6 Hours – Queenstowns Helicopter Gin Tour

Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, offers an extraordinary 6-hour experience that combines the thrill of a helicopter ride with the delights of artisanal gin. This unique Helicopter Gin Tour takes travelers on a journey through the region’s stunning landscapes, where they’ll indulge in gin tastings, explore the gin-making process, and savor locally-sourced delicacies. With a maximum of 14 participants, the tour promises an intimate and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour might just be the perfect opportunity to discover Queenstown from a new and captivating perspective.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Helicopter Flights And Tours In Queenstown.

Key Points

• A scenic helicopter flight with a mountain landing, providing breathtaking views of Queenstown’s landscapes.
• Gin tastings at three unique locations, including Cardrona Distillery, a winery in Arrowtown, and the Gin Garden by Broken Heart.
• Shared grazing board and Garman tarte flambees for lunch, enhancing the overall gin-tasting experience.
• Convenient pickup service from various hotels and bus stops in Queenstown and Frankton, ensuring a seamless start to the tour.
• Suitable for a maximum of 14 travelers, offering an intimate and personalized experience.

Tour Overview

The Queenstown Helicopter Gin Tour combines a scenic helicopter flight with a gin-tasting experience, offering participants a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island while enjoying the region’s renowned gin offerings.

The tour begins with a scenic helicopter flight to the Crown Range, where guests enjoy their first gin and tonic against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain vistas.

Next, the group visits the Cardrona Distillery to learn about the art of gin-making and participate in a tasting.

The experience continues at a winery in Arrowtown with a shared grazing board before concluding at the Gin Garden by Broken Heart in Arthurs Point.

This immersive gin-focused adventure promises an unforgettable day in Queenstown.

Inclusions

This helicopter gin tour includes a scenic helicopter flight with a mountain landing, where participants can enjoy their first gin and tonic while taking in the breathtaking views. It also features gin tastings at three unique locations – the Cardrona Distillery, a winery in Arrowtown, and the Gin Garden by Broken Heart in Arthurs Point. Plus, the tour provides a shared grazing board and Garman tarte flambees for lunch.

Inclusions	Details
Helicopter Flight	Scenic flight with mountain landing
Gin Tastings	Three unique locations
Lunch	Shared platters and Garman tarte flambees

The tour also includes air-conditioned transportation with WiFi, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for all participants.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup is available from various hotels and bus stops in Queenstown and Frankton, with the meeting point at The Helicopter Line, 29 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand.

The tour starts promptly at 12:30 PM and accommodates a maximum of 14 travelers. Participants should arrive on time to ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventures.

The tour’s pickup service makes it convenient for guests to join the experience, eliminating the need for independent transportation. This allows everyone to sit back, relax, and fully enjoy the gin-tasting and helicopter tour.

Whether you’re staying in Queenstown or Frankton, the pickup service ensures a seamless start to this unique and exciting activity.

Additional Information

Participants mustn’t exceed a total weight of 276 lbs per passenger, and a valid passport or New Zealand driver’s license is recommended as proof of minimum drinking age of 18 years.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is located near public transportation, and pregnant travelers are advised against participation.

Cancellations made up to 24 hours before the experience starts are fully refundable, and should the tour be canceled due to weather, guests can opt for a road tour with a partial refund.

The tour is highly rated, with a 5.0 score based on 8 reviews, and the host expresses their gratitude to past participants for choosing Altitude Tours.

Reviews

Reviewers consistently praise the Queenstown Helicopter Gin Tour, awarding it a 5.0 rating based on 8 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor. Guests are thrilled with the experience, describing it as ‘an awesome time’ and expressing gratitude to the pilot and van driver.

The tour provides a unique blend of sightseeing, gin tastings, and local cuisine that leaves a lasting impression. Participants appreciate the opportunity to visit multiple gin distilleries and enjoy a scenic helicopter flight with a mountain landing.

The inclusion of a shared grazing board and Garman tarte flambees adds to the overall enjoyment of the experience. The Queenstown Helicopter Gin Tour consistently delivers exceptional value and a memorable adventure.

Scenic Helicopter Flight

The scenic helicopter flight takes passengers on a breathtaking journey over the dramatic landscapes of Queenstown, New Zealand. Departing from the Helicopter Line in Frankton, the tour whisks travelers up and away, offering unparalleled aerial views of the snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and shimmering lakes that define this stunning region.

The experience includes:

• A landing on the Crown Range, where guests enjoy their first gin and tonic while taking in the panoramic vistas.

• Aerial perspectives of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.

• Glimpses of historic mining sites and quaint rural communities.

• The chance to spot native wildlife, such as red deer and the elusive kea bird.

Gin Tastings

After the scenic helicopter flight, the tour takes guests to three distinct locations for an immersive gin-tasting experience.

First, they enjoy their initial gin and tonic while admiring the panoramic mountain vistas from the Crown Range landing site.

The tour then proceeds to the Cardrona Distillery, where participants learn about the artisanal gin-making process and sample a variety of the distillery’s finest gins.

The experience continues at a winery in Arrowtown, where guests indulge in a shared grazing board paired with Garman tarte flambees.

The tour concludes at the Gin Garden by Broken Heart in Arthurs Point, where they can further savor the flavors of locally crafted gin cocktails.

Shared Platters and Lunch

Participants can enjoy a delectable shared grazing board and Garman tarte flambees at a winery in Arrowtown, providing a satisfying accompaniment to the gin tastings. This culinary experience rounds out the tour, complementing the flavors of the various gins sampled throughout the day.

The shared platters feature a selection of:

• Cured meats
• Artisanal cheeses
• Fresh seasonal produce
• Homemade breads and dips

Lunch isn’t included in the tour, as participants are encouraged to have a meal prior to the experience. However, the shared platters and Garman tarte flambees ensure that guests are well-fed and can fully savor the gin-tasting journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks on the Tour?

Participants cannot bring their own food or drinks on the tour. The tour includes all necessary inclusions, such as gin tastings, shared platters, and alcoholic beverages. Bringing outside items is not permitted.

What Happens if I Have Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

If a participant has dietary restrictions or allergies, they should inform the tour provider in advance. The provider can accommodate special dietary needs by offering alternative food options during the shared grazing portions of the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues. Participants are required to walk and navigate uneven terrain during the helicopter landing and at the distillery and winery.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Helicopter Flight?

Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the helicopter flight. However, the pilot may provide guidance on when it’s safe to do so based on the flight conditions. Guests should follow the pilot’s instructions for their own safety.

Do I Need to Purchase Any Additional Insurance for the Tour?

No, additional insurance is not required for this tour. The tour operator likely provides the necessary liability and safety coverage. Participants should confirm the insurance details with the tour provider before booking, just to be safe.

Recap

This Queenstown Helicopter Gin Tour offers an unforgettable 6-hour experience.

Guests will soar over stunning landscapes, indulge in artisanal gin tastings, savor local cuisine, and sip handcrafted cocktails.

With a small group size, the tour ensures an intimate and memorable adventure.

Whether you’re a gin enthusiast or seeking a unique sightseeing experience, this comprehensive package delivers an exceptional way to explore Queenstown’s natural beauty and vibrant culinary scene.