Queenstown: Southern Glacier 50-Minute Helicopter Flight

Lift off from Queenstown for a 50 minute helicopter flight that traces the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu before climbing into the Southern Alps. From the air, the scale of this mountain range becomes clear, with long ridgelines, bush covered valleys, and broad views across the South Island’s divide.

The flight continues above untouched native forest and ancient glacial icefalls, with Mount Aspiring in view as you approach Mount Aspiring National Park. A snow landing on the Jura Glacier gives you time to step out into an alpine setting surrounded by snow-capped peaks. From here, you can take in the contrast between snow underfoot and the valleys below.

This route also opens up views over the Rees and Dart River valleys, adding another layer to the landscape as the helicopter moves between lake, forest, glacier, and high country terrain. The experience is focused on the scenery itself, from Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps to the glacier landing and the mountain views around Mount Aspiring. It is a concise way to see several of the region’s defining landscapes in a single flight, with the snow landing on the Jura Glacier as a clear highlight.