Went with friends, amazing opportunity to fly in a helicopter and land on a glacier, how amazing! Our pilot was great and the scenery incredible. Such an incredible thing to do.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Landing and facility fees
- Headsets to hear the pilot clearly
Excludes
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Will self-drive Pick up location TBC Kamana Lakehouse Mercure Queenstown Resort Heritage Queenstown Crowne Plaza Queenstown I-Site Millennium Hotel Pounamu Apartments The Rees Hotel Sherwood Bus Stop (Frankton Rd) The Hilton Resort & Spa
Itinerary
Enjoy a landing on top of a snowy glacier .
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
Definitely a big ✅. Bucket list item 😁 Loved that there was some misty cloud around. Made for some dramatic photos.
This was our first helicopter flight … for both of us. It was amazing. The flight was awesome. The guide and pilot was great he shared so much about the area and well when we landed on the glacier was super helpful as we stumbled around. Was so worth doing worth every penny. The welcome from the staff in the office second to none. Great job team
As soon as you walk through the door the staff at reception were very helpful with flight information, safety brief ect. Our pilot Luke was very informative and knowledgeable about the area. It was definitely the highlight of our trip with breath taking scenery. Luke has the best job in the world. We loved every minute, it was awesome. Great way to spend 50 minutes! Would highly recommend. Tom and Lynn
Best thing i did in Queenstown by far. The receptionist did everything their power to get us on a flight even creating a new time. Pilot was awesome made everyone feel comfortable and made sure the experience was everything it could be. The flight was smooth and Glacier landing was fantastic. Thank you the all the staff.
The staff were wonderful very kind and respectful to all us customers. The helicopter pilot and other staff was very helpful with my husband who has low mobility and uses a walking stick, we can't thank you enough for helping him get in and out of the helicopter and onto the snow.
Staff were friendly and very knowledgeable of the areas, smooth landing on the glacier and beautiful sights.
If you're anywhere near Queenstown you must not miss this. It's the best experience you can get anywhere. Just amazing!
A fabulous experience from start to finish, from our shuttle driver the cheerful Alex, to our pilot Steve who clearly loves his job, and the friendly staff at the base. There were only 4 of us on the Airbus H130 so it was a very comfortable ride. Steve is an engaging pilot and gave us lots of info and some marvelous views from both high and low. The glacier landing was a buzz, even more so when the other couple on the flight got engaged up there, how romantic! We had an absolutely brilliant time and were hoping to do another flight but unfortunately the weather turned for our last 2 days in Queenstown. Helicopter flights are expensive, but this was fabulous, highly recommended.
This experience was fantastic from the very beginning and we are still talking about it days later! Our pilot, Luke, was fantastic and knowledgable sharing relevant information along the way. We cannot rate this experience highly enough. We did it as a once off but I know we will feel the urge to do another trip sometime because the sheer beauty of the glacier and all throughout the ride is simply amazing 😍
Excited our helicopter flight with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters went ahead as skies were clear over the alpine peaks. Snow is late on the lower slopes but it gave a better perspective of the mountain terrain with stunning views over the glacier valleys. Highlight of the flight was Jeremy's perfect landing on and us being able to walk on the start of the Clarke Glacier. I felt an emotional surge at how minuscule we are on this amazing planet! We left only footprints, and the odd Smiley Face of course!. 😃🤪🤭
Incredible experience flying with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters. Breathtaking views, friendly and knowledgeable Pilot and an outstanding experience overall. Highly recommend!
The Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn 🚁❄️⛰️ Absolutely amazing! We got so close to the snow-covered cliffs, seeing the beautiful blue colours and cracks in the glacier up close — just spectacular. We had an amazing pilot too, which made the experience even better. So grateful for the wonderful memories made 🩵❄️🚁
As soon as we arrived in Queenstown, we decided to look for a helicopter experience to see this magnificent location from the air. Our hotel concierge helped us decide which company to use & helped us to make the booking. It was easy & before we knew it, we were booked on a flight early the next morning. You have to check before flight to make sure weather is good to go. Our flight had to be cancelled but the hotel concierge & the operator worked with us to reschedule our flight a little later that day. As we had also booked a cruise in the afternoon, they made sure we made it to that also. Collected from the hotel & later dropped back where our cruise was departing from in town. From the drivers who collected us & the pilot & staff thank you. This is the way to see Queenstown & the surrounding mountains & glacier. A fantastic flight with plenty of photo opportunities. A great experience would we do it again yes. Was it worth the money yes.
Would fly again. It was like floating on a cloud with awesome views and the glacier landing was magical. Felt safe and would fly with them again.
Fantastic.The pilot was well informed and a nice man to boot
We are a 66 year old couple and travelled with 2 adult daughters and one of their partners. The experience from reception to landing was great. All staff so helpful. Our pilot Steve was personable friendly and made me feel safe and informed. He made a point of explaining bumps were nothing to be concerned and did a gentle smooth landing on the snow. It was a bit slippery for me but he was aware and reassuring of my safety. He obliged taking some fantastic video and photos for us. And the glacier and mountains ... a..maz..ing! Exceeded expectations. Highly recommend
My boyfriend and I both agreed that this was the highlight of our New Zealand trip, which is saying something because everything we did was incredible. I've never ridden in a helicopter before and I was shocked at how smooth it was. Our pilot was absolutely delightful and gave us tons of super interesting info about the area. Bonus points because, as a plus size person, I often am unable to do activities because of weight restrictions, but Glacier Explorer was so accommodating, and does not have a weight limit per person, so I didn't have to worry at all! Anyway, the scenery was spectacular. Natural beauty unlike anything I've ever seen before. It brought me to tears if I'm being honest. Landing on the glacier was also unreal. We were able to walk around within a safe distance and marvel at our surroundings. I promise you, this is worth the money 10 times over.
Had an experience of a lifetime with our pilot Jeremy. He gave us an amazing view of the mountains and glacier. He shared highlights and connected personally with all 5 attendees on our flight. Don’t miss this! We were hesitant- but decided to DO IT! And so glad we did! Also Cody was so great - he picked us up- PLUS Grace took care of us as we had a lost item and she recovered it for us. Thanks to the entire team for making it so special!
This experience is thrilling and spectacular. The helicopter gets you up close the glaciers then you set foot on one. The ice is sparkling. The views are breathtaking.
Picked up from hotel and returned. Registration easy, Assisted getting into helicopter. Pilot very helpful and explained everything.
Giod experience and pilot is good and experience for introduce the geographical information to us. And also helpful for all the people. So, it a good experience for joining this tour.
An amazing experience - highly recommended for any visit to Queenstown. Highly skilled pilot and a friendly support crew on the ground.
It was a bucket list item for me to do a small plane or helicopter ride over the mountains and glaciers in NZ. Almost didn't do it but decided last minute to give this one a try after researching others. A friend joined me and we agreed it was a highlight of our 4 weeks in NZ. Convenient shuttle pick up spots downtown to take you to the airport. Very clear safety instructions were given before boarding. Great pilot. And we're so happy we did a 50 minute vs. another shorter option from other companies. It was perfect. Saw waterfalls, glaciers, amazing mountains and valleys. The pilot also pointed out LOTR filming sites, including the forest of the Ents. We had time on a glacier to walk around and take amazing pictures. On the way out my friend and I were in the backseat so on the way back the pilot up us up front - unexpected and very nice! Overall loved the experience. Note: read the confirmation email carefully and follow instructions You do have to call to confirm if the weather is permitting the flight at about an hour before. The weather does change fast in NZ and while we did make it up, we had to pivot to a different glacier due to rain starting while we were in the air. Also build in time for the way out and back as there may be traffic. One couple on the flight missed a dinner reservation because they cut it too close. And the helicopter was warm inside so you don't need to bundle up for the ride. Just be sure to have something to throw on for the glacier stop and wear treaded shoes/boots.
First class operation! The scenery from above, flying close to mountain ridges and landing on a glacier was magical! A must do!
Of course the views were amazing, but to experience the helicopter flight is out of this world experience! Completely different to a plane flight. The take off, flight and (multiple) landings were soooo smooth. Our pilot Jeremy was explaining scenery around us, we even seen the Sun halo! Cannot recommend enough.
The flight exceeded all our expectations and was an absolutely unforgettable experience. We were all thrilled to be able to land on a glacier, truly a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The views were breathtaking, and the whole adventure was exciting from start to finish. Everything was very well organised, the helicopter was modern and comfortable, and the team was highly professional. We especially enjoyed the interesting and informative commentary during the flight. An amazing experience we would highly recommend.
We had an absolutely incredible experience with Glacier Southern Lakes on the Scenic Glacier Explorer tour landing on Mt Aspiring. From start to finish, the journey showcased some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery we’ve ever seen, with dramatic aerial views of Mt Aspiring and the surrounding Southern Alps. The glacier landing was the highlight — truly unforgettable and something we will remember for a lifetime. Standing on the glacier, surrounded by towering peaks, was simply surreal. The team was professional, friendly, and safety-focused, making the entire experience feel seamless and relaxed. Their knowledge and calm approach added to our confidence and enjoyment throughout the tour. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a once-in-a-lifetime alpine experience in New Zealand.
Awesomely awesome - brilliant experience, Kurt was a great pilot and landing on a glacier was an absolute buzz - would recommend in a heartbeat
This was a wonderful trip, our pilot was experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. My first time being in the snow. Loved it.
This was an incredible experience. My father and I were looking for a special and once in a lifetime experience, and this was it! The staff at Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters was very responsive and helpful to arrange the specific flight we wanted (we desired some more time out on the glacier) Our pilot that day was Alfie, and he did a magnificent job of flying my family and I out and back. He found the perfect location for us to enjoy the snow and the view of the mountains. In fact, it was so perfect, it was during this trip that I proposed to my girlfriend! Thank you to staff for making this all possible. Highly recommend booking with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters if you're ever in Queenstown! If you do fly with Alfie, ask him what sort of flying he's done in the past, you won't be disappointed. Thanks again, Alfie, and thank you to everyone!
Fantastic experience views were outstanding. Karl was a great pilot with plenty of information and historical facts without ever being over the top
One of the most beautiful amazing experiences I’ve ever had in my entire life. Being able to see the glaciers up close from the helicopter and then landing on it was one of the highlights of my trip to New Zealand.
A great experience with our group and pilot Alfie who made the ride so comfortable with his skills and sharing his experience. The scenery was amazing and this is a true once in a life time not to be missed experience.
Exceptional service from the girls in reception, working to accommodate a date change, even calling me back after a vacancy came up to fit us in. Our pilot Luke was very knowledgeable and friendly and made for an excellent flight. An awesome experience overall.
It was a great day to see the mountains and Earnslaw Burn. The flight was spectacular and interesting. An incredibe experrience. Would love to do it again.
Starting with the booking process, continuing with checkin, and through out the flight, we were treated in a professional, knowledgeable, friendly manner. Jeremy, our pilot, was an excellent tour guide. He had great stories and showed us sights where some of the movie scenes were shot. We would highly recommend him, and your entire company.
Amazing, exhilarating , one of the best experiences I had in NZ, rug up as it’s quite cold,the pilot ( Steven) was great abd efficient, explained things well and looked after us,I highly recommend this activity.
What an experience! Originally had booked for the start of my stay in Queenstown but due to bad weather the company was in contact with me to reschedule. Communication was impeccable. Got picked up and transferred to the heli field. Then the flight itself was amazing! My pilot Jeremy was brilliant; very personable, professional and made the experience even better. The views were insane. Still can’t believe I got to do this. Even got offered a surprise printed photo at the end ($20NZD). So cool!
I had never done a helicopter flight before and this flight certainly didn't disappoint. Alfie, our pilot was fantastic. Flew us over breathtakingly beautiful snowy mountains and Skippers Canyon near Queenstown and then a landing where we could take some photos and just enjoy being in the snow. It was magical. Thank you so much for making this a very memorable 50th Birthday present for my husband. I would recommend this to people visiting Queenstown in a heartbeat!
This was probably one of the best things I've done in my life! The staff were wonderful and our pilot Kurt was fantastic. Great commentary throughout, smooth flight and great photographer for us once we landed on Clarke Glacier. Our 9am flight was cancelled, but we were able to get on a 2pm flight which gave us the most beautiful blue skies that made the experience breathe taking. I'd highly recommend this experience to anyone
This is the most amazing trip I have ever done. It was a fantastic experience and would highly recommend. The sights were just magical.
It was better than we ever imagined bucket list moment and staff were INCREDIBLE. Their service from the second we were picked up to being dropped off was 5 star!!! If you are thinking of doing this don’t hesitate it will change your life, closest place to heaven you will get to!
Best experience great service and amazing team once in a lifetime experience a must do. Loved it all the bees and the stepping onto a deep fresh snow is something I’ll not forget soon.
Steve was our fantastic pilot for our glacier explorer tour (flight 105). One of the most unique and extraordinary experiences that you will ever find anywhere on earth. We had a fly around the glaciers and landed on the best snow that you will ever find. Beautiful powdery snow accompanied by the best views. Absolutely amazing and unforgettable experience. Completely worth the price tag for an hour of the best tour that you will ever experience.
Absolutely lovely. Definitely would recommend The pilot was a great guy, took photos of us, and was very cool.
My nephew and myself had the most amazing experience.our pilot Alfie was amazing,Id recommend this tour to everyone.no complains from pick up through to drop off.this company is very professional.
This flight was the highlight of my month in New Zealand. Starting with the emails, so professional and friendly, through to the reception staff who were amazing with holding my extra bag. Our pilot, Michael was so knowledgeable and friendly, and he really knew how to fly, getting the best vantage spots for photos and giving us loads of snippets about the areas we were flying over.
Absolutely unreal experience!! Definitely worth it! Pilot was very knowledgeable about the area. Stopping on the mountain was just incredible!
Everything was wonderful. We had a slight hiccup with the weather, however we were rescheduled to another day and it was magic! The ladies were very accommodating and called to give us the good news that we’re were able to take my birthday present to myself. Thank you Hunter for getting us safely to the hangar and back, and of course Alfie for looking after us in the air and on the glacier! My nephew was enthralled at the view and my mum had fun in some snow. She tried to build a small snowman, but that’s a story for another time 🤣.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email
