Overview of Over The Top Helicopter Experiences in Queenstown
Over The Top is a helicopter company based in Queenstown, New Zealand, run by Louisa (known locally as "choppie"), that specializes in personalized aerial excursions into the Southern Alps and Fiordland region. Rather than offering standard sightseeing loops, the company uses helicopters as a gateway to remote experiences—landing guests at alpine lakes for lunch, hiking trailheads in the mountains, rainforest walks, and fiord explorations. The video follows a visitor experiencing the dramatic landscape around Queenstown, nestled between Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, which rises 7,500 to 8,000 feet.
This experience suits adventurous travelers seeking something beyond typical scenic flights—whether you're interested in heli-skiing, fly-fishing, mountaintop picnics, or simply reaching remote terrain accessible only by air. The company's 10-year safety award from the International Helicopter Association and use of modern Eurocopters means you can focus on the extraordinary scenery and activities rather than worry. If you want a custom itinerary tailored to your interests rather than a fixed route, and you're ready to commit soon (spots fill quickly for popular dates), this is worth booking ahead.
Key Moments
Highlights of the Queenstown Helicopter Adventure
- The Remarkables mountain range viewed from above, running north–south with peaks reaching 7,500–8,000 feet and hosting an annual rock concert
- Landing and playing golf off the Remarkables—a rare opportunity only a select few ever experience
- Access to Fiordland's remote fjords, located only half an hour's flying time away, with boat options available
- Close-up encounter with a Fiordland grayfish (rock lobster), sourced from the fjord walls and served fresh
- Aerial views of Queenstown nestled between Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps, described as unlike anywhere else
- Alpine lake landings where guests can enjoy lunch surrounded by mountain terrain
What You Should Know Before Booking Your Flight
- The helicopter is equipped with onboard facilities, including a toilet, for passenger comfort on longer excursions
- Itineraries are fully customizable—activities range from heli-skiing and fly-fishing to rainforest walks and fjord exploration, limited only by your imagination
- Fiordland fjords are reachable within approximately 30 minutes of flying time from Queenstown
- The company operates modern Eurocopter aircraft and maintains the International Helicopter Association safety award for 10 consecutive years
- Each trip is positioned as personalized and special; the company emphasizes that every guest departs saying it was an experience of a lifetime
- Spots fill up quickly due to the bespoke nature of bookings, so early reservation is strongly recommended
Frequently Asked Questions About Over The Top Helicopter Tours
What makes Over The Top different from standard helicopter tours?
Over The Top uses the helicopter as a means to reach remote destinations rather than just flying loops over scenery. Guests land at alpine lakes for lunch, hike in the mountains, walk through rainforest, explore fjords, go heli-skiing, or fly-fish—creating a fully personalized itinerary tailored to your interests rather than following a fixed route.
How far can you travel from Queenstown on these flights?
Fiordland's fjords are approximately 30 minutes' flying time away, making them an accessible day excursion. The company also offers experiences within the Southern Alps region immediately surrounding Queenstown, with terrain and activities limited only by your imagination and time.
Is this helicopter company safe?
Yes. Over The Top has received the International Helicopter Association safety award for 10 consecutive years and operates the latest Eurocopter aircraft. The company takes pride in its safety record and uses modern, well-maintained equipment.
What activities can you do on a typical Over The Top experience?
Options include heli-skiing, fly-fishing, mountaintop picnics at remote alpine lakes, hiking in the mountains, rainforest walks, and fjord exploration. The video demonstrates golf being played off the Remarkables peak as an example of the unusual, bespoke experiences available.
How quickly do Over The Top's spots fill up?
The video emphasizes that itineraries are highly personalized and trips are described as special, suggesting that availability is limited and popular dates book fast. Early reservation is recommended to secure your preferred dates and activities.
