
Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 145 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight worth booking?
Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight is a 0.8-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $517 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 145 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (145)
- Duration
- 0.8 hours
- From
- $517 per person
Soar over the majestic Southern Alps on a 50-minute breathtaking helicopter flight from Queenstown. Discover the mystery of Lake Wakatipu's northern shores, before experiencing a snow landing on the distinctive Jura Glacier. Stand in snow surrounded by high mountain peaks and bush covered valleys as you admire unparalleled views of Mount Aspiring and the mighty Rees and Dart River valleys.
What you get
About this experience
Soar over the majestic Southern Alps on a 50-minute breathtaking helicopter flight from Queenstown. Discover the mystery of Lake Wakatipu's northern shores, before experiencing a snow landing on the distinctive Jura Glacier. Stand in snow surrounded by high mountain peaks and bush covered valleys as you admire unparalleled views of Mount Aspiring and the mighty Rees and Dart River valleys.
What's included
Included
- New Zealand's Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5-10 minutes)
- Professionally trained pilots have specific experience flying in New Zealand's alpine environment
- Informative commentary during the flight
- Hotel pick up and drop off from centrally located Queenstown hotels
Not included
- Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
From our base venture to the Southern Alps the spiny mountain range that divides the South Island.
Pass by without stopping
Mount Aspiring National Park
Witness first hand Mount Aspiring, vast untouched tracts of native forest and ancient glacial icefalls before landing amongst the snow-capped peaks of the Mount Aspiring National Park.
Pass by without stopping
Mount Aspiring National Park
Soar above untouched native forests and glacial icefalls.
Pass by without stopping
Lake Wakatipu
Soar above the spectacular Lake Wakatipu
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Queenstown
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 60 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 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Totally Tourism - The Helicopter Line
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is recommended that warm clothing and suitable footwear be worn on this tour due to cold temperatures. Moderate fitness is required.
- The fleet consists predominately of European AS355 Twin Engine Squirrels (seats 06 passengers plus pilot). They are ideal aircraft for scenic flights, with an open plan cabin making for excellent views for all passengers. The Helicopter Line has the highest levels of Civil Aviation Authority certification for scenic helicopter operations, this involves regular monitoring and audit of all aspects of the operations.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 144 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
144 verified traveler reviews for Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Cannot recommend this tour enough!
Outstanding tour and even better pilot. He was very knowledgeable and informative about the sites and structures as well as local wildlife. The whole team was well oiled and efficient and safety driven both before, during and after the flight which was reassuring.
via Viator
Glacier flight with snow landing
Amazing flight to see the glaciers up close and the snow landing was a great photo opportunity. Very smooth flight with Pete. Highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Cool experience but wouldn't recommend for solo travellers
I would not recommend this tour for solo travelers. During my experience, I was traveling alone while sharing the flight with two couples. The pilot required two people to sit in the front of the helicopter, and both couples were given the opportunity to sit in the front and enjoy the better view. I was relegated to the back of the helicopter for both the outbound and return flights, missing out on the same experience and view. I am very disappointed because we all paid the same amount, yet I was not given an equal opportunity to enjoy the tour. I understand that seat adjustments are necessary for weight balance, but I wasn't made aware of this when booking, and I'm disappointed not to have received an equal experience. The helicopter flight itself was very good, and both the take-off and landing were completely smooth. The glacier landing was cool as well, and it matched the description at the time of booking.
via Tripadvisor
Would recommend!
This was absolutely one of my favorite things that we did in Queenstown, and Sam the pilot was fantastic!
via Viator
Amazing helicopter experience
Great experience for me and my teenage kid
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
- $517 to $933
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 51
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Totally Tourism - The Helicopter Line, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.1.
See everything Totally Tourism - The Helicopter Line runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.
How much does Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight cost?
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Prices start at $517 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 Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight 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 Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 145 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 Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight?
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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 Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight 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 Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight?
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Around 51 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 Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight 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 Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight?
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Included: New Zealand's Goods and Services Tax (GST); Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5-10 minutes); Professionally trained pilots have specific experience flying in New Zealand's alpine envi; Informative commentary during the flight; and Hotel pick up and drop off from centrally located Queenstown hotels. Not included: Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 42 listed pickup locations in and around Queenstown. Be ready about 60 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight 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 Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight?
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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 Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight 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 Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50 Minute Helicopter Flight?
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Across 145 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, organization, value for money. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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