Queenstown is the busiest helicopter base in New Zealand: the Wakatipu Basin, the Remarkables, and the Southern Alps sit within a short flight of town, with Milford Sound about an hour's flying time beyond. Operators fly year-round from bases on Lucas Place and Grant Road, most with an alpine landing built in. Here is what is actually on offer.
Scenic Queenstown Helicopter Flight
The 25-minute Scenic Queenstown Helicopter Flight with The Helicopter Line Queenstown is the shortest option here: 10 to 15 minutes flying plus a 10-minute alpine landing, departing from Lucas Place. Children fly from age four, and the pilot picks the route on the day.
Remarkables Scenic Helicopter Flight with Heliworks
The Remarkables Scenic Helicopter Flight with Heliworks Queenstown lands on the Remarkables range itself, with views over the Shotover and Kawarau rivers on the way in. Flight time is 10 to 15 minutes, 50 minutes door to door from Grant Road, and child rates apply from age three.
Milford Sound Helicopter Flight from Queenstown
For a Milford Sound helicopter tour that starts and ends in Queenstown, the Milford Sound Helicopter Flight from Queenstown with The Helicopter Line Queenstown is the fullest version here: 1 hour and 30 minutes flying with one to two remote alpine landings over the Southern Alps, The Divide, and glacier country. The round trip runs close to two hours with transfers included.
Earnslaw Burn Express Helicopter Flight with Heliworks
Heliworks holds the exclusive landing rights at Earnslaw Burn, reached via historic Skippers Canyon on the Earnslaw Burn Express helicopter flight: an hour in the air with a landing above 1,000 metres beside the hanging glacier that appeared in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Child rates start from age three.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for a helicopter flight in Queenstown?
Minimum ages vary by flight: the 25 Minute Scenic Queenstown Helicopter Flight and Milford Sound Helicopter Flight from Queenstown take children from age four, while Heliworks' Remarkables and Earnslaw Burn flights take them from age three, with infant rates under two on several routes.
What happens if the weather closes in on the day of my flight?
Operators fly weather permitting and adjust the route or landing site on the day rather than cancel outright wherever possible. The Helicopter Line notes its Milford Sound route and landings may vary at the pilot's discretion, and winter's Heli Skiing Experience 4 Runs with Harris Mountains Heliski depends entirely on daily snow.
How long does the helicopter flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound take?
The Milford Sound Helicopter Flight from Queenstown runs about 1 hour and 30 minutes in the air, with the round trip closer to two hours once transfers are included. It covers one to two remote alpine landings over the Southern Alps and Fiordland, making it the longest of the Queenstown-based Milford Sound tours.
Are Queenstown helicopter flights suitable for people with limited fitness or mobility?
Yes, the Alpine Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters is rated a low fitness requirement, landing in a remote alpine spot with time to get out and take photos rather than any walking. Most Queenstown flights work the same way: the aircraft climbs, you just step in and out.
Is there a shorter or lower cost helicopter flight option in Queenstown?
Yes, the Queenstown Panorama Helicopter Flight with Queenstown Scenic Helicopter Flights is a 20-minute flight over Lake Wakatipu and the township with a mountain landing included, shorter than the Remarkables or Earnslaw Burn flights and well short of the full Milford Sound trip.
Local tip: book the earliest morning departure for Milford Sound, since the fiord tends to cloud over by early afternoon.
Browse the full range of Queenstown flights, or head back to Queenstown to plan the rest of the trip.