Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls worth booking?
Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls is a 0.8-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $315 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $315 per person
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand on this flagship helicopter flight, departing from Glenorchy. Soar over vast valleys and winding rivers as you approach the grand and exclusive Mt Earnslaw, where tow
What you get
- Live commentary during the flight
- Pilot guide
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Scenic helicopter flight with exclsuive Earnslaw Burn landing (20 minutes)
About this experience
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand on this flagship helicopter flight, departing from Glenorchy. Soar over vast valleys and winding rivers as you approach the grand and exclusive Mt Earnslaw, where towering peaks and dramatic cliffs will leave you in awe. Glide close to the magnificent hanging Earnslaw Glacier, witnessing its stunning blue ice suspended above the valley floor. Descend into an untouched wilderness surrounded by towering rock and ice formations, embracing the feeling of being a mere speck in nature’s grandeur. - A breathtaking helicopter flight showcasing New Zealand’s natural beauty - Fly over the towering Mt Earnslaw and its stunning glacier - Witness cascading waterfalls and views of iconic Lord of the Rings locations - Opportunity to meet conservationists and learn about local wildlife preservation
What's included
Included
- Live commentary during the flight
- Pilot guide
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Scenic helicopter flight with exclsuive Earnslaw Burn landing (20 minutes)
Not included
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
The road to Glenorchy is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives, winding 46 km along the edge of Lake Whakatipu. With dramatic mountain views, native forest, and iconic film locations, it’s a breathtaking journey into the heart of the Southern Alps
Pass by without stopping
Glenorchy
Glenorchy, a charming village at the top of Lake Whakatipu, framed by towering peaks and lush native forests, is your gateway to epic hikes and iconic Middle-earth scenery. Now, see it from a whole new perspective: soar above glistening alpine landscapes and dramatic valleys, taking in sweeping views that few ever experience. This is the ultimate way to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s untouched wilderness from the air.
Pass by without stopping
Your pilot will fly you deep into the heart of the Earnslaw Burn, an exclusive and breathtaking location. Marvel at the towering waterfalls and get up close to the impressive ‘hanging’ glacier that clings dramatically to the mountainside. Then, touch down in the remote valley for an unforgettable landing, where you’ll be surrounded by cascading falls and pristine alpine beauty — a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
20 minutes here
After your unforgettable time at Mt Earnslaw, your return flight takes you over the breathtaking Rees Valley. Soar above its braided river and lush alpine meadows, framed by rugged mountain peaks. This spectacular finale offers a bird’s-eye view of one of New Zealand’s most picturesque landscapes before you land back at Glenorchy.
Pass by without stopping
Glenorchy-Queenstown Road
Descending the scenic Glenorchy Road after your Earnslaw Burn adventure offers a breathtaking perspective. The dramatic mountains and native forests now frame a landscape you've just conquered, making this drive home a vivid reflection of your high-country adventure.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
Pop into our shop to check in for your Heli Glenorchy flight. The friendly team will assist you before you'll head out to the Glenorchy Aerodrome for your unforgettable adventure.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Pop into our shop to check in for your Heli Glenorchy flight. The friendly team will assist you before you'll head out to the Glenorchy Aerodrome for your unforgettable adventure.
Options you can book
Alpine landing add-on
Alpine landing: Add an alpine landing on your return flight, experiencing a remote and stunning mountain setting (Total Duration: 60 minutes) Pickup included
Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter tour | Earnslaw Glacier & Waterfalls
Glacier landing add-on
Glacier landing add-on: Enhance your flight with an optional glacier landing, stepping onto a pristine snow icefield. Pickup included
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
- Heli Glenorchy
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Stunning views!
This tour was amazing! The conditions on our tour date were very windy, so the operator contacted us to move our tour earlier in the day. We got a bonus stop for our efforts! Beautiful flight over the Dart River and up onto a glacier. Touched down and were able to get out and walk around in the snow and admire the stunning views. Then flew down into a valley with tons of water fall. Hung out there a bit, then back. Our pilot was great with information and answering questions. He rotated the seating on the different legs so everyone got a chance to ride up front with the best view. What an incredible way to enjoy the scenery.
Response from the operator: Kia ora Kathryn! Thank you so much for sharing your experience, we loved reading this. We’re really glad our team could adjust the timing to make the most of the conditions, and it’s great to hear the extra stop added to the day. Flying over the Dart River, touching down on a glacier, and then dropping into a waterfall-filled valley is such a special way to see the landscape, and we’re so pleased you were able to fully enjoy it. Thanks again for flying with us, it means a lot, and we’re thrilled it was such a memorable way to experience the scenery.
via Viator
Awesome hike and sites of the mountains.
My wife and I had the most marvelous experience hiking in Earnslaw Burn with Donnie. It was a one of the highlights of our trip to New Zealand. The adventure begins with a helicopter journey into the Earnslaw Burn with very experienced helicopter pilot and a very experience guide, oddly from Scotland. Although we I am 71 and my wife is in her 60's we are in pretty good shape which helped with the leisurely 2 hour hike up some trails and thru some frigid streams. Make sure to wear good hiking boots. We learned so much and also enjoyed the serenity and awe inspiring mountains, waterfalls, streams and views of glaciers. It was an awesome experience. The adventure was topped of when we arrived at our end point to find chairs, lunch and even more natural splendor. Our trip home in the helicopter flew above the mountain with stupendous views and visions of the glacier feeding the streams. A must do if visiting Queenstown.
Response from the operator: Kia ora! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that your Earnslaw Burn adventure with Donnie was such a highlight of your time in New Zealand. It is great to know the hike, the scenery, and the insight from both your guide and pilot made the experience so memorable, right through to the well earned lunch at the end. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope the memories of those mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls stay with you for a long time. We would love to welcome you both back to Queenstown again one day.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome trip to a glacier and Earnslaw Burn
Awesome trip to a glacier and then onto Earnslaw Burn. Earnslaw Burn is just stunning and we spend at least 10 minutes just staring at it in awe. Definitely put Earnslaw Burn on your to do list before it goes entirely in another few years. We stopped on a glacier as well which was really special. Would definitely recommend to dona trip with heli glenorchy
Response from the operator: Kia ora Tony, Thank you for your review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your flight and the time at Earnslaw Burn, it really is a breathtaking spot. Landing on the glacier is always a highlight, and we’re happy it made your experience extra special. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Don't look any further and book this!!!
Earnslaw Burn Encounter Helicopter Tour - This is the one! Look no further and chose Heli Glenorchy! Stunning tour with the absolute best customer service, every single staff member was lovely, helpful, genuinely kind, interested and friendly to the max. The landscape speaks for itself, and was simply unbelievably beautiful. We are still coming to terms with what we were lucky enough to see and do today, and feel super grateful to all the staff today for giving us a once in a lifetime experience. We never felt rushed, service was second to none. Seriously, do yourself a favour and book your heli tour here. Amazing!
Response from the operator: Hi Gabriella -now that’s a review! 🙌 We’re absolutely buzzing that you had such an unforgettable time with us — the Earnslaw Burn never fails to deliver, and our team had a blast hosting you. Thanks for the kind words (we’re blushing!) and for choosing to fly with Heli Glenorchy. Come back anytime for round two — we’ll be ready! 🚁💙
via Tripadvisor
Helihike to Earnslaw Burn Glacier - Cannot recommend highly enough
This was the highlight of our trip to the south island. We had a Heli Hike to the Earnslaw Burns Glacier. Ethan our guide was fabulous and you had a real sense of a local company who cared deeply about their area and their customers. Matt the Pilot was fabulous and full of information as we flew. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your amazing review! We’re so glad your Earnslaw Burn Heli Hike was the highlight of your South Island trip. Ethan and Matt will be thrilled to hear your kind words! We love sharing this incredible place with our guests and truly appreciate your support. Hope to see you again for another adventure!
via Tripadvisor
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
- $315 to $875
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls cost?
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Prices start at $315 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 Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls 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 Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 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 Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls?
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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 Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls 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 Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls?
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Around 1 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 Glenorchy 50 min Helicopter Tour | Earnslaw Burn & Waterfalls 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, Award Winning Premium Wine Tour Queenstown Tasting at 4 Wineries. 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.
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