New Zealand’s South Island is well-known for its cooler climes, snow days, and the Southern Alps stretching along much of its length.
Perhaps nowhere in the South Island is more popular as a travel destination than Queenstown. It’s local to so many different amazing spots, making it an attractive option for travellers who want to explore the best of what the region has to offer, like visiting world-class glaciers or the tallest mountain from Queenstown with our scenic flights.
If you’re planning your trip down, you might want to consider booking one of the many heli flights Queenstown has to offer. This iconic skiing town is within range of many amazing sights, all an easy jaunt away by air. To help you plan your trip, we’re reviewing three incredible helicopter flight experiences. Strap in, it’s time for take-off!
Mt Cook Heliski
First up is the Mt Cook Heliski tour. One of the most iconic heli flights available, this trip in the Southern Alps is known as a must-do for snow lovers.
Our connection to this tour leaves once a day, at 8 am, from Queenstown Airport. You can expect plenty of commentary on our fixed-wing scenic flight from Queenstown to Glentanner, capped off by a perfect handoff to our partners, Alpine Guides. From there, it’s all aboard the helicopter. You’ll be safely flown up in groups of up to four guests at a time. Then, you’ll disembark on some of New Zealand’s highest helicopter landing areas. From there, it’s a full day of skiing some of the region’s best, longest runs.
This is a perfect opportunity for strong intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders keen on thrill and adventure. Spend the day skiing or snowboarding some rare slopes with a safety team on hand, bookended by our stunning scenic flights to soak in all those panoramic views.
Franz Josef/Tasman Heli Hike
One of the most popular tours, this heli hike package allows you to spend time with an expert guide on the alpine glacier of your choice. At True South Flights, we offer daily flight departures to connect with both the Franz Josef and the Tasman Glacier tours.
For this tour, we will fly you from Queenstown airport to the township nearest your chosen glacier before you board the helicopter. You’ll always be guaranteed a window seat on our fixed-wing portion of the tour, so prepare your cameras for stunning views! Once you arrive on the glacier, you will be provided with crampons, boots, socks, and ice axes to hike across the ice.
You’ll spend up to two hours on the ice itself, but depending on the weather, this can vary. Glaciers are constantly changing, so no two tours are the same. Expect towering ice sculptures, ice caves, and kilometres of stunning snow stretching out ahead.
Remember that the Franz Josef/Tasman heli hike tours may be swapped out by your tour operator as necessary. Weather in the Alps can be unpredictable, and occasionally, tours will be redirected to another glacier; however, each glacier is as stunning as the next.
If weather permits, you can top off your day with a scenic fixed-wing flight via Mt. Aspiring back to Queenstown Airport, where you can finish the day cosied up in your chosen accommodation.
Helicopter Glacier Landing
Looking for a customisable option that offers you a personal trip to your chosen glacier? No skiing prowess or hiking fitness required, just a gentle landing on a particular glacier? True South Flights has you covered. In partnership with a variety of helicopter companies in Mt Cook, we offer daily departures from Queenstown and a selection of incredible South Island scenic flights, including glacier landings.
On this trip, our pilots will fly you and your guests up the main spine of the Southern Alps to either Glentanner or Franz Josef Township. From there, you’ll hop a ride on the helicopter and touch down on the glacial surface.
This is not a full hiking or skiing experience. Instead, this is ideal for anyone who wants to take in this stunning natural view, touch snow that very few people ever get to see, and take some photos that will last them for a lifetime. Our goal is to help you see as much of the landscape as possible so your return flight will take a different path.
The best part? This trip is customisable. We offer several other flight durations and options, so we can tailor a flight and helicopter combination to meet your needs and budget.
There you have it! You’re well on your way to experiencing the ultimate heli-flight adventure in Queenstown. Whether you want to see the jewel of the Southern Alps from the sky or dream of hiking an iconic glacier, it’s all possible with the right helicopter flight.
If you need help choosing between the many heli flights Queenstown has to offer or wish to book a custom charter, reach out to the team at True South Flights.
Experience the South Island like you never have before.
Fly over the glaciers or drop onto the slopes of Mount Cook, get up close and personal with the Alps, and experience the South Island from a whole new angle. Searching for the best heli flights Queenstown has on offer? Contact us and book your next adventure with True South Flights today.