50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown

Overview

Available languages

English

50 minutes

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Landing and facility fees

Headsets to hear the pilot clearly

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Corner Earl Street and Marine Parade, Queenstown New Zealand

Swiss-belsuites Pounamu Queenstown

110 Frankton Road Queenstown New Zealand

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

32 Frankton Road, Queenstown New Zealand

Kamana Lakehouse

139 Fernhill Road Queenstown New Zealand

Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown

91 Fernhill Rd Queenstown New Zealand

Mercure Queenstown Resort

21 Sainsbury Road, Fernhill Queenstown New Zealand

The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments and Lakeside Residences

377 Frankton Road, Lake Wakatipu Queenstown New Zealand

Crowne Plaza Queenstown By IHG

93 Beach Street, Queenstown New Zealand

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

79 Peninsula Road Kawarau Falls New Zealand

What To Expect

Mount Aspiring National Park

Enjoy a landing on top of a snowy glacier .

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Glacier Explorer - Early Bird

Pickup included

50-Minute Glacier Explorer Flight from Queenstown

Pickup included

Reviews

4.94

137 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

134

Glacier helicopter ride
Wanderer02520563704,
Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Awesomely awesome - brilliant experience, Kurt was a great pilot and landing on a glacier was an absolute buzz - would recommend in a heartbeat
Snow flight
746ws,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a wonderful trip, our pilot was experienced, knowledgeable and friendly. My first time being in the snow. Loved it.
Incredible Glacier Helicopter Experience!
984sharadd,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an incredible experience. My father and I were looking for a special and once in a lifetime experience, and this was it! The staff at Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters was very responsive and helpful to arrange the specific flight we wanted (we desired some more time out on the glacier) Our pilot that day was Alfie, and he did a magnificent job of flying my family and I out and back. He found the perfect location for us to enjoy the snow and the view of the mountains. In fact, it was so perfect, it was during this trip that I proposed to my girlfriend! Thank you to staff for making this all possible. Highly recommend booking with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters if you're ever in Queenstown! If you do fly with Alfie, ask him what sort of flying he's done in the past, you won't be disappointed. Thanks again, Alfie, and thank you to everyone!
Unmissable
lovemadeira56,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic experience views were outstanding. Karl was a great pilot with plenty of information and historical facts without ever being over the top
A memorable experience
Pamela M,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
One of the most beautiful amazing experiences I’ve ever had in my entire life. Being able to see the glaciers up close from the helicopter and then landing on it was one of the highlights of my trip to New Zealand.
Amazing , go for it!
71adamg,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A great experience with our group and pilot Alfie who made the ride so comfortable with his skills and sharing his experience. The scenery was amazing and this is a true once in a life time not to be missed experience.
Exceptional service from...
Glen H,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Exceptional service from the girls in reception, working to accommodate a date change, even calling me back after a vacancy came up to fit us in. Our pilot Luke was very knowledgeable and friendly and made for an excellent flight. An awesome experience overall.
Amazing Southern Alps
tonylillianmartin,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
It was a great day to see the mountains and Earnslaw Burn. The flight was spectacular and interesting. An incredibe experrience. Would love to do it again.
Landed on a glacier
DHLange,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Starting with the booking process, continuing with checkin, and through out the flight, we were treated in a professional, knowledgeable, friendly manner. Jeremy, our pilot, was an excellent tour guide. He had great stories and showed us sights where some of the movie scenes were shot. We would highly recommend him, and your entire company.
Fantastic Experience, do it👍🏼
Hanan M,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing, exhilarating , one of the best experiences I had in NZ, rug up as it’s quite cold,the pilot ( Steven) was great abd efficient, explained things well and looked after us,I highly recommend this activity.