Exploring New Zealand by Helicopter Flights
07 September 2025 
There are few experiences more unforgettable than exploring New Zealand from above. With its towering peaks, sparkling lakes, active volcanoes, and icy glaciers, taking to the skies on helicopter flights offers a perspective that simply can’t be matched.
Whether you’re after quick scenic flights, a luxury wine tour, a glacier landing, or even a whale-watching adventure, helicopters make it possible to access places that are otherwise unreachable. From Fox Glacier and Franz Josef to Mount Cook, Queenstown, and beyond, here’s your guide to exploring New Zealand by air.
Helicopter Tours and Experiences in New Zealand
Scenic Flights
Scenic flights showcase the very best of New Zealand’s natural beauty. From mountains, lakes, and rivers to coastlines, you get to see everything with a bird’s-eye view. These flights often include alpine or snow landings, giving you the chance to step out into untouched wilderness.
Heli Hikes
One of the most popular activities is a heli hike. You’ll fly by helicopter onto a glacier before joining a guided trek. In Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, heli hikes take you over dramatic ice formations, crevasses, and caves that few people ever get to see.
Wine and Gin Tours
In regions like Queenstown, helicopters add an indulgent twist with heli wine tours and gin tastings. You’ll soar above vineyards before going down for a private tasting or lunch at a world-class estate.
Remote Access Adventures
Helicopter flights also allow you to land in places inaccessible by road or foot. From hidden alpine lakes to remote valleys in Fiordland, these adventures open up parts of New Zealand that feel truly untouched.
Private Charters
If you’re looking for something tailored, private charters let you design your own experience. Here, you can choose your flight path, add a landing, or combine different activities like hiking, dining, or fishing.
Book Helicopter Flight Experiences
Here are some of the incredible experiences available to book directly through See and Do New Zealand:
Grand Tour Scenic Helicopter Flight – Milford Helicopters
Grand Tour Scenic Helicopter Flight - Milford Helicopters
Milford Sound, Fiordland
Special Features: Excellent aerial views over Piopiotahi Milford Sound, Tutoko Glacier, Mitre Peak, and Lake Quill/Sutherland Falls. Stunning photo opportunities.
You get to see Piopiotahi Milford Sound like never before, with aerial views over Tutoko Glacier, Mitre Peak, and Lake Quill. This is perfect for stunning photography and unforgettable memories.
Wharekauhau Heli Lunch
Wharekauhau Heli Lunch
Wellington City, Wellington
Wellington Scenic helicopter flight to Wharekaukau Country Estate to enjoy a complementary glass of wine on arrival followed by a "Trust the Chef" gourmet degustation lunch.
From Wellington, you are flown to Wharekauhau Country Estate. You also get to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine on arrival, followed by a gourmet lunch in stunning surroundings.
White Island / Mount Tarawera ‘Volcanic Extremes’ Helicopter
White Island/ Mount Tarawera 'Volcanic Extremes' Helicopter
Rotorua
Experience “Volcanic Extremes” flying over the active crater of “Whakaari” White Island before landing on the now dormant, but extremely spectacular summit, of Mount Tarawera.
This flight takes you over the active crater of Whakaari (White Island) before landing on the dormant but dramatic summit of Mount Tarawera. This is a unique blend of history, geology, and adventure.
Kaikoura – Whale Watching Ocean Safari
Kaikoura - Whale Watching Ocean Safari
Kaikoura, Canterbury
Embark on a remarkable journey through the captivating wildlife and scenic beauty of Kaikōura aboard a helicopter. Witness the majestic sperm whales in their natural habitat, exploring them from head to tail in a truly ...
Nothing can beat taking a flight to see sperm whales from nose to tail. This immersive flight also showcases dolphins, seabirds, and the region’s stunning coastline.
Scenic Flights – Fiordland Helicopters
Scenic Flights - Fiordland Helicopters
Te Anau, Fiordland
Fiordland Helicopters was formed in the mid-1980s. With hangars in both Te Anau and Orawia (just outside of Tuatapere), we are at the doorstep of the breathtaking Fiordland region. The team offers an extensive range of ...
Operating since the 1980s, Fiordland Helicopters is a proud custodian of this remarkable landscape. They have permits to land within conservation areas and also provide exclusive access to Fiordland’s untouched wilderness.
Alpine Snow Landing
Snow Landing
Queenstown
Discover some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery by air before touching down for a snow landing on the Humboldt Mountains, with panoramic views across Glenorchy and beyond.
This flight takes you over Queenstown and beyond before landing on the Humboldt Mountains. After the flight, you step out into the snow and take in sweeping views across Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu.
Glacier Explorer – 25 Minute Franz Josef Flight
Glacier Explorer - 25minute Franz Josef Flight
Franz Josef, West Coast
This 25-minute flight includes: Franz Josef Glacier Southern Alps Mt Ellie de Beaumount An included 10-minute snow landing
This is a short but spectacular option. You are flown over Franz Josef Glacier and the Southern Alps, with a 10-minute snow landing.
Remarkables Scenic
Remarkables Scenic | 20 minute scenic flight from Queenstown
Queenstown
Queenstown looks much different from up here. Enjoy the drama of Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountains from a landing point on top of The Remarkables.
This flight soars above Queenstown and lands high on The Remarkables. From here, you can take in panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Safety and Emergency Services of Flying
While helicopter flights are generally safe and well-regulated, it’s natural for travellers to wonder about risks. New Zealand’s operators follow strict Civil Aviation Authority rules. In rare cases of a helicopter crash or emergency, highly trained emergency services and responders are on call.
The accidents are rare, but mentioning them highlights the professionalism of New Zealand’s aviation industry and the preparedness of emergency services.
Why Choose Helicopter Flights in New Zealand?
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Unmatched scenery: From glaciers to volcanoes, no other mode of travel gives you such variety.
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Bucket-list activities: Heli hikes, snow landings, and wildlife viewing are all unique experiences.
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Convenience: Quick access to places like Mount Cook, Franz Josef, or Fox Glacier.
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Customisation: Private charters let you design your dream itinerary.
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Memories: From stepping onto a remote alpine land or watching whales from above, create moments you’ll never forget.
More than Sightseeing
Exploring New Zealand by helicopter is more than just sightseeing; it’s adventure, luxury, and discovery all rolled into one. From the glaciers to the volcanic peaks, from wine country to whale watching, there’s a flight to suit every traveller.
At See and Do, we make it easy to find and book the very best experiences. Whether it’s a quick hop over Franz Josef, an indulgent heli lunch, or a full-day tour deep into Fiordland, your journey begins here.