There is no better way to show kids how big New Zealand's mountains really are than from a helicopter window, and most scenic flights here include an alpine landing, so the view keeps going after the engine winds down. From Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown to the thermal valleys around Taupo, here is where to book a family friendly helicopter flight with child pricing included.
Scenic Queenstown Helicopter Flight
The 25 minute Scenic Queenstown Helicopter Flight lets the pilot pick the best route of the day over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, finishing with a mountain landing where you may even step out onto snow in winter. Child pricing applies for ages 4 to 14, with infants aged 0 to 3 travelling free.
Remarkables Scenic Helicopter Flight with Heliworks
The Remarkables Scenic Helicopter Flight climbs above the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers to land high on The Remarkables, one of only two mountain ranges in the world running directly north to south. Child pricing applies for ages 3 to 11, with infants aged 0 to 2 travelling free.
Helicopter Flight in Mt Cook
The Tasman Taster Helicopter Flight flies over the Tasman Terminal Lake and the Hochstetter Icefall before a 10 minute alpine landing inside Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Child pricing applies for ages 0 to 12, infants under 3 ride on a parent's lap, and children over 3 need their own seat.
Huka Falls Helicopter Flight in Taupo
The Huka Falls Helicopter Flight is a 9 minute loop over the thundering Huka Falls, the Aratiatia hydro scheme and the thermal Wairakei Park, built for families short on time. Suitable for all ages, with infants aged 0 to 3 travelling free.
Frequently asked questions
Which New Zealand helicopter flight is best for young kids?
The Huka Falls Helicopter Flight in Taupo is only 9 minutes and suitable for all ages, making it an easy first helicopter ride for younger children.
Do helicopter flights include an alpine landing?
Most do, the Queenstown, Remarkables and Mt Cook flights above all include a landing, often on snow in winter, giving kids time out of their seats to take photos.
Is there a weight limit on scenic helicopter flights?
Operators ask for the weight of every passenger at booking, since seating and fuel loads are calculated around total passenger weight rather than a fixed limit.
What happens if a helicopter flight is cancelled for weather?
Scenic flights are weather dependent, so operators will offer an alternative date or a full refund if conditions are not safe to fly.
Do infants need their own seat on a helicopter flight?
It depends on the operator, on the Mt Cook flight infants under 3 sit on a parent's lap, while Queenstown and Taupo flights offer a free infant fare with their own seat.
Local tip: book your helicopter flight for one of the first clear mornings of your trip, so there is time to reschedule if the weather closes in.
Go everywhere. Do everything. Book your family's New Zealand helicopter flight above, Queenstown, The Remarkables, Aoraki Mount Cook or Huka Falls in Taupo.