Queenstown Helicopter Experience Exclusive Earnslaw Burn Glacier
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Earnslaw Burn, home to a stunning hanging glacier, vibrant blue ice, and cascading waterfalls. As the only company permitted to land at this hidden gem, Heliworks provides exclusive access to this remarkable destination. Experience panoramic views over historic Skippers Canyon and rugged schist slopes, making this helicopter tour a must for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Whether you visit in summer, when waterfalls flow abundantly, or in winter, when the glacier is capped in fresh snow, each visit promises an unforgettable spectacle of nature’s wonders.
- Exclusive landing rights at the stunning Earnslaw Burn glacier
- Scenic flight over Skippers Canyon and historic gold mining sites
- Spectacular views of seasonal waterfalls and vibrant blue ice
- Ideal for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Queenstown
Your adventure begins at our Queenstown hangar, where you’ll check in, meet your pilot, and receive a quick safety briefing
Skippers Canyon
Lift off and soar over the dramatic landscapes of historic Skippers Canyon, with its rugged schist cliffs and traces of old gold mining sites.
Options
Queenstown Helicopter Experience Exclusive Earnslaw Burn Glacier
What‘s Included
Hotel Drop-off & Pick-up (Optional)
Seasonal scenery: flowing waterfalls in summer, snow-covered glacier in winter
Aerial views of Queenstown
Live Commentary on board
Close-up views of the hanging glacier, blue ice, and cascading waterfalls
Shared Experience
Exclusive landing at Earnslaw Burn — the only operator with landing rights (20mins)
Meals
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Just Incredible! It’ll blow your mind!
db7andy,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Earnslaw Burn helicopter experience with Heliworks yesterday and I genuinely don’t know if words can do it justice. At around $1,000 per person for the hour, this sits firmly in “special occasion” territory — but hand on heart, this is one of the most extraordinary experiences we have ever spent money on. The moment you lift off and start flying over the mountains around Queenstown, your brain almost can’t process what it’s seeing. Flying through alpine terrain, past the peaks where heli-skiers get dropped off (and seriously… they all need their heads read because I cannot comprehend skiing those mountains!) was breathtaking. Then you arrive into Earnslaw Burn. Nothing prepares you for it. It feels prehistoric. Massive rock walls, waterfalls pouring from impossible heights, glaciers, hanging valleys — the scale of it is so immense and untouched that it honestly doesn’t feel real. We filmed while we were there and afterwards I said: if heaven exists on earth, we may have just found it. The flight itself was exceptional and the return journey was just as fascinating — seeing remnants of old gold mining history, hearing stories of miners taking horses into these remote places and building huts in terrain that feels inaccessible even today. A huge thank you to our pilot Matt — calm, knowledgeable, professional and an exceptional pilot. Watching someone navigate that landscape with such confidence only added to the experience. We felt completely looked after from start to finish. This wasn’t just a scenic flight. It was one of those rare experiences that overloads your senses in the best possible way and stays with you long after you land. If you’re visiting Queenstown and have the opportunity — do it. You will not regret it.
Unreal experience!...
Kimberley J,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Unreal experience! Landing and seeing the glacier and the waterfalls from below was the experience of a lifetime. Zipping up close to the glacier in the helicopter was unreal!
Just do it!
Cole M,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a must do! Treat yourself to a bucket list experience. Beautiful views and amazing staff. Flight was smooth as well. Pilot was excellent and knowledgeable
Once in a lifetime experience, exceeded expectations
Q7463IQcarolyns,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience. Breathtaking. Easy to book, staff communicated well with us including expectations. Callum, our pilot was amazing, so skilled. The glacier landing was breathtaking. Well worth the cost.
Best first helicopter ride and tour!
699melodyr,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such an awesome experience! My pilot was knowledgeable and fun to be with. The scenery and sites were amazing. I highly recommend going on this adventure.
A definite must do in Queenstown!
BillyV813,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Earnslaw Burn Explorer was the absolute highlight of the trip and truly worth every dollar—a genuine, spiritual, bucket-list experience. The views were magical, breathtaking, and the six-star service from the Heliworks team made the difference. Our pilot and ground crew were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and professional, ensuring we felt safe and cared for throughout the entire, seamless adventure. Very highly recommend this unforgettable, thrilling experience to anyone!
Flight to Earnslaw Burn
R8713BBchriss,Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00WOW. Flights to Milford Sound were grounded due to bad weather. Heliworks stepped in with an offer to a hanging glacier flying over mountains and landing at the foot of the glacier. Great service, great scenery and very professional pilot. Highly recommend.
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