Introduction: A Unique Aerial Adventure in New Zealand’s South Island
If you’re dreaming of a scenic adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes with a dash of exclusivity, the Queenstown Helicopter Tour to Earnslaw Burn might just be your ideal escape. This tour offers a chance to soar over rugged mountains, ancient glaciers, and cascading waterfalls, culminating in an exclusive landing in a remote alpine valley.
Two things we particularly love are the chance to land in a place only accessible by helicopter, and the stunning variety of scenery, from snowy peaks in winter to lush waterfalls in summer. That said, it’s worth considering that this experience is weather-dependent and involves shared helicopter flights, which may impact your preferred seating or schedule.
This tour is perfect for travelers who crave a once-in-a-lifetime view of New Zealand’s wild beauty without the trek. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate unique photo opportunities, love film settings from The Lord of the Rings, or just want a memorable adventure high above the ordinary.
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Contents
- Introduction: A Unique Aerial Adventure in New Zealand’s South Island
- Key Points
- The Experience: Flying High Over Queenstown’s Wilderness
- The Flight Over Skippers Canyon
- Approaching Earnslaw Burn
- The Exclusive Landing
- Seasonal Variations
- Additional Highlights and Practical Details
- What’s Included & What to Bring
- Pricing & Value
- Who Would Love This Tour?
- The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Queenstown
- More Helicopter Tours in Queenstown
- More Tours in Queenstown
- More Tour Reviews in Queenstown
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Queenstown we have recnetly reviewed
Key Points
- Exclusive landing at Earnslaw Burn, only accessible with Heliworks Queenstown.
- Stunning views of a hanging glacier and waterfalls, famous from films.
- Scenic flight over Skippers Canyon and historic gold mining landscapes.
- Seasonal magic: icy blue glaciers in winter, lush waterfalls in summer.
- Small group feel with shared helicopter, creating an intimate experience.
- Weather dependent, so flexibility is recommended.
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The Experience: Flying High Over Queenstown’s Wilderness
This helicopter adventure starts at 64 Grant Road, conveniently near Queenstown city center. From here, you’ll board a helicopter with a small group, typically ranging between 6 and 9 passengers. The flight commences with a scenic tour over Queenstown’s surrounding landscapes, offering your first glimpse of the rugged terrain that makes this part of New Zealand so special.
The Flight Over Skippers Canyon
Your journey begins with a glide over Skippers Canyon, a historic gold-mining route carved into the mountainside, known for its spectacular narrow gorges and striking schist slopes. The views here are dramatic, and you might find yourself wishing for a camera with a wide-angle lens. The canyon’s rugged beauty has earned it fame, and you’ll pass by remnants of past gold rush days, which add a touch of history to the scenery.
Reviewers consistently highlight the “amazing aerial views of the canyon and the old mining relics” that make this part of the flight memorable. The flight over here sets an energetic tone, hinting at the wild beauty awaiting below.
Approaching Earnslaw Burn
After the canyon, the helicopter descends toward the Earnslaw Burn, a valley so remote and pristine that only Heliworks is permitted to land here. As the helicopter approaches, the landscape shifts dramatically — towering peaks surround a deep, glacier-fed valley. The star of the show is the hanging glacier, a captivating mass of ice that seems to cling impossibly to the mountain face.
This is where the experience takes on a sense of wonder. The views are not just beautiful — they’re extraordinary. The glacier’s deep blue tones and the waterfalls that cascade from melting ice make for eye-catching photographs. In warm months, these waterfalls pour freely, adding a lively dimension to the landscape, while in winter, the glacier becomes even more impressive, with snow covering the peaks and the icy blue glacier revealing its full depth.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Exclusive Landing
This is the only part of the experience where you set foot on the ground. The landing at Earnslaw Burn is an unforgettable highlight, offering a rare opportunity to step into one of New Zealand’s untouched wildernesses. You’ll get a few moments to soak in the silence and take photos of the towering glaciers and waterfalls all around.
Travelers have called this a “once-in-a-lifetime experience,” and it’s easy to see why. The fact that only Heliworks Queenstown is authorized to land here adds an element of exclusivity that makes the journey even more special. The location has appeared in major film productions, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, which adds a layer of cinematic magic to the scenery.
Seasonal Variations
Depending on the time of year, your experience will differ somewhat. In winter (June to August), snowfall blankets the valley, and the glacier becomes a stunning, icy blue spectacle. Waterfalls may be less prominent in colder months, but the sheer icy grandeur more than compensates. Travelers often describe the winter views as “magically pristine.”
In the warmer months, meltwater creates numerous waterfalls around the glacier, providing a lively, dynamic landscape. The lushness of summer makes the scenery feel less stark but equally impressive.
Additional Highlights and Practical Details
The flight includes a photo stop—about 20 minutes—at the glacier, giving you ample opportunity to capture these iconic vistas without rushing. Afterwards, the helicopter returns to Queenstown, passing by more scenic points and historic gold mining remnants, offering an informative and visually rich experience.
The entire activity lasts about one hour, from departure to return, making it a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing or outdoor adventure in Queenstown. The tour is rated 4.8 out of 5, reflecting high traveler satisfaction, especially for the exclusivity and scenery.
What’s Included & What to Bring
You’ll be flying in a shared helicopter, so expect to share the space with fellow adventurers. Seating is assigned based on weight and balance, which is standard for helicopter safety but means you won’t get to pick your exact seat.
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing (especially if you’re visiting in winter), and your camera—this is a landscape you’ll want to remember vividly. Since weather is a crucial factor, flights are subject to operational and safety conditions; a clear day is ideal for the best views. Cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund, offering some flexibility.
Pricing & Value
While the price might seem steep, it’s worth considering the value of exclusive access combined with the breathtaking scenery and memorable experience. Landing in a remote glacier valley that film crews and very few others have seen offers an adventure that’s as much about the experience as the cost.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This helicopter ride is perfect for those who enjoy outdoor beauty that feels untouched, and who aren’t afraid of a little adventure. It appeals greatly to photographers, film buffs, and nature lovers wanting a view that’s more spectacular than what’s accessible by foot. It’s also suitable for people who value small-group experiences and flexible booking options.
The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?
For anyone who wants to see the raw, majestic beauty of New Zealand’s alpine wilderness, this tour delivers in spades. The combination of aerial views, exclusive landings, and stunning glaciers makes it a treasured memory for many travelers. Its limited availability and weather dependency mean it’s a bit of a gamble, but when conditions align, the payoff is extraordinary.
This experience is best suited for those who want a rare glimpse of untouched nature, especially if they’re keen on photo opportunities or a cinematic setting. It’s less about comfort and more about the thrill of soaring into remote landscapes few get to see firsthand—truly a highlight for adventurous spirits.
Queenstown Helicopter Tour | 1hr Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience, including flight and landing, is about 1 hour.
Where does the tour start?
It departs from 64 Grant Road, conveniently close to Queenstown.
How many people are in the helicopter?
You’ll be sharing with 6 to 9 passengers, creating a small-group atmosphere.
Can I choose my seat?
Seats are assigned based on weight and balance for safety reasons, so specific seats aren’t guaranteed.
Is the flight weather-dependent?
Yes, all flights depend on weather conditions. Routes and landing sites may be adjusted or rescheduled for safety.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Is this activity accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What makes this tour special compared to others?
The exclusive landing at Earnslaw Burn, combined with breathtaking views of the glacier and waterfalls, sets this apart. It’s a rare opportunity to step into a film-worthy landscape only accessible by helicopter.
In summary, this Queenstown helicopter tour to Earnslaw Burn offers an unbeatable combination of adventure, exclusivity, and scenery. Whether you’re a keen photographer, an avid explorer, or simply seeking a highlight of your New Zealand trip, it’s a memorable way to connect with the wild, untouched beauty of this extraordinary corner of the world.
You can check availability for your dates here:
