Charlie, Serena, Henry, and Billy lead the route and cut fresh steps as the glacier changes. Gear is supplied, but warm layers, balance, and flexible plans are essential.

“It is spectacular, we had an amazing experience. Would absolutely recommend and do it again! I normally get motion sickness, but was completely fine on the helicopter ride. I felt very safe the entire time and really enjoyed the heli ride and the hike. Make sure you dress warm and you’ll love it! They provide wet weather gear, shoes, crampons - they are very organised and the quality is excellent. The staff are all amazing, cannot recommend this experience and guiding company more highly.”

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Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers - First views: rainforest, rivers, and Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

4.35min 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!”

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Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing - The first lift gives you the full scale of Aoraki Mount Cook
Helicopter Tours, Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Mount Cook, Tour Reviews, Tours in Mount Cook

Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

5.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!”

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Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing - Seeing Fox and Franz Josef from above
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

6.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”

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Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min - The second glacier is the pilot’s choice
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

7.Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 336 reviews · from $300

Fly from Franz Josef over Franz Josef Glacier and, conditions permitting, Fox or Tasman Glacier. Your pilot chooses the route and snow landing site, with about 10 minutes on the ice for photos. Pilots such as Gus, Mike, Mark, Aaron, and Eddy are praised for clear commentary. Allow about 1 hour 20 minutes in all.

“The company has been very proactive in informing guests of flight probabilities as impacted by impending weather. Communication was excellent and there was a high degree of flexibility in adapting flight schedules according to customers’ needs and weather.”

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Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight - Mirror Lakes is short, easy, and worth the pause
Milford Sound Cruises, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Queenstown, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Queenstown

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

8.Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · from $557

You’ll ride a 16-seat Mercedes van from Queenstown through Te Anau and Fiordland, stopping at Mirror Lakes and the Homer Tunnel before a two-hour Milford Sound cruise. A 45-minute fixed-wing flight returns you to Queenstown. Guides such as Tommy, Alana, Amy, and Nev are known for lively local stories and well-timed photo stops.

“Our guide Jono was fantastic. Loved his enthusiasm and the information he gave. He also took us to additional sites that wouldn’t be possible with a large tour bus. Jono went above and beyond trying to switch us to a larger plane flight when he thought that the small plane would not be able to take us due to the rainy weather. Unfortunately and fortunately no flights could take off with the huge amount of rain that came through, but that made the waterfalls amazing. Jono was great to drive back with as well.”

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Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer - The four-minute flight is short, but scenic
Airport Transfers, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

9.2.5 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.”

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Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer - From 44 Main Road to the glacier
3-Hour Experiences, Airport Transfers, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews, Tours in Franz Josef

Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

10.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 !”

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Queenstown: Pilot's Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing - Eight minutes above Lake Wakatipu
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Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing

11.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”

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Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight - What the ski plane adds
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Mount Cook, Skiing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Mount Cook

Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

12.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.”

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Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike - Starting at Mount Cook Airport
3-Hour Experiences, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Mount Cook, Tour Reviews, Tours in Mount Cook

Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

13.3-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”

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Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes) - The preflight briefing and small-plane setup
Scenic Helicopter Flights, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kaikoura, Whale Watching, Whale Watching in Kaikoura

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

14.Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · from $170Best value

Fly from Kaikōura Airport over the Hikurangi Marine Reserve, watching for sperm, humpback, blue, and other whales, plus dolphins and orcas. Every passenger gets a window seat, and pilots such as Ben and Alex use radio updates and whale movements to shape the flight. Expect mountain views, a small group of no more than seven, and wildlife that can never be guaranteed.

“All of the staff we interacted with were so kind and friendly. You could tell they genuinely wanted us to have a good experience and see a whale. They had us wait for a bit before going on our flight based on the whales diving patterns to give us the best chance at seeing one and the wait was worth it!”

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Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier - Check-in at Mount Cook Airport
3-Hour Experiences, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Tours, Scenic Helicopter Flights, Scenic Helicopter Flights in Mount Cook, Tour Reviews, Tours in Mount Cook

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

15.3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 218 reviews · 3 hours · from $564

Fly from Mount Cook Airport over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the ice, and spend two hours hiking with a professional guide. You’ll wear glacier boots and crampons, explore changing ice formations, and fly near Aoraki’s 1,000-meter Hochstetter Icefall on the return. Small groups are limited to 10.

“Scott the guide was amazing, ton of knowledge and fun, he also was a professional guide and photographer at the same time. The crew was also excellent fast check-in and provided very clear instruction Very worth of money”

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Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours22Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Tours19Hiking & Trekking35National Parks15
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