Best of · SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS IN NEW ZEALAND

The 15 Best Scenic Helicopter Flights in New Zealand

34 flights  ·  from $104 a seat

Good scenic helicopter flights in New Zealand sell out weeks ahead and the weather takes a few of the rest. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing - From Mount Cook Aerodrome into the Tasman Valley
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Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

1.Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 25 min · from $226Our pick

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Mount Cook Aerodrome through the Tasman Valley and over a blue glacier lake. Land on a mountain in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, with views toward Aoraki Mount Cook. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary, and the small aircraft carries up to six people. Snow landings occur about 95% of the year, but are not guaranteed in summer.

“Oh my goodness WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!! It was absolutely spectacular. Our pilots Andrew and Jordan were fantastic - they made the whole experience wonderful. It’s a MUST DO in New Zealand - it was the highlight of our whole trip!!”

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Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Tour - From Paihia over Russell and Waitangi
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Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Tour

2.Bay of Islands and Hole in the Rock Scenic Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · from $206Top rated

Fly from Paihia over Russell, Waitangi, island beaches, and Cape Brett on a 20-minute Salt Air helicopter tour. Upgrade to land on the Hole in the Rock for 15 minutes, or choose the 60-minute option for a short Maori-guided nature walk. Flights carry up to five people and include pilot commentary.

“Marvellous helicopter ride. Courteous and welcoming staff. Michelle is sweet. Pilot informative and great. Thank you”

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Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - The first 10 minutes, from town to ice falls
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Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

3.Fox Glacier: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 107 reviews · 25 min · from $230

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Fox Glacier Township over crevasses, ice falls, and the Southern Alps. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary before landing on the snow for photos and alpine air. Flights carry up to six people and depend on good weather, with exact times confirmed after booking.

“The weather on the ground didn’t look good for a glacial landing, however, the pilot was still able to land. An awesome experience.”

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Queenstown: Scenic Alpine Heli-Flight - Stepping onto a remote alpine peak
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Queenstown: Scenic Alpine Heli-Flight

4.Scenic Alpine Heli-Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 88 reviews · 35 min · from $239

Take a 35-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters. After a safety briefing, fly over the Queenstown Basin and historic Skippers Canyon, then land on a mountain peak for photographs. Pilots such as Alfie, Jeremy, Michael, and Jono are praised for clear commentary and calm, friendly service.

“Amazing experience even on a cloudy day. Beautiful country and great pilot/tour guide.”

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Wanaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Experience - The first climb above Wanaka
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Wanaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Experience

5.Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 35 min · from $269

Fly from Aspiring Helicopters near Wanaka for 35 minutes over glacial valleys, rugged peaks, and the start of the Shotover River. Your pilot chooses either Isobel or Tyndall glacier for a 10-minute snow landing. Expect a small group, window seats for everyone, and friendly English commentary.

“Possibly one of the best experiences of my life. Worth every dollar.”

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Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight - Franz Josef, Fox, and Murchison glaciers from above
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Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

6.Franz Josef: Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $416

Board a twin-engine helicopter in Franz Josef for a 40-minute flight over Franz Josef, Fox and Murchison glaciers. Your pilot provides live commentary before landing on a snowfield at about 7,000 feet. Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes, and allow for weather changes, since flights may be delayed, shortened, or rescheduled.

“Sadly, due to constant bad weather, the flight was taken from Glentanner Park, Mt Cook, a week later. The experience was well worth the wait. thank you for an easy and reliable booking service.”

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Queenstown: The Grand Circle Scenic Helicopter Flight - Following the Shotover River toward Skippers Canyon
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Queenstown: The Grand Circle Scenic Helicopter Flight

7.The Grand Circle Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · from $308

Fly over Queenstown, the Shotover River, Coronet Peak, and the Wakatipu Basin in a six-passenger helicopter. Your pilot provides commentary before landing in the Remarkables at about 1,537 metres for roughly 10 minutes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and pilots such as Jono have earned praise for their friendly help.

“This is a fantastic way to explore Queenstown, or anywhere for that matter. This was a highlight of my holiday. I’d definitely do this again.”

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Fox Glacier Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight - The Flight Route: Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman Glaciers
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Fox Glacier Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

8.Fox Glacier Mountain Scenic Spectacular 40-Min Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 26 reviews · from $416

Take a 40-minute helicopter flight from Fox Glacier over the Southern Alps, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Tasman Glacier, and Aoraki Mt. Cook. Your pilot provides live commentary, then lands on a Fox Glacier snowfield at about 7,000 feet for a 10-minute walk and photographs before returning via the coastal rainforest and Tasman Sea.

“An exciting experience but scary! Your life is in the hands of the expert pilot. Superb views.”

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Scenic Wellington Helicopter Flight - What you see first: Wellington’s civic center
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Scenic Wellington Helicopter Flight

9.Scenic Wellington Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · from $108

Meet at TSB Arena on Queens Wharf for a nine-minute Wellington Helicopters flight above the capital. You’ll wear a headset for pilot commentary and may see Parliament, Te Papa, the harbor, forests, coast, and, on a clear day, the Marlborough Sounds and Southern Alps. Flights run morning or afternoon, weather permitting.

“First time in a Helicopter and it didn't dissapoint. So cool to see Wellington city from 3000ft. Our pilot was friendly, kind and very knowledgeable. We felt we were in safe hands. Totally worth the money. Great experience.”

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Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour - The Red Zone from above
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Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour

10.Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 21 reviews · from $217

From Christchurch Airport, Garden City Helicopters takes you over central Christchurch, the Red Zone, Cathedral Square, Lyttelton Harbour, Diamond Harbour, Quail Island, Port Hills, Godley Head, Sumner, and New Brighton. Your pilot provides live commentary. Flights carry no more than four passengers and depend on weather, aircraft weight, and minimum numbers.

“I booked this for my son and his gf/partner. They absolutely loved it and couldn’t stop talking about how lovely everyone was and what a great afternoon it was.”

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Wellington Helicopters Scenic Harbour Flight - Matiu/Somes Island and the outer harbour
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Wellington Helicopters Scenic Harbour Flight

11.Wellington Helicopters Scenic Harbour Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 19 reviews · 15 min · from $178

Take a 15-minute helicopter flight over Wellington Harbour with an English-speaking pilot and audio guide. See Matiu/Somes Island, Zealandia, Cook Strait, Te Papa, the Beehive, and Wellington Stadium in a small group of up to six. Weather can affect departure, so keep your schedule flexible.

“It was a really fun time, a little bit nerve wracking with the Wellington winds however our pilot reassured everyone and had us all laughing! Great experience”

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Milford Sound Scenic Helicopter Flight with Landing - The flight from Queenstown across Fiordland
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Milford Sound Scenic Helicopter Flight with Landing

12.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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Wellington Helicopter Scenic Flight - Te Papa, The Beehive, and the Cake Tin
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Wellington Helicopter Scenic Flight

13.Wellington Helicopter Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 14 reviews · 9 min · from $104Best value

Take a 9-minute helicopter flight from central Wellington with a professional English-speaking pilot, safety briefing, and small groups of up to six. Look down on Te Papa, The Beehive, the Cake Tin, and the harbour. On a clear day, you may see across Cook Strait toward the Marlborough Sounds.

“I had to cancel because of COVID, I was told that refund in 2-3 working days, over a week later still waiting for my refund. Would like to rebook but not going to if no refund this time. Very disappointed.”

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Wānaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight Wānaka Max - Leaving Wānaka behind
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Wānaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight Wānaka Max

14.Wānaka: Scenic Helicopter Flight Wānaka Max

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 45 min · from $298

Take a 45-minute helicopter flight from Wānaka with two alpine landings, including Coromandel Peak, Mt Roy, if available. Your English-speaking pilot points out the Matukituki River, Mount Aspiring, Mou Waho’s lake within a lake, Lake Hāwea, and Stevensons Arm. Expect a small-group flight with time for photographs and mountain views.

“The highlight of our 2.5-week trip to New Zealand was undoubtedly landing on Mt. Roy. The experience was absolutely breathtaking, and we captured some of our best photos, all thanks to our amazing pilot!”

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Mount Cook: 50-Minute Aoraki Scenic Helicopter Flight - A 50-minute view of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
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Mount Cook: 50-Minute Aoraki Scenic Helicopter Flight

15.Mount Cook: 50-Minute Aoraki Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 10 reviews · 50 min · from $499

Take a 50-minute helicopter flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park with Southern Lakes Helicopters. You will see three glaciers, Lake Pukaki, and, weather permitting, both coasts of New Zealand’s South Island. The highlight is a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier, where you can step out among ice, snow, and mountain silence.

“Were seated in the middle of the back and couldn’t see anything”

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New in Scenic Helicopter Flights in New Zealand

★ 4.8Scenic South Coast Discovery Helicopter FlightFrom $2554 reviews
★ 5.0Wānaka: Helicopter Scenic Flight Wānaka ExperienceFrom $2094 reviews
★ 4.5Taste of Fiordland // Helicopter Scenic Flight from Te AnauFrom $2455 reviews
★ 5.0Scenic Helicopter & Kepler Guided Hike from Te Anau with LunchFrom $4833 reviews
★ 5.0Doubtful And Dusky Sound Helicopter Scenic Flight from Te AnauFrom $9614 reviews
★ 5.0Dusky Sound // Helicopter Scenic FlightFrom $6172 reviews
★ 5.0Queenstown Helicopter Tour: Glacier Landing and Scenic ViewsFrom $4904 reviews
★ 5.0Heli-Scenic Nelson Mountain Adventure3 reviews
★ 5.030 minute Tasman Experience – scenic helicopter flightFrom $2532 reviews
★ 5.0Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier LandingFrom $3783 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Grand Tour Helicopter Scenic Flight Departing from Milford SoundFrom $5554 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Panoramic Helicopter Tour | 50-Min ExperienceFrom $4662 reviews
★ 5.036 min scenic helicopter flight – Coast to CoastFrom $3583 reviews

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