Queenstown Glacier Explorer Helicopter Tour in New Zealand! Travel Vlog!

Abbie and Wiebe · 6 years ago

At a glance

Length
16 min
Channel
Abbie and Wiebe
Video from
May 2020
Rating
⭐⭐ Great video · 2/2
Best for
Lord of the Rings fans and landscape photographers planning a South Island adventure

Overview of the Queenstown Glacier Explorer Helicopter Flight

This helicopter tour takes you from Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island on a scenic flight designed to showcase both Lord of the Rings filming locations and the region's stunning glaciers. The video documents travelers experiencing Flight 107, which combines Middle Earth movie heritage with natural alpine landscapes—a dual-appeal journey for fans of both adventure and cinema.

This experience suits travelers who want a premium aerial perspective of New Zealand's South Island without spending days hiking remote terrain. Whether you're a Lord of the Rings enthusiast, a landscape photographer, or simply someone seeking a memorable aerial adventure, the Glacier Explorer tour offers a concentrated way to witness dramatic scenery from the air.

What You'll See on This Helicopter Flight

  • Lord of the Rings filming locations scattered across the South Island landscape visible from above
  • Glacial terrain and alpine scenery characteristic of New Zealand's dramatic mountain regions
  • Aerial views of valleys, peaks, and snow-covered landscapes impossible to fully appreciate from ground level
  • The Queenstown region and surrounding backcountry inaccessible by road
  • Seasonal variations in snow coverage and glacier conditions depending on time of day and time of year
Featured image for the guide to Queenstown Glacier Explorer Helicopter Tour in New Zealand! Travel Vlog! by Abbie and Wiebe

Essential Details Before Booking Your Flight

  • The tour departs from Queenstown, a major adventure hub on the South Island with hotels, restaurants, and other attractions nearby
  • Flight 107 is marketed as the "ultimate Middle Earth helicopter tour," combining glacier views with film location sightings
  • Tours operate year-round, though January (when the video was filmed) represents summer in New Zealand, offering clear weather and good visibility
  • Book accommodation in central Queenstown before or after your flight; the video featured Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
  • Weather conditions can affect visibility and flight scheduling, so flexibility in your itinerary is wise
  • Wear warm layers even in summer, as altitude brings cooler temperatures and wind exposure during the flight

Common Questions About the Glacier Explorer Helicopter Tour

What's included in Flight 107?

The tour combines aerial views of glaciers with sightings of Lord of the Rings filming locations, giving you a dual-purpose experience that covers both natural wonders and movie heritage in a single flight.

How long is the helicopter flight?

The video doesn't specify exact flight duration, so you should confirm with the tour operator when booking. Most glacier helicopter tours in the region range from 45 minutes to two hours depending on the package selected.

Is this suitable for first-time helicopter flyers?

Yes. The video shows travelers enjoying the experience without prior aviation experience. Modern helicopter tours prioritize safety, and operators provide a pre-flight briefing. If you're nervous, mention this when booking—guides can explain what to expect.

What should I bring or wear?

Dress warmly in layers, even in summer months, because you'll be at altitude where wind chill is significant. Bring a camera or phone secured properly to capture the views, though operator safety guidelines may limit when you can use devices during flight.

When is the best time to book this tour?

Summer months (November to February) offer the most reliable weather and longest daylight hours. January, when the video was filmed, is peak summer in New Zealand and typically provides clear skies, though you should book well in advance during this season.

A still from the video Queenstown Glacier Explorer Helicopter Tour in New Zealand! Travel Vlog! by Abbie and Wiebe
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Key Terms

Glacier Explorer
A helicopter tour package designed specifically to show glacial terrain and alpine scenery from the air.
Flight 107
The specific designation for the Middle Earth glacier helicopter tour operating from Queenstown.
Middle Earth
The fictional world from Lord of the Rings, filmed extensively in New Zealand locations visible from this flight.
South Island
The larger and more mountainous of New Zealand's two main landmasses, home to Queenstown and glacial regions.

Sources: Glacier Explorer · Flight 107 · Middle Earth · South Island — definitions cross-referenced with Wikipedia

Justin’s Take

This video helpfully documents a real, bookable experience with practical details like the specific flight number, hotel choice, and the Queenstown location, making it useful for travelers researching what a glacier helicopter tour actually involves rather than just promotional hype.

The combination of aerial footage, natural landscape views, and the Lord of the Rings angle gives potential visitors a genuine sense of what they're paying for, and the casual vlog style shows real travelers enjoying it without overselling. If you're considering a helicopter tour in New Zealand and want both glaciers and movie heritage in one flight, this is worth watching before you book.

Great video · 2 out of 2

Justin
Justin

I started Helicopterstour.com because I genuinely believe there’s no better way to see the world than from the sky. I used to work on the Pride of America cruise ship in Hawaii, helping guests book shore excursions all over the islands. Two Vacation Hero Awards 2,000+ Guests/Week Pride of America · NCL Hawaii Shore Excursions 1000+ Tours Reviewed

Video by Abbie and Wiebe on YouTube. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe to their channel and show your support for the great video.

Description

**This was filmed in January 2020
We made our way to Queenstown and experienced the Lord of The Rings and Glacier Explorer Flight 107 - The ultimate Middle Earth helicopter tour!
New Zealand, South Island road trip travel vlog!

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Hotel was Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
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