Things to do in South Island, New Zealand: The Best Helicopter Tours

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to Franz Josef or Tasman Glacier is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the upper Franz Josef icefall or on the Tasman glacier itself. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.

Inclusions: Hiking boots and crampons are provided, Air-conditioned vehicle

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Includes: 1 Alpine Lift from our hangar at Queenstown Airport, fly up to the Remarkables Mountain range, where the helicopter will land and shutdown, so you can experience the complete serenity of the area.  Experience the view and snap the ultimate photograph, one mile high. Views over the mountain vista, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding Wakatipu basin.

Inclusions: Scenic Helicopter tour, Alpine landing with helicopter shut down to experience complete serenity of the surrounds, Amazing opportunity to capture the most photographic scenery in New Zealand, Applicable National park, landing and facility fees, Complimentary Hotel pickup and drop-off, Complimentary car parking, Luxury and pristine range of helicopters within the fleet, Shared or private helicopter options available

Exclusions: Food and beverages - options available to pre purchase, Gratuities

Discover the picturesque Southern Alps, one of New Zealand's most iconic land features. Fly over the immense checkerboard of the Canterbury Plains, across the tresses of the braided Waimakiriri River and to the sheer sides of a steep gorge to touch down at Chest Peak. Sitting at just under 6,500ft, the peak dwarfs most other mountains in the region. Take in breathtaking, 360 degree vistas stretching from as far as the eye can see, including the Blockbuster backdrops of Castle Hill, the Lees Valley, Flock Hill Station and beyond. All our pilots proudly call Canterbury home and will share their wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes as you fly near their much-loved and noteworthy spots.

Inclusions: A landing on Chest Peak - one of the highest mountains in the Canterbury Region

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A winning combination: Spectacular alpine scenery including Skippers Canyon and the Queenstown basin as well as the chance to land in the snow on one of the regions stunning peaks. Route dependent on snow conditions.

Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot dolphins, seals and penguins. Enjoy an exhilarating flight past rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, and land upon Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly, Hotel pickup and drop-off, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Gratuities

On this unique experience, fly high through alpine scenery to a carpet of snow! Lift off from base and fly to your pilot’s favourite, of the many breathtaking mountains in the southern lakes region, land among the snow and take in the scenery, build a snow man,sledge down the mountain, have a snowball fight or take your picture on top of the world. Re-board your helicopter after enjoying your winter-wonderland, fly over the stunning alpine scenery and back to the base.

Inclusions: Scenic Helicopter tour, Alpine Snow landing with helicopter shut down to experience complete serenity of the surrounds, Live commentary in English from your knowledgeable pilot, Amazing opportunity to capture the most photographic scenery in New Zealand, Applicable National park, landing and facility fees, Complimentary Hotel pickup and drop-off, Complimentary car parking, Complimentary bottled water, Luxury and pristine range of helicopters within the fleet, Shared or private helicopter options available

Exclusions: Food and beverages - options available to pre purchase, Gratuities

Soar above it all on our longest and most exclusive helicopter tour for an unforgettable adventure viewing amazing wildlife and scenery. This 60 minute trip over stunning Kaikoura takes in ocean and mountains in a one of a kind adventure that has you orbiting sperm whales and viewing marine life, then heading to the mountains for an alpine landing for the chance to walk around for incredible views in a remote and rugged location. Slowly orbit and view the entire whale on this extended tour with Kāikoura's only locally owned and operated helicopter company.

Inclusions: Scenic helicopter flight to view whales and other wildlife, Alpine landing high in the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Ranges, with snow landing during winter season, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly during your flight, Live commentary from our pilots, Round-trip transfer to and from town available, contact the reservations team to organise

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Fiordland National Park - far from the crowds found elsewhere. Fiordland Jet is is the only scenic commercial operator on these waterways, which means guests can enjoy an authentic kiwi experience in a small, personalized group tour. As a locally owned and operated business, we are taking tourism back to what it use to be - personal - and invite you to explore our beautiful home as one of the family. No rushing. No lines. Just wide open spaces and jaw dropping scenery. This is not the typical jet boat 'ride' - this is a journey - time to explore and learn about this amazing area and its rich history all while having heaps of FUN!

Inclusions: Local, knowledgeable Driver/Guide - interactive commentary, 75+ minutes of Jet Boating, 360' 'Hamilton spins', Guided nature walk, 20 minute Helicopter flight - includes 1 alpine landing, 3 Lord of the Rings Film Locations, Spray Coat, Life Jacket & Cold Weather Gear (when needed)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

This small group day trip includes a stunning boutique Milford Sound cruise with TripAdvisors No. 1 rated cruise provider and an amazing scenic flight back to Queenstown. Highlights: •Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford •Scenic return flight with Glenorchy Air •Fiordland National Park •Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak •Wildlife Spotting Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Inclusions: Cruise Entry, Scenic Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown , Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Bottled water, Snacks, Picnic Lunch

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities

Head west over the Queenstown basin and Paradise Valley and into Mt Aspiring National Park. Enjoy an exhilarating flight past spectacular mountains and blue-green ice falls before landing on one of the many glaciers within the Forbes Mountains. There’s time for photos in the snow before heading back towards Queenstown past hidden alpine lakes and the rich gold mining history of Skippers Canyon.

Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly, Hotel pickup and drop-off, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)