Queenstown · Up in the air

50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Scenic Helicopter Flight with Landing

Book up until 30 September 2026
9.8
Outstanding
416 reviews

Soar over mountains and valleys on a scenic helicopter flight over Queenstown’s Basin, Paradise Valley, and Mt Aspiring National Park. Glide over dramatic glaciers, impressive ice falls and hidden alpine lakes, before tracing the path of the awe-inspiring Earnslaw Burn, made famous by The Hobbit. Conditions permitting, you’ll touch down on a remote glacier to experience the pristine wilderness underfoot. On the return journey, you’ll soar over historic Skippers Canyon and the rugged peaks of the Forbes Mountain Range.

Inclusions
  • Valid for one child (0–11) or one adult (12+)
  • 50-minute Glacier Explorer and Earnslaw Burn scenic helicopter flight
  • Spectacular views of glaciers, Mount Aspiring National Park and hidden lakes
  • Glacier or alpine landing
  • Return transfers available from selected Queenstown locations
  • Available every day by appointment: Departs 9am and 4.30pm
Overview
Availability: Every day
Duration: Flexible
From ₩671,165 /person
Includes taxes & fees
Check availability

Pricing & availability

Location
Queenstown
From
₩671,165 /person
Give this experience as a gift
Surprise a special someone with the gift of an unforgettable experience. They can book until 30 Sep 2026.
Location

35 Lucas Place Frankton, Queenstown, QTN

Things to know

  • Bookings essential on 03 442 3016 or via email info@glaciersouthernlakes.co.nz quoting your voucher number
  • Please advise of all passenger names, weight and pick-up location (if required) at time of booking
  • Book early to secure your desired date and time
  • Present printed or smartphone purchase/booking confirmation on arrival

Things don’t always work out, so enjoy peace of mind knowing that the following cancellation options are available to you.

  • Up to 1 day before your chosen date - 100%
  • Up to 7 days after purchase - 100%
  • Cancellations made more than 24 hours before departure date: no cancellation fees apply
  • Cancellations within 24 hours of departure date, late arrivals and no-shows: 100% cancellation fee applies

Changes to Booking

24 hours’ notice is required to change a booking you have made

  • Comfortable walking shoes or boots
  • Windproof jacket and warm clothing
  • Camera
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen

Every day

Important:

  • Pick-Up/Drop-Off Point: Return transfers available from selected locations in Queenstown via courtesy coach – please advise pick-up location at time of booking
  • Please ensure you are at your pick-up location no later than the scheduled departure time. Late arrivals and no-shows voids offer
  • For guests making their own way to the departure location, please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time
  • All bookings must be reconfirmed with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters at least 24 hours prior to departure – please call Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters on 0800 801 616 for a weather check, to reconfirm booking details and to receive confirmation of departure time. This will allow alternative flight arrangements to be made if weather conditions are unfavourable
  • There is no minimum age to fly. For infants, Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters provide extra lap belts so that they are restrained as well as child-sized headphones that aren’t connected to the internal PA system
  • All passengers must receive a safety briefing prior to departure
  • Reservations are held only when weights are received and full passenger details provided
  • Each landing usually lasts for about 10 minutes which is plenty of time to snap a few photos, play in the snow and get really cold (especially in the winter)
  • Please allow up to 1.5 hour for this experience, including check-in and briefing. Please note the flight component of the trip is approximately 70 minutes
  • For further Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters’ Frequently Asked Questions, please see here

Terms & Conditions:

  • Due to the summer conditions such as snow cover changes exposing crevasses between January and June, landing on the glacier may not be a possibility. Hence, glacier landings are not guaranteed. The pilot will choose the next best alternative like landing close to the glacier or an alpine landing
  • Under New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules, Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters are required to know if you will be carrying any Dangerous Goods with you - LPG bottle, lighter fluid, strike matches, fireworks, bleach & poisons, blue flame and single-action lighters. Certain items are allowed if packed correctly - batteries & power banks, camp stove, ammunition, e-cigarettes, safety matches, aerosols and electric tools
  • A fuel surcharge may apply to the ticket price. In such cases, any charge will be collected on departure, payable directly to Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
  • On all scenic flights, minimum numbers apply unless otherwise stated. Individual bookings may be combined if necessary to achieve minimum numbers
  • For aircraft weight and balance purposes, please advise at the time of booking if any passenger exceeds 83kg (CAA standard weight)
  • Flight durations are approximate and can be subject to weather conditions. On occasion, flight paths and landing locations may change at the pilot’s discretion. Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters will always keep you informed of any changes to the published information
  • Tours and aircraft substitutions are subject to management and/or pilot discretion, weather, air traffic control and availability. If Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters cannot fly due to adverse weather, they can transfer your booking to another day. Alternatively, they can refund you in full
  • Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters will not be liable for any loss, damage, additional expenses or inconvenience arising from, or incidental to, any delay in service. Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters works in conjunction with other tour operators and is not liable for their acts or omissions, whether negligent or otherwise. Travel and admissions will be subject to the conditions imposed by the operators, which may limit or exclude liability for personal injury or property damage
  • Late arrivals and no-shows voids voucher
  • For further Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters Terms & Conditions, please see here

Please Note:

  • Bookings for this offer are limited and subject to availability. Not valid with any other offer
  • Entire value must be used in one visit; any unused will be forfeited, and cannot be used at a later date

Important:

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions are located on the terms and conditions page of our website

Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters

Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters has been locally owned and operated in New Zealand since 1980. Their pilots are highly experienced with extensive knowledge of the local mountain environment, providing a truly professional, safe and comfortable experience for all guests.

Website

Reviews

9.8
Outstanding
Reviews from Google