The 15 Best Helicopter Tours in New Zealand

1.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 619 reviews · 25 min · from $230Our pick

Fly over Franz Josef Glacier, see ice pinnacles and crevasses, then land in the Southern Alps for 10 minutes of mountain views.

“This was one of the highlights of our 4 week trip to New Zealand, well organised and a fabulous experience. We got a call a day or two before to move our flight to an earlier time as the weather would be better and it certainly was. 25 min flight including plenty of time on the top to have photos hear some commentary from the pilot any so snow angels in the snow. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommend”

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2.35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 451 reviews · 35 min · from $289

Fly over Franz Josef and Fox or Tasman Glacier, then land on snow in the Southern Alps during this memorable 35-minute helicopter trip.

“What a well run company, from start to finish. Our pilot Mark was beyond amazing, I know it’s his job but he shares his knowledge and would happily answer any questions. The reception staff were all lovely especially the dark haired lady. This is a must do with this company if you are in the area. Would definitely come back!!!”

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3.Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 25 min · from $226Best value

Fly through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, cross the Tasman Valley, and land in the Southern Alps on this 25-minute helicopter trip.

“Great experience! We spent most of the 25 minutes at the mountain landing spot. It was beautiful, but we would have preferred to spend more time flying in the helicopter rather than taking photos at the top for about 15 minutes.”

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4.Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 342 reviews · 35 min · from $289

Fly over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, land on the snow, and see rainforest, icefalls, and the Southern Alps from a 35-minute helicopter ride.

“The whole experience was perfect. The flight was awesome, and landing on the top of Franz Joseph glacier was perfect. Our pilot Jay was very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had, and took a perfect photo of us on top of the glacier. The staff in the offices, and the ground crew were also very helpful and professional. A wonderful experience, we would recommend to everyone.”

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5.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

Fly from Franz Josef to a changing ice world, then hike crevasses and caves on a guided 2.5-hour glacier adventure.

“We hiked a glacier in Alaska and it was mainly a flat hike. This experience was totally different and provided us a completely unique experience. It was up and down, we went through two tight crevasses and an ice cave! We had to use ropes and even a ladder at one point. You definitely need to be fairly fit. We loved the experience from the training, helicopter ride and guided hiking. This is a must do for those who want a unique and challenging experience. Even though we had to unfortunately cut the hike short due to weather, we still had more than sufficient time on the hike and appreciated…”

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6.Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448

Walk Fox Glacier for up to three hours after a scenic helicopter flight, with ice caves, crampons, expert guides, and weather-tested planning.

“Campbell and Oliver were great guides who were so well informed, despite our 100 questions, and led us even in poor weather. The flight itself was scenic and well handled, with the hike well laid out and suitable for everybody.”

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7.Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 291 reviews · 25 min · from $230

See Queenstown from the air, land in a remote alpine spot, and enjoy a 25-minute helicopter flight with hotel pickup and commentary.

“Stunning day at Queenstown, scottie is our pilot and very professional and experienced. Especially with little kids we found he flew very stable for takeoff & landing. The landing on the remarkables was amazing view and great experience for our family :) certainly recommending for next trip or friends & family !”

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8.Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328

Fly by ski plane and helicopter over Mount Cook, land on the Tasman Glacier, and see New Zealand’s high alpine world from above.

“We didn’t get to do the Ultimate Combo due to strong winds both days, nevertheless the staff managed to reschedule us a Glacier landing. It was amazing!”

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9.3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Walk on Tasman Glacier, explore blue ice caves, and fly beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook on a small-group heli hike from $537.

“We got extremely lucky with weather. Sunny skies and no wind so visibility was great and ride was super smooth. Anna was our guide for the hiking portion and she was an exceptional guide, considerate of everyone's needs. They supplied boots, crampons and down shells and water proof jackets. 6 people to copter, front two seats were probably extra and had better view that was probably worth the difference.”

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10.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238Top rated

Fly above Franz Josef Glacier, then land in the alpine heights for 10 minutes of snow, rock, rainforest, and Southern Alps views.

“A fantastic helicopter tour over the central glaciers at Mount Cook, with good information from the pilot, landing with good opportunities to take photos, and a pleasant and safe pilot. And in good weather the experiences are fantastic.”

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11.Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · from $245

Fly above Franz Josef Glacier, land on its snowfield, and take in icefalls, crevasses, and Southern Alps views on a 25-minute flight.

“Very nice experience, very professional. We think that it doesn't matter which operator you use in this town.”

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12.Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 179 reviews · from $308

Fly over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, land on the snow, and enjoy Southern Alps views with a pilot guide on this 35-minute helicopter trip.

“Flying over the glacier. Absolutely awesome flight up to glacier and then landing on the plateau. The snow was packed harder than what we anticipated.”

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13.Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 175 reviews · from $378

Fly from Queenstown over Skippers Canyon to Mt Aspiring glaciers and Earnslaw Burn, with a possible glacier landing for $378.

“This was an incredible experience. The staff were amazing and efficient with organising everyone. was so easy with the pick up and drop off from our accommodation. Alfie was our pilot and he was great. The ride was smooth and flawless. He had great information and made us feel very safe at all times. Would highly recommend this company.”

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14.Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 173 reviews · from $887

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound, land on a glacier, cruise the fiord, and return by helicopter in a small four-hour tour.

“Today was spectacular! Alfie out pilot was amazing and the surprising little pitstop on our way back blew our minds.”

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15.Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Flight with alpine landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · from $245

Fly above Queenstown and land in the Remarkables on a 25-minute helicopter trip with hotel pickup, pilot commentary, and alpine views.

“We were excited about the trip to begin with, but we didn’t even realize we were going to get to land on the top of a mountain and walk around. The experience allowed us to see gorgeous views of Queenstown and the surrounding wonderful mountains! I would highly recommend adventure to anyone who enjoys getting up high!”

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