50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 163 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown worth booking?
50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown is a 0.8-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $559 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 163 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (163)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $559 per person
Take off from Queenstown on an unforgettable journey through some of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. Soar above the rugged cliffs of Skippers Canyon and the braided rivers of the Rees Valley before venturing deep into Mt Aspiring National Park. Marvel at dramatic glaciers, impressive ice falls and hidden alpine lakes before continuing to the awe-inspiring Earnslaw Burn. Here, a unique ‘hanging’ glacier feeds countless waterfalls that tumble into the valley below – an otherworldly scene made famous in The Lord of the Rings. Your adventure includes an exhilarating glacier*, where you’ll step out into untouched wilderness to capture once-in-a-lifetime photos surrounded by towering peaks and pristine ice. This remarkable flight offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, cinematic views, and thrilling alpine adventure. A true highlight of any Queenstown visit.
What you get
About this experience
Take off from Queenstown on an unforgettable journey through some of the South Island’s most spectacular alpine landscapes. Soar above the rugged cliffs of Skippers Canyon and the braided rivers of the Rees Valley before venturing deep into Mt Aspiring National Park. Marvel at dramatic glaciers, impressive ice falls and hidden alpine lakes before continuing to the awe-inspiring Earnslaw Burn. Here, a unique ‘hanging’ glacier feeds countless waterfalls that tumble into the valley below – an otherworldly scene made famous in The Lord of the Rings. Your adventure includes an exhilarating glacier*, where you’ll step out into untouched wilderness to capture once-in-a-lifetime photos surrounded by towering peaks and pristine ice. This remarkable flight offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, cinematic views, and thrilling alpine adventure. A true highlight of any Queenstown visit.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- anding and/or facility fees
- Headsets to hear the pilot clearly
Not included
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
What you'll see and do
Mount Aspiring National Park
Enjoy a landing on top of a snowy glacier .
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infants will be charged at the child rate (0-3 years old sit on adults lap)
- Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers must supply accurate weights upon booking.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 163 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
6 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
163 verified traveler reviews for 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great views great organisation
This was our first helicopter flight … for both of us. It was amazing. The flight was awesome. The guide and pilot was great he shared so much about the area and well when we landed on the glacier was super helpful as we stumbled around. Was so worth doing worth every penny. The welcome from the staff in the office second to none. Great job team
Response from the operator: Hi there, thanks for such a lovely review! We're thrilled your first helicopter flight was such a memorable experience. It's great to hear you enjoyed the views, learned a bit about the area and felt well looked after by the team, both in the air and on the ground. Kind regards, the GSLH team.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome experience and one we won't ever forget
As soon as you walk through the door the staff at reception were very helpful with flight information, safety brief ect. Our pilot Luke was very informative and knowledgeable about the area. It was definitely the highlight of our trip with breath taking scenery. Luke has the best job in the world. We loved every minute, it was awesome. Great way to spend 50 minutes! Would highly recommend. Tom and Lynn
Response from the operator: Hi Tom and Lynn, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear the Glacier Explorer was a highlight of your trip and that Luke helped make the experience so memorable. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to him. We’re so glad you loved every minute! Kind regards, the GSLH team.
via Tripadvisor
Best thing to do in Queenstown.
Best thing i did in Queenstown by far. The receptionist did everything their power to get us on a flight even creating a new time. Pilot was awesome made everyone feel comfortable and made sure the experience was everything it could be. The flight was smooth and Glacier landing was fantastic. Thank you the all the staff.
Response from the operator: Hi Wayne, thanks for the awesome review! We’re so glad the team could make the flight happen for you and that you enjoyed every moment. It’s fantastic to hear you felt comfortable with your pilot and loved the glacier landing. We’ll pass your thanks on to the team! Kind regards, the GSLH team.
via Tripadvisor
Limited mobility people
The staff were wonderful very kind and respectful to all us customers. The helicopter pilot and other staff was very helpful with my husband who has low mobility and uses a walking stick, we can't thank you enough for helping him get in and out of the helicopter and onto the snow.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased to hear our team could assist your husband and help make the experience comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Looking after our guests and making the experience accessible wherever possible is incredibly important to us. We’re so glad you had a wonderful time! Kind regards, the GSLH team.
via Tripadvisor
Good vibes and views
Staff were friendly and very knowledgeable of the areas, smooth landing on the glacier and beautiful sights.
Response from the operator: Hi Rily, Thanks so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the incredible views, glacier landing and the knowledge of our team. It’s great to hear you had such a smooth and enjoyable experience with us! Kind regards, the GSLH team.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $559 to $960
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 57
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.9.
See everything Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters runsWhy this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown cost?
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Prices start at $559 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown take?
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Plan for about 0.8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.
Is 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 163 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 0.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown?
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Around 57 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 0.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Queenstown?
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On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Queenstown?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Queenstown?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; GST (Goods and Services Tax); anding and/or facility fees; and Headsets to hear the pilot clearly. Not included: Souvenir photos (available to purchase). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 13 listed pickup locations in and around Queenstown. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants will be charged at the child rate (0-3 years old sit on adults lap). If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about 50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown?
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Across 163 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling, organization. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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