You came to New Zealand to see the mind-blowing landscapes, right? These are not just landscapes but mighty mountains, glacier-carved valleys, pristine coastlines, wild and beautiful forests, ferocious volcanoes, and dramatic lakes. Each one is a unique masterpiece of nature waiting to be explored.
Taking a helicopter flight in New Zealand is not only a way to make the most of the landscapes you’ve travelled so far to see, but it’s also unlike any other flying experience. It's an adventure that will leave you breathless and exhilarated. What’s more, on helicopter tours, you’ll be able to land where no plane or even hiker could get to. So, what are the best helicopter tours in New Zealand? The versatility of helicopters allows you to land in remote areas and busy city centres and get access to exclusive experiences such as heli-fishing, heli-skiing, private island dining – even landing on an active volcano! Get ready for a thrilling adventure like no other.
Curious about our top picks for helicopter flights? Here they are:
Volcans and Geothermal Areas - Mount Tarawera
Experience the thrill of a lifetime as you combine the excitement of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls, and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu, we descend to follow the Waikato River and the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once you have landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land-based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers, and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. But the adventure doesn't end there. Your return flight takes in farmland views and the Paeroa mountain range before soaring over the bustling Rotorua City, adding a thrilling finale to your tour before returning to our lakefront pier.
Mt Cook, Tasman Glacier - Mount Cook National Park
Embark on the ultimate adventure to witness the majestic Southern Alps. Traverse the Main Divide to the West Coast and behold the awe-inspiring Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers landscape. Track north along the Tasman Sea, a unique perspective that few get to experience, before recrossing the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman Glacier. Enjoy the stunning views of the Mt Cook National Park as you track south down the Tasman. Fly through the Grand Plateau and the Hochsteter Icefall as you pass under the east face of Aoraki Mt Cook before descending over the picturesque Tasman Terminal Lake. This sight will stay with you long after the tour.
EARNSLAW BURN EXPLORER - Queenstown
Indulge in the beauty and tranquillity of this area with our two exceptional landing sites. This is an adventure you won't forget! Our exclusive partner has meticulously crafted this flight to take you to our unique landing site – The Earnslaw Burn- and then on to a second pilot’s choice of alpine landing. Depart from our Queenstown base, traverse the Moonlight Saddle and over the Richardson Mountains to Mt Earnslaw and the mighty Earnslaw Burn. Soar past the hanging glacier's blue ice before touching the valley floor, over 1,000 meters below! Immerse yourself in the serenity of this breathtaking location before returning to the helicopter to continue your adventure across Lake Wakatipu for a second landing.
West Coast Adventure - Mount Aspiring National Park
Picture yourself exploring isolated, inaccessible West Coast beaches, venturing into ancient beech forests, and encountering New Zealand’s unique wildlife. A snow landing provides the perfect backdrop of Mt. Aspiring and its glaciers for stunning photographs, creating lasting memories. Our experienced guides are there to share insights about the landscape and its wildlife and to prepare a gourmet picnic lunch to be savoured at a spectacular location along the way. The flight path for this scenic charter is tailored to include stops or hikes that suit guests’ activity levels and offer a diverse range of photographic opportunities. It's a perfect day experience for guests who love to combine exploration with an unforgettable scenic flight.
Milford, Doubtful & Dusky - Fiordland National Park
Embark on our ultimate flight, a cinematic journey from the dramatic mountains of iconic Milford Sound to the scattered islands of Dusky Sound. This is a flight like no other! Soar above Milford Sound, touch down on a spectacular glacier, and then head south to visit Doubtful and Dusky, locations steeped in history. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking and diverse scenery they all have to offer. 'Ata Whenua – Shadowland' is a cinematic masterpiece that shares the awe and humility Fiordland Helicopters’ owner Kim Hollows feels for one of the most inspiring, beautiful places on earth. It offers a rare glimpse of a wilderness few can experience. It's not just a tour; it's an unforgettable experience!
