wanaka helicopter tours

Scenic Flights with Wanaka Helicopters

Situated within view of the surrounding Southern Alps and on the doorstep of the World Heritage Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. At Wanaka Helicopters, we provide unforgettable scenic flights that showcase a multitude of breathtaking landscapes and stunning vistas, offering a unique experience that surpasses any other in New Zealand.

Our professional, experienced and friendly team will ensure that you have the absolute best flight and walk away with life-long memories you will treasure for years to come.

View our range of scenic flights and book your flight online below.

Wānaka Scenic Flights

Wānaka snow experience, mt aspiring & glacier flights, amazing aspiring, mt aspiring explorer, aspiring snow special with glacier/snow landing, milford sound exclusive flights, milford flyover, milford sound ultimate experience, exclusive experience scenic flights, discover mount cook, world in a day.

[email protected]

Phone 03 443 1085

Free Phone 0800 46 36 26

Wānaka airport, 6 lloyd dunn avenue, luggate 9382.

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Home » Most Popular » Snow Landings & Glaciers » Wanaka Helicopters Scenic Flights

Glacier Experience

• one 10 minute remote glacier/snow landing • stand in the pristine snow at 7000 feet • fly over rugged mountains & deep valleys • amazing photo opportunity.

With nearly 300 glaciers in the region, Wanaka is the perfect place to take a scenic helicopter flight to remote glaciers. On this Glacier Experience helicopter tour you will fly above rugged mountain peaks and deep glacial carved valleys. You will also fly across to the border of Mt Aspiring National Park.

Land and stand on top of one of these giant ‘rivers of ice’ for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At around 7000ft/2300m you will enjoy amazing views and breathe clean mountain air. Your landing will be for approximately 10 minutes and we land at either the Tyndall or Isobel Glacier. There will be time for photos and a snowball or two before your return helicopter flight.

Check out our Mt Aspiring & Glaciers scenic flight for a 1 hour glacier helicopter experience which includes a close up view of Mt Aspiring.

WHAT TO BRING

• Flat soled, covered shoes
• And of course a camera!
• Note: we have a no drone policy

We also recommend insect repellant if you are travelling to Milford Sound.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Scenic Flights

• All current website pricing for scenic flights is valid until 30th September 2025
• All flights require discretionary minimum numbers to go ahead
• We accept Visa, Mastercard, Eftpos and cash (no AMEX)
• Child rates are 0 – 14 years.
• 3yr and under must sit on parents’ lap
• Individual passenger weights are required at the time of booking
• You must reconfirm your flight booking on the day
• Flights go on demand subject to weather.  We are happy to reschedule subject to availability
• We operate six days a week Monday – Saturday
• We have a general 48 hr cancellation policy should your plans be disrupted.

Wedding Flights

• All current website pricing is valid until 30th September 2024.
• For online bookings we accept Visa or Mastercard (no AMEX) to hold your booking. For off-site pickups your card will be charged on the day, for flights from the hangar you can pay on check-in
• You should have your photographer reconfirm your flight on the day
• We have a 48 hr cancellation policy should your plans change.
• All our flights are weather dependent.  Weather calls are made based on both safety and customer experience.
• We are generally only unable to fly if clouds hinder visibility or if winds are gale force.
• If weather completely prevents us from flying at all on the day and we make the decision not to proceed at all there is no charge. (We are happy to reschedule to another day subject to availability if you wish)
• If weather prevents us from getting to your desired location but we are able to offer an alternative option for your landing we will.   Charges will reflect the alternate landing cost and these can be discussed at the time. 
• If you have chosen a dual landing option and we are able to get you to one of your landing options but not the other your cost will be adjusted accordingly to reflect the cost of the single landing.
• We recommend you have your photographer call us to check on the weather on the day and we will have the discussion with them if there are any weather constraints.
• Should we still be able to fly but you choose not to proceed there will be a $500 cancellation fee. 

IMAGE GALLERY

Landing spot was sensational. Peaceful, picturesque and ever such clear air. A bluebird day in paradise!

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Flights, Tours and Charters in and around Wānaka, Queenstown, Mount Aspiring, Milford Sound, Fiordland the West Coast. NZ's most experienced helicopter flight training school. Beginner courses to Advanced.

6 Lloyd Dunn Avenue, Wānaka Airport

Roy’s Peak Experience

Your roy’s peak experience begins with a taste of wanaka’s spectacular lakeside scenery by 4wd. taking you high into the mountains exploring life behind the scenes of west wanaka station an authentic high country farm. relax with refreshments at our exclusive mountain-top viewpoint overlooking sparkling lake wanaka and beyond to the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of mt aspiring national park. your helicopter arrives vip style, to whisk you off for a once-in-a-lifetime scenic flight to land at a private viewpoint on wanaka’s iconic coromandel peak – roy’s peak. there is plenty of time for photos before the return flight to meet your 4wd back to wanaka..

$2508 (1-4 people)

• Helicopter flight to land on Coromandel Peak – Roy’s Peak
• Scenic 4WD safari through West Wanaka Station
• Feed farm animals
• Expert local guides
• Iconic photo opportunities from private locations
• Refreshments

Suitable for: Those wanting more than just a heli flight to Roy’s Peak  

Duration: Allow 5 hours

Season: September – May 

• Pick up / Drop off from Wanaka locations
• Private access to West Wanaka Station 
• Expert local guide.
• Helicopter flight to Coromandel Peak  (Roy’s Peak)

Fitness level required Suitable for all fitness levels!

Email us to book

+64 27 390 2152 [email protected]

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Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

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Misty Mountains Heli Hike- with stunning lake & mountain views

"Misty Mountains" Heli Hike - First landing view over Glaciers

Walking in the "Misty Mountains", with Lake Wanaka in the background

Living her Dream! - standing on the set of The Hobbit Trilogy

Traversing the "Misty Mountains", "Laketown" of Wanaka far below, right

Lunch stop on the "Misty Mountains" Heli Hike

Beware the ice wielding "Orcs"

View from the ridge, looking at Mt Aspiring 3033m

View from Summit, couple taking in the spectacular views over Lake Wanaka

Eco Wanaka Adventures - "Misty Mountains" Heli Hike

Lakeside Road , Wānaka Town , New Zealand .

An exclusive helicopter flight & hiking tour over The Lord of the Rings Trilogy country. Fly the "Eagles" path and follow the very footsteps of the "Dwarves and Bilbo" through Middle‑earth™ as seen in The Hobbit Trilogy. Your own "Unexpected Journey".

Pricing and Conditions

This tour needs a minimum of 2 people booked in to operate. Tour operates subject to weather and snow conditions.

Full refund is given if more than 24 hours notice of cancellation is given, less than 24 hours will be charged the full amount.

Get an Eagle's eye view of Middle‑earth™ with this exclusive 4.5 hour guided tour over The Lord of the Rings Trilogy country. Our helicopter follows the "Eagles" flight landing on Fog Peak - admire views of Mt Aspiring and the surrounding Southern Alps – including 3 Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies film sites. Skimming the razor back ridges, we then fly and land on Treble Cone's “The Towers Ridge” before walking the very footsteps that the "Dwarves and Bilbo" traversed in their quest across the "Misty Mountains" - as seen in The Hobbit Trilogy. We descend 2 hours of guided hike from 2000m, traversing the ridgeline, revealing huge rock pillars, canyons, cliffs and glaciers feeding rivers and lakes below - a real adventure.

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The content on this page was created by Eco Wanaka Adventures - "Misty Mountains" Heli Hike

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Helicopter tours to Milford Sound – from Queenstown & Wanaka

Milford Sound in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is a stunning natural attraction.

This massive water inlet (also known as fiord) has mountain peaks, ink-dark waters, greenery-clad cliffs, and the best of wildlife.

Almost all visitors take the 2-hour long Milford Sound cruise.

Some make it an even grander affair by reaching Milford Sound by helicopter to enjoy aerial views as well.

This article covers everything you must know before booking your helicopter tour to Milford Sound.

Table of contents

Helicopter tour + milford sound cruise + snow landing.

This 4-hour trip starts when you board a six-seater Airbus Squirrel helicopter and take off for Milford Sound, the most popular fiord in New Zealand.

Once you land on the famous fiord, you get onto a scenic cruise so that you can explore Milford’s sheer cliffs and gushing waterfalls. 

If you are lucky – and most visitors are – you will see dolphins, seals, and penguins.

Once the Cruise is over, you board the helicopter again for an aerial tour, followed by a snow landing on Mt. Tutoko.

After ten minutes, you take off again and return to Queenstown.

Departure:  35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand. Get Directions .

Tour Operator:  Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters Tour timings:  8 am to 5 pm

Cost of the helicopter tour

Adult ticket (12+ years):  US$829 *Child ticket (up to 11 years):  US$581

*If your less than three-years-old kid will sit in your lap, they can join the tour for free. No need to buy tickets for them.

If you prefer a private charter exclusive to your group, check out a very similar 4-hour Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown .

Mitre Peak Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound

Gaze at the superlative beauty of the Milford Sound and Bowen Falls from Mitre Peak on this 15-minute Milford Sound heli tour.

With live commentary from the pilot and a spread of great views, you’re in for abundant pleasure.

Departure:  Milford Sound Airport, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand. Get Directions .

Tour Operator:  Milford Helicopters Tour timings:  9 am to 5 pm

Adult ticket (14+ years):  US$293 Child ticket (4 to 13 years):  US$262

Helicopter Tour from Queenstown and back

You fly in a helicopter and take in stunning views of the lush rainforest, bush-lined valleys, and crevasse-filled glaciers of Milford Sound.

Even as the Pilot gives a live commentary, he will touch down twice to help you feel the snow – once in Milford Sound and once in Tukuko Glacier. 

The Milford Sound cruise is not part of this experience.

Departure:  29 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand. Get Directions .

Duration:  2 hours with 1 hour 30 minutes flight time. Tour Operator:  Helicopter Line Tour timings:  8 am, 10 am, and 2 pm.

Adult ticket (15+ years):  US$696 Child ticket (4 to 14 years):  US$487 Infant ticket (up to 3 years):  US$348

Over the Top Limited offers a more exclusive heli tour over Milford Sound. It lasts 1 hour 30 minutes, and since its a private helicopter, you get to decide the time of taking off.  Find Out More

Helicopter to Milford Sound and back + Gourmet picnic

Ideal for a 4 to 5 member group, this is a 4-hour Fiordland helicopter tour with a gourmet picnic landing thrown in. 

You fly past the Southern Alps’ snow-capped peaks and experience several landings with time to stroll on a deserted beach as well.

Departure:  The Blue Hanger, 10 Tex Smith Lane, Frankton, Queenstown 9371. Get Directions .

Tour Operator:  Over the Top Limited Tour timings:  9 am and 1 pm

Cost of the helicopter tour:

Exclusive Eurocopter EC130B4: US$7,747 per group (up to six) Exclusive in Squirrel AS350: US$6,269 per group (up to five)

Save time — see the best of Milford Sound in half a day by opting for round-trip flights and a scenic cruise. Find out more

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Air tour from Wanaka to Milford Sound

Wanaka is a small resort town around 70 Kms (44 Miles) from Queenstown.  

Some people travel the distance in 75 odd minutes and take their helicopter tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown, while others prefer to take them from Wanaka itself. 

You can avoid travel and save yourself at least three hours if you take your tour from Wanaka itself. 

Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka

During this helicopter tour, you get to experience a scenic aerial tour from Wanaka to Milford Sound.

This four-hour journey will include glimpses of verdant national parks, epic glaciers, alpine lakes, before reaching the ultimate stunning destination of Milford Sound.

The air tour will be followed by a cruise tour to zoom into the magnificence of the fjord.

The cruise tour includes tea and coffee so that your gustatory senses have as much fun as your visual senses.

Kids up to 14 years get a discount on these helicopter tour tickets.

Departure:  8 Lloyd Dunn Avenue, Wānaka 9382, New Zealand. Get Directions .

Tour Operator:  Southern Alps Air Tour timings:  9 am and 2 pm

Adult ticket (16+ years):  US$402 Child ticket (5 to 15 years):  US$283 Infant ticket (0 to 4 years):  Free

Timings of the air tours

Milford Sound heli tours are operational throughout the week.

The first batch of these tours start taking off at 9 am and can continue in slots up to 5 pm.

Restrictions strictly followed

Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable Milford Sound helicopter tours.

If the minimum number of passengers is not met, the tour will be canceled and subject to rescheduling or refund.

All tours allows infants on board for free as long as they sit on the caregivers’ laps and don’t occupy a seat.

No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.

Some tours may not be wheelchair accessible.

Ultimate Milford Sound Experience heli tour requires you to provide any dietary requirements in advance.

It is recommended that warm clothing and suitable footwear be worn on this tour due to cold temperatures. Moderate fitness is required.

Pregnant travelers or travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions may avoid the tours or contact the tour organizers or staff to confirm their accessibility beforehand.

Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.

Exclusions of the air tour

Personal expenses and gratuities are not included in your ticket.

Most Milford Sound air tours also exclude meals, food, and drinks unless stated otherwise.

Souvenir photos are not clubbed in your ticket price. They will be available for purchase separately.

Milford Sound highlights

This natural attraction has lots of things to see. Check out the map below.

Here are a few things you must keep an eye out for – 

Lady Bowen Falls

At 162 meters (531 feet), Lady Bowen Falls is the tallest waterfall in Milford Sound. All the houses and businesses in the area get their electricity and water from Lady Bowen falls.

The three other waterfalls not to miss are the Fairy Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Stirling Falls. 

Sinbad Gully

Sinbad Gully is a U-shaped valley formed by the slopes of the mountains surrounding Milford Sound. 

Mitre Peak rises 1692 meters (5555 feet) and is the most iconic sight of Milford Sound.

It gets its name from its shape – a Bishop’s hat gets referred to as Mitre.

Most of Milford Sound’s coastline is made up of sheer vertical cliffs, except for Seal Rock.

It is a not-so-high large rock on which native New Zealand fur seals can climb and rest even as they bask in the sun.

Mt Kimberley at Milford Sound is also known as The Lion.

When you are in front of the mountain, you will understand why it got its nickname – the massive mountain resembles a crouching lion.

Milford Sound Cruise – what to expect

Another great way to enjoy Milford Sound is by getting on a cruise.

To get a sense of the experience to expect during the Cruise, check out the video below – 

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date. 

If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.

No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.

Helicopter tours require good weather. 

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

Tours in New Zealand

# Mount Cook helicopter tours # Helicopter tours from Queenstown #  Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tours

Recommended Reading

# Experiencing your first helicopter flight # Clothes to wear during helicopter tours # How to overcome fear of flying #  Scuba diving – how long to wait before flying? #  Why helicopter tours are an excellent activity #  FAQs about Helicopter tours

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