Queenstown Helicopter Tour Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Queenstown is known around the world as the “Adventure Capital,” and for good reason. But beyond the bungy jumps and jet boats, there’s a different kind of adventure waiting – one that’s all about sheer scale and breathtaking beauty. The mountains that surround this town, the Southern Alps, are some of the most dramatic on the planet.
A helicopter tour here is your ticket into that epic landscape. It’s the only way to get a real sense of Fiordland’s vastness or to experience the magic of standing on a remote glacier. It’s less about the adrenaline rush and more about a profound sense of awe.
I’ve put together this guide to answer all the common questions about flying in Queenstown, so you can choose the adventure that’s right for you.
The Ultimate Experiences: Milford Sound & Alpine Landings
While there are many flight options, two experiences really define a Queenstown Helicopter Tour:
- Flying to Milford Sound: The drive to Milford Sound is a notoriously long, 8-10 hour round trip. A helicopter gets you there in about 45 minutes, flying over a jaw-dropping landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers that are completely inaccessible by road. The best way to do it is with a ‘fly-cruise-fly’ package, which includes a boat cruise on the fiord itself. It’s the undisputed best way to experience this wonder of the world.
- Alpine and Glacier Landings: This is a signature Queenstown adventure. The pilot will land you on a snow-covered mountain peak or a vast glacier. Stepping out into that crisp, silent world – often in untouched snow, even in the middle of summer—is a truly magical experience.
For those considering an adventure, our Queenstown Helicopter Tour Frequently Asked Questions and Answers section will guide you through everything you need to know.
You’ll also get a bonus treat on any flight: seeing the real-life locations for ‘The Lord of the Rings’, including the Misty Mountains and Isengard, which were filmed in the mountains around Queenstown.
A Year-Round Wonderland
Queenstown is spectacular in any season. Summer brings long, sunny days. Autumn covers the valleys in stunning gold and red colors. But winter is when it becomes a true wonderland, with the jagged peaks covered in a thick blanket of pristine white snow, making for incredibly dramatic photos.
40 Queenstown, New Zealand Helicopter Tour FAQ’s
1. Question: What makes a Queenstown Helicopter Tour so special?
Answer: A Queenstown Helicopter Tour offers unparalleled access to the dramatic and diverse landscapes of the Southern Alps. It’s the only way to experience an alpine or glacier landing, see the epic scale of Fiordland National Park from above, and appreciate the stunning beauty of places like Milford Sound in a short amount of time.
2. Question: What are the most popular destinations for a helicopter tour from Queenstown?
Answer: By far the most sought-after destination is Milford Sound. Other incredibly popular tours include flights with glacier or snow landings in the Southern Alps, flights over the Remarkables mountain range, and tours that explore remote parts of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound.
3. Question: Is it better to fly to Milford Sound or drive?
Answer: Driving to Milford Sound is a full-day trip (8-10 hours round trip) on a winding road. A Queenstown Helicopter Tour gets you there in about 45 minutes, flying a direct route over spectacular, inaccessible mountains, valleys, and glaciers. Many tours offer a ‘fly-cruise-fly’ option, which is considered the ultimate way to experience Milford Sound without the long drive.
4. Question: What is an alpine landing or snow landing?
Answer: This is a signature experience. The pilot will land the helicopter on a remote mountain peak or in a pristine snowfield at a high altitude. You get to step out into the crisp mountain air, stand in untouched snow (even in summer!), and enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
5. Question: Can I land on a glacier?
Answer: Yes, glacier landings are a key feature of many tours. The pilot will land on a vast river of ice, like the Earnslaw Glacier or Clarke Glacier. Walking on ancient blue ice surrounded by towering peaks is an awe-inspiring and unforgettable moment.
6. Question: Where do the helicopter tours depart from?
Answer: Most Queenstown Helicopter Tours depart from the main airport in Frankton, just a short drive from the town center. Many companies include complimentary shuttle transport from your accommodation in Queenstown.
7. Question: What should I wear for a flight with a snow or glacier landing?
Answer: It is essential to dress in layers. Even on a warm day in Queenstown, it will be cold at high altitude. Wear a warm jacket, preferably windproof, and sturdy, closed-toe footwear (sneakers or hiking boots are ideal). Sunglasses are a must-have year-round due to the glare off the snow and ice.
8. Question: What is the best time of year for a Queenstown Helicopter Tour?
Answer: The tours are spectacular in every season. Summer (December-February) offers warm weather and long daylight hours. Autumn (March-May) has beautiful golden colors. Winter (June-August) provides the most dramatic snow-covered landscapes, turning the mountains into a pristine white wonderland.
9. Question: How long do the tours last?
Answer: There’s a wide range. A short scenic flight over Queenstown and The Remarkables might be 20 minutes. A flight with an alpine landing is typically 45-60 minutes. A trip to Milford Sound with a cruise and glacier landing can be a half-day adventure of 4-5 hours.
10. Question: What happens if the weather is bad?
Answer: Fiordland and the Southern Alps are known for their rapidly changing weather. Safety is the number one priority, and pilots will cancel or change a flight path if conditions (wind, cloud, rain) are not safe. Reputable companies will offer to reschedule your flight or provide a full refund if they cancel.
11. Question: Will I see any ‘Lord of the Rings’ filming locations?
Answer: Yes! The landscape around Queenstown was the backdrop for many scenes. From the air, you’ll see locations used for the Misty Mountains, the Ford of Bruinen, Isengard, and more. Some companies offer specific ‘Lord of the Rings’ themed tours.
12. Question: How far in advance should I book my flight?
Answer: Book as far in advance as possible. A Queenstown Helicopter Tour, especially to Milford Sound, is a premier visitor activity with limited seats. During the peak summer season, flights can be booked out weeks ahead.
13. Question: Are there weight limits for passengers?
Answer: Yes, all helicopter tours operate with strict weight restrictions for safety. There is a per-seat limit (often around 110-130 kg or 240-285 lbs) and a total aircraft limit. You will be weighed at check-in, and it is crucial to provide an accurate weight when booking.
14. Question: Which helicopter companies are well-known in Queenstown?
Answer: Queenstown has a number of world-class operators with excellent safety records. Some of the most prominent include The Helicopter Line, Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, and Heliworks Queenstown.
15. Question: Can I book a private charter?
Answer: Yes, private tours are a very popular option for marriage proposals, weddings, or families and groups who want a customized itinerary. A private charter to a secluded alpine location is a truly exclusive experience.
16. Question: Will I get a window seat?
Answer: Seating is arranged by the pilot based on the weight of all passengers to ensure the helicopter is safely balanced. While a specific seat cannot be guaranteed, the helicopters are designed with large windows to provide excellent views for everyone on board.
17. Question: What should I bring on the flight?
Answer: Keep it simple. You must bring your camera or phone and sunglasses. For safety, no bags, purses, or loose items are allowed in the cabin. Secure lockers are provided for your belongings at the base.
18. Question: Is the flight narrated?
Answer: Yes, all passengers wear a two-way headset. This allows you to communicate with your fellow passengers and hear the pilot’s expert and informative commentary about the stunning scenery, geology, and local history.
19. Question: Are children able to fly?
Answer: Yes, helicopter tours are a fantastic experience for families. Infants under a certain weight/age can often travel on a parent’s lap, while older children will have their own seat. It’s a safe and awe-inspiring adventure for all ages.
20. Question: Is a Queenstown Helicopter Tour worth the price?
Answer: It is an investment, but it is consistently rated as the absolute highlight of a trip to New Zealand. The tour offers access to a world of pristine, epic beauty that is completely inaccessible to the average visitor, making it an experience that provides incredible value and memories to last a lifetime.
21. Question: What is the ‘fly-cruise-fly’ Milford Sound option?
Answer: This is the ultimate Milford Sound experience. You take a scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown to Milford, land and join a cruise on the fiord to see it from water level, and then take another stunning helicopter flight back, often with a glacier landing on the return journey.
22. Question: Will I see Sutherland Falls on a Milford Sound flight?
Answer: Yes, Sutherland Falls is one of New Zealand’s highest waterfalls and is a major highlight of the helicopter flight to or from Milford Sound. The helicopter provides a direct, close-up view of this magnificent, remote waterfall that is otherwise only seen by multi-day hikers.
23. Question: Can I do a helicopter tour to Doubtful Sound from Queenstown?
Answer: Yes, while less common than Milford Sound tours, flights to the more remote and serene Doubtful Sound are available. These are typically longer, premium tours offering a chance to see a fiord known for its deep wilderness and minimal boat traffic.
24. Question: What are The Remarkables and can I land on them?
Answer: The Remarkables are the dramatic, jagged mountain range that forms the iconic backdrop to Queenstown. Shorter scenic flights focus on this range, and yes, many include a spectacular alpine landing on a peak for incredible views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
25. Question: What is Lake Wakatipu?
Answer: Lake Wakatipu is the stunning, lightning-bolt-shaped lake that Queenstown sits on. Every Queenstown Helicopter Tour provides a magnificent aerial perspective of its deep blue waters and the mountains that surround it.
26. Question: Are there options for heli-skiing or heli-boarding?
Answer: Yes, Queenstown is a world-renowned destination for heli-skiing in the winter. Specialized operators will fly you and a guide to untracked powder runs in the surrounding mountains for the ultimate backcountry experience.
27. Question: Can I book a heli-hike or heli-biking trip?
Answer: Yes, these are popular summer activities. A helicopter will fly you and a guide to a remote, high-altitude location to begin a guided hike or mountain bike ride through stunning alpine scenery, ending back in a valley.
28. Question: Why is the weather in Fiordland so unpredictable?
Answer: Fiordland’s high mountains are located right next to the Tasman Sea. This geography means weather systems can move in extremely quickly, causing rapid changes in cloud cover, wind, and rain, which is why flight plans must be flexible.
29. Question: What is the Earnslaw Burn?
Answer: The Earnslaw Burn is a spectacular valley with a massive hanging glacier at its head. Numerous waterfalls cascade down a huge rock face. It was featured in ‘The Hobbit’ and is a popular destination for a glacier landing tour.
30. Question: Will I see Mitre Peak?
Answer: Yes, Mitre Peak is the iconic, picture-postcard mountain that rises dramatically from the waters of Milford Sound. Any helicopter tour to Milford will provide an unforgettable aerial view of this famous peak.
31. Question: Can you see Aoraki / Mount Cook from a Queenstown flight?
Answer: No, Aoraki / Mount Cook is in a different national park much further north. To see New Zealand’s highest peak, you would need to take a helicopter or ski-plane tour from the Aoraki/Mount Cook or Franz Josef/Fox Glacier regions.
32. Question: Can I drink the water on the glacier?
Answer: Yes, it is often possible! The pure, fresh meltwater on the glacier is delicious and safe to drink. Your pilot will be able to point out a safe spot to try some.
33. Question: Are there any combo tours with other Queenstown activities?
Answer: Yes, many companies offer packages that combine a Queenstown Helicopter Tour with other iconic activities like a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, a winery lunch, or even a bungy jump for the ultimate adrenaline day.
34. Question: How much time do you get on the ground during a landing?
Answer: A standard alpine or glacier landing usually includes about 15-20 minutes of ground time. This is a great amount of time to take photos, enjoy the silence and scenery, and have a snowball fight!
35. Question: Will I see sheep from the helicopter?
Answer: Yes, as you fly over the valleys and farmland on the way to the high mountains, you will almost certainly see some of New Zealand’s famous sheep dotting the green pastures below.
36. Question: What does a ‘picnic on a peak’ tour involve?
Answer: This is a premium private charter where the helicopter takes you to a secluded and stunning alpine location. The company will set up a gourmet picnic with local food and wine for you to enjoy in complete privacy with incredible views.
37. Question: Is it very cold on a glacier landing?
Answer: It will certainly be colder than in Queenstown. On a sunny summer day, it can be quite pleasant with a good jacket. In winter, or if it is windy, it will be very cold, so dressing warmly is essential.
38. Question: Will I see the ‘Southern Lakes’?
Answer: Yes, the flights provide a stunning overview of the region’s beautiful glacial-fed lakes. Besides Lake Wakatipu, you may also fly over Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, or remote alpine tarns (small mountain lakes).
39. Question: Is tipping customary in New Zealand?
Answer: Tipping is not expected or required in New Zealand as staff are paid a fair living wage. However, if you feel you have received truly exceptional service from your pilot, a tip is a very kind gesture and will be gratefully accepted.
40. Question: Why is a helicopter tour the best way to see Fiordland?
Answer: Fiordland is one of the world’s largest and most inaccessible national parks. A Queenstown Helicopter Tour allows you to soar over its vast, untouched wilderness of mountains, fiords, and temperate rainforest, accessing views and locations that would be completely impossible to reach otherwise.
Queenstown is famous for its non-stop action and adrenaline. But a helicopter tour here offers a totally different kind of thrill – the thrill of pure silence and scale.
One minute you’re in the middle of a bustling, energetic town, and the next, you’re standing on a remote mountain peak with a 360-degree view of the Southern Alps, with absolutely no one else around. It’s like having a backstage pass to New Zealand’s most epic scenery.
To help you choose which piece of wilderness you want to explore, I’ve put together a full guide on the site. You can find it in our reviews of the Best Queenstown Helicopter Tours.
