7 Helicopter Tours with a Landing in New Zealand Worth the Flight

1.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238Our pick

Fly from Franz Josef over rainforest, the Franz Josef Glacier, and the Southern Alps, with about 10 minutes on an alpine landing site. Pilots such as Mark, Mike, Rachel, and Sam have been praised for calm flying and useful commentary. Snow is seasonal, so summer landings may be rocky rather than snowy.

“Unreal experience. First time I've been in a helicopter and it was so fun! I don't think there's a better way to experience the glaciers. The team was also fantastic, very friendly and knowledgeable. We loved it!”

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2.Franz Josef Town: 3-Glacier Helicopter Ride with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 145 reviews · 45 min · from $388

From Franz Josef Town, you will fly over three major glaciers with pilot commentary, spot Mount Cook and ice crevasses, then land on a snowfield for 15 minutes of photos. Pilots such as Poppy, Mark, and Edine have earned praise for calm flying and clear explanations. Weather can change the route or cancel the flight.

“The flight was awesome, the scenery beautiful even with cloudy skies, and the duration acceptable. Our original booking of 3-Glacier with Landing was changed due to weather conditions. It was all a matter of safety. We received a refund for the difference.”

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3.Milford Sound Scenic Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 2 hours · from $705

From Queenstown, fly by helicopter over Fiordland’s carved valleys, ancient forest, rivers, and Milford Sound. You’ll land near Milford for a short nature walk and Mitre Peak photo, then touch down on a glacier or snowy alpine site. Pilots such as Jeremy, Matt, and Luke have led recent flights, with commentary throughout.

“Highly recommend this experience, there’s no better way to see Milford and the mountain ranges”

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4.25mins Private Helicopter Flight in Franz Josef with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews

Fly privately over Franz Josef Glacier and Westland National Park, then land for 10 minutes on snow or alpine terrain. The flight itself lasts about 25 minutes, with 45 extra minutes for check-in and transfers. The helicopter holds up to three people in your private group, subject to weight limits.

“Amazing experience, highly recommended. It's so good to land on the snow and take in the views. We had 6 people plus the pilot in our helicopter”

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5.Glenorchy: 25-30 Minute Snow Landing Helicopter Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 25 min · from $215Best value

Take a shared helicopter flight from 35 Mull Street over Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu, then land for 10 minutes on a snow-covered alpine peak. Your English-speaking pilot chooses the landing site based on conditions. Expect assigned seating, weather changes, and room for 6 to 9 passengers.

“Amazing , Matt was great, very knowledgable, in terms of geology and local history. Very smooth flying and landing . Thank you Matt 🤲🏾”

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6.Abel Tasman National Park: Helicopter Flight with landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2h 30m

Take a private 150-minute helicopter flight from Nelson Airport over Abel Tasman National Park. Your pilot uses two-way headsets to point out golden beaches and turquoise water, then lands at remote Awaroa Bay. You can walk, swim, picnic, or visit Awaroa Lodge, which closes from late April to early October.

“Wonderful activity, great pilot & host. Magic part of the world to fly over & picnic at. Snack box just what we needed. Brilliant experience.”

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7.Glenorchy Snow Landing Helicopter Flight 30mins

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · from $223

Join Heli Glenorchy for a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight from Glenorchy, including a 10-minute snow landing in the mountains. Your pilot provides live commentary while you take photos and play in the snow. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the full outing can take up to 2 hours 30 minutes.

“A fantastic tour at a very reasonable price. i definitely recommend this trip to everybody. would like to spend some more time in Glenorky next time I visit Queenstown.”

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