9 BEST Scenic Flights in Queenstown: Which One to Choose

Thinking of taking a scenic flight from Queenstown? I think that’s a wonderful idea!

A scenic flight tour in Queenstown is truly a bucket-list-worthy experience. But did you know that there are actually several different tours to pick from? From a helicopter ride to a secluded peak that includes a champagne picnic to a fixed-wing plane to the gorgeous Stewart Island, there are tons of options!

That’s why I’ve narrowed it down to the absolute best flight tours available from Queenstown. All of the options below are guaranteed to provide a memorable experience, but which one you choose comes down to your personal preferences and budget. So let’s get to it!

The BEST Scenic Flights in Queenstown 

1. 50-Minute Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing

One of the most popular and best scenic flight tours in Queenstown is this 50-minute helicopter tour to a glacier! In just under an hour, you’ll fly high above the lush Mount Aspiring National Park – a picturesque park filled with looming mountains, bright blue lakes, and river valleys! 

The selling point of this particular tour is the glacier landing; your pilot will land on top of Clarke Glacier – a remote snowy glacier. What’s cool, though, is that the pilot will turn the engine off so that you can explore the glacier on foot, in silence. It’s a truly dreamy experience, so be sure to take plenty of photos! 

On your return to Queenstown, you will fly over Skippers Canyon, also known as Ford of Bruinen, from the Lord of the Rings films. While you might not see hobbits and elves making the crossing, it’s still a great photo op that you can show the folks back home.

This tour costs $812 NZD and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. It’s one of the more expensive tours on this list, but we think it’s worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of landing on a glacier (so do lots of other people too, just look at all these 5-star reviews!).

2. 20-minute Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

If you’re tight on time, consider this short but sweet 20-minute helicopter tour, which is also my top pick for scenic flights in Queenstown!

It’s called the ‘Pilot’s Choice’ for a reason, with the fly-by route of Queenstown personally chosen by your friendly pilot. Some of the epic sights along the way include the mighty Remarkables mountain range and even part of the famed Southern Alps.

This tour even includes a quick landing; yep, your pilot will expertly land you at 5,056 feet (1,538 meters) above the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. Here you can stretch your legs for a little while and really take in your surroundings! Did somebody say it’s time for a photoshoot?!

This helicopter seats just six passengers, making for a really personalized trip. This has to have been one of my all-time favorite things I’ve done in Queenstown, and I can easily see this being a great choice for travelers who want a quality flight experience that doesn’t cost a fortune.

But don’t just take my word for it, this is now one of the most popular scenic flights in all of Queenstown, with over 100 5-star reviews. For a lot of the reviewers, this was their first time on a helicopter flight, which just goes to show how welcoming and accommodating the folks organizing the trip are.

The price is great too, starting at just $338 NZD, and includes pick-up and drop-off to your Queenstown accommodation. To me, this is easily one of the best helicopter tours in New Zealand!

Related Read: Don’t miss out on more of Queenstown’s best activities – take a look at the 10 best things to do here!

3. Stewart Island Scenic Flights from Queenstown 

Stewart Island is an unspoiled slice of paradise located just 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the southern tip of the South Island. Considering its 164-kilometer (102-mile) long coastline, it’s no wonder this island is renowned for its stunning beaches. Stewart Island is also famous for being home to the elusive Stewart Island Brown Kiwi, a whopping 20,000 of them, to be precise! 

Visiting Stewart Island is a must-do on most tourists to New Zealand’s bucket list, so why not do it in style on this full-day scenic tour with a flight in a fixed-wing plane? Enjoy the spectacular views of the Foveaux Strait on your way, and when you land, you will have up to five hours to explore the island on your own.

What I love about this tour is that because there are just six seats on board the plane, the experience feels super personal. The view from the windows is just unreal, so don’t forget to bring your camera!

This particular tour costs $769 NZD and includes hotel drop-off and pick-up – as it’s a full-day tour, it’s also worth allowing for at least eight hours. This tour tends to book up quite far in advance, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot!

4. 30-Minute Helicopter Flight with Landing on Snowy Mountain Peak

If you’ve only got a short time in Queenstown, consider this 30-minute helicopter tour that flies over the beautiful Skippers Canyon, as well as the Wakatipu Basin. My top tip for this tour is to take lots of photos, as the ride includes some epic aerial views of Queenstown!

This tour even includes a landing on a snow-topped mountain, and don’t worry if you’re visiting in the summer – the snow stays here pretty much year-round. Just make sure to bring a jacket as it can get pretty chilly up there.

While we were flying, Jonathan, our pilot, gave us tons of fun and interesting facts about the places we were seeing, from rare wildlife to interesting natural landmarks! By the end of the flight, I felt like an expert on the area, so I’d definitely recommend trying this flight out at the beginning of your trip.

This particular tour also includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Queenstown and costs $475 NZD. 

5. Heli-Hike Tour of Franz Josef and Tasman Glacier

Queenstown is known for its fantastic hikes, but did you know that you can actually hike on a glacier on the South Island? Yes, this specific tour involves hiking on the famed Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers, which, if you were to drive to these glaciers from Queenstown, would take you a minimum of 4.5 hours! With the scenic flight there taking only an hour, I know which mode of transport I’d prefer.

As if the hour-long scenic flight in a fixed-wing plane isn’t impressive enough, once you reach the town of Franz Josef, you will switch to a helicopter to make the journey to a remote area of the glacier. Then it’s time to hike – don’t worry, you’ll be provided with crampons so that you can explore the glacier and the ice caves!

You’ll have about two hours on Franz Josef Glacier before being transported to the Tasman Glacier, where you’ll spend a final two hours on the ice with your experienced guide. You will explore places that are inaccessible any other way, making this a truly unique experience.

This 6-hour tour is priced from $1,599 NZD and includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. I think it’s one of the best scenic flight tours in Queenstown! If your budget allows, definitely don’t miss it!

6. Scenic Helicopter Ride with Champagne Picnic on a Peak

A truly romantic activity in Queenstown is this scenic helicopter tour, which also includes a landing with a champagne picnic. Fly through the Southern Alps on the short helicopter ride before landing at a peaceful alpine spot known locally as ‘The Ledge’ – this spot boasts epic 180-degree views over Lake Wakatipu.

Your pilot will set up your picnic spot with a picnic blanket and chairs before you sit down to enjoy your picnic feast, including local meats and cheeses. And not forgetting the champagne for you to toast your beloved while admiring the scenery. 

This is the perfect activity for anyone celebrating their honeymoon in Queenstown, or for those looking to plan an unforgettable date. I’d recommend allowing up to 3.5 hours for this specific tour, which costs $1,400 NZD per person.

Related Read: Need some help planning your trip to Queenstown? Check out my detailed 3-day itinerary that goes over everything you need to know, from what to do to where to eat!

The Best Queenstown to Milford Sound Scenic Flights 

If you want to do a scenic flight in Queenstown as well as visit Milford Sound, why not combine the two and fly to Milford? The scenic flights below include visiting Milford Sound – a fantastic combo deal!

7. Half-Day Milford Flight and Cruise (Fixed Wing Flight)

This tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound involves a flight there, a cruise once you arrive in Milford Sound, and then a flight back to Queenstown.

A 40-minute each-way flight in a small fixed-wing plane is a fantastically quick option to get to Milford Sound, which also boasts stunning views along the way.

On this tour, you get the best of both worlds with a scenic flight over Milford Sound and a 2-hour boat cruise through it. This cruise is on a smaller vessel (I’ve learned these are the best cruises in Milford Sound), allowing you to get up really close to famed Stirling Falls as well as some of the cutest wildlife.

On your 40-minute flight back to Queenstown, your pilot will take you a different route, so you can see another side of the national park, giving you even more amazing views of Fiordland National Park – you can’t complain about that!

This whole tour is around 4.5 hours in total, so it’s a great option if you’re short on time. And you can choose either a morning or afternoon departure from Queenstown. Prices start from $665 NZD, which isn’t too bad considering it involves scenic flights AND a boat cruise in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I’m not the only one who thinks it’s worth it either, look at the 900+ 5-star reviews here!

8. Drive to Milford Sound with a Scenic Flight back to Queenstown

This tour is a very popular option as it combines a coach tour that takes the scenic road from Queenstown to Milford, a cruise in Milford Sound, and then you return to Queenstown with a scenic flight. Basically, it’s the entire package in one!

Your coach will depart Queenstown in the morning to take you to Milford. It’s a long journey, but it includes lots of photo stops along the way. When you reach Milford, you will board for your 2-hour scenic cruise through the fjord.

At the end of your cruise, you will be taken to the Milford Sound airstrip to board your small fixed-wing plane for the 40-minute scenic flight back into Queenstown. You’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of Fiordland National Park while your pilot points out hidden lakes and tall mountain peaks.

This tour, in my opinion, is one of the best options for tours to Milford Sound from Queenstown because it gives you the chance to see Milford Sound from all angles – by bus, on the water, and from the sky! It’s perfect for anybody who suffers from FOMO (like me) because you really get to experience it all!

At 10 hours in duration, it is classed as a full-day tour, but you will make it back to Queenstown with plenty of time for dinner at one of its fantastic restaurants. Prices for this tour start from $848 NZD per person, and I recommend booking far in advance because this one is sure to sell out!

9. Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight from Queenstown

This 4-hour tour includes a round-trip helicopter flight to Milford Sound, a glacier landing, as well as a boat cruise through Milford Sound, also known as the 8th wonder of the world. It truly includes two of the best ways to see this natural wonder – from the air and from the water! 

The glacier landing on Mount Tutoko is the icing on the cake!

While in the helicopter, you’ll see the true scale of Milford Sound and from the water, keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and even the area’s most famous resident, the Fiordland penguin. You will even get to experience the “glacial facial” onboard; this is when the captain will take you up very close to the mighty Bowen Falls, and you will get to feel the refreshing water on your face. 

This Queenstown to Milford Sound scenic flight is a great option for those who want to experience the best of Milford in a short amount of time. Prices start from $1,374 NZD. It’s a popular tour with 120+ 5-star reviews, so don’t wait too long to book!

Why Book a Scenic Flight in Queenstown 

In a region as beautiful as Queenstown, with its giant mountains, cobalt blue lakes, rivers, and hiking trails, the only way to see it all in a short amount of time is on a scenic flight. Whether that be on a helicopter or a fixed-wing plane, the views from the window will be unlike anything else! 

While we’re on the topic, I should note the difference between a helicopter and a fixed-wing plane for those who may not know. A fixed-wing plane is essentially a small airplane that typically has 12 seats and will get you from A to B faster. However, because of its size, it can only land on a runway, unlike the helicopter, which can land pretty much anywhere.

A helicopter is smaller and noisier, but because most helicopter tours in Queenstown include an exclusive landing, they tend to be more popular with tourists. However, they tend to be pricier because they can seat fewer guests (usually a maximum of 6 people!).

Regardless of the type of plane, booking a scenic flight in Queenstown is highly recommended if you’re short on time as most tours take less than an hour.

Of course, as I mentioned above, the only downside to these tours is the price – they tend to be pricier than other Queenstown activities. But if you have the budget for it, there’s no better feeling than flying over the stunning South Island with a knowledgeable guide pointing out all the sights below! 

Must-Do Activities While in Queenstown

While in Queenstown, there are plenty of other activities that will keep you busy… Honestly, there are so many it’ll be hard to choose which ones to do! Below are some of my favorites.

• Central Otago Wine Tour and Tasting – This is my personal favorite wine tour in Queenstown! It is one of the best value for money, for $259 NZD your tour bus will stop at 4 different boutique wineries in the Otago region that include a wide range of wine samples and a provided gourmet lunch platter. As you hop between wineries you’ll gaze out the window at spectacular views.

• TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise – This scenic and relaxing cruise in Queenstown is an activity great for any afternoon. The ship you will be cruising on is the Historic TSS Earnslaw and you will get to watch crew members add coal to the flames that power the vessel. Take in the mountain ranges and lush green valleys of Otago. You can also upgrade this tour here to include dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

• Queenstown Canyoning Adventure – Climb and jump off waterfalls, rappel, swim, and trek your way down a part of a Queenstown canyon with a qualified guide. This thrilling full-day activity is perfect for those who love adventure and exploration! As long as you aren’t afraid of heights and have a basic swimming ability you won’t need any other skills.

• Queenstown Lakes Lord of the Rings Tour – This tour is fun for both major LOTR fans and those who have some level of interest in seeing and learning about the filming locations. You will be guided around in a 4×4 vehicle that is equipped to cross rivers and rugged terrain. There are 8 different stops over 9 hours, it’s a long day but it will be filled with so many breathtaking views and you’ll learn a ton from your guide.

• Extreme Jet Boating – Looking for a thrill? Jet Boating is one of New Zealand’s most unique activities. On the tour out of Queenstown, you’ll be able to zoom up the Shotover River through narrow canyons at high speeds and make 360-degree spins. Trust, me it’s epic!

Where to Stay in Queenstown

Finding the right place to stay in Queenstown can be hard. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of awesome choices, but things book up fast! For that reason, I highly suggest booking your accommodation well in advance.

Honestly, during peak times, any of the best hotels in Queenstown will be fully booked several weeks in advance…you have been warned! To help you plan ahead, here are a few places I personally love and that would make an awesome place to stay in Queenstown.

Kamana Lakehouse – $$$

For a luxurious stay, I highly recommend Kamana Lakehouse. This hotel is located just on the outskirts of town. Although it’s super peaceful, it’s just a 5-minute drive into the center of town. The place overlooks both the lake and the mountains, and the onsite restaurant uses local, seasonal ingredients to create the freshest meals. To top it off, many of the rooms boast lake views, and some even have outdoor baths!

The trick will be snagging this for your dates (it’s a popular place!). Rooms start around the $400 NZD mark, and you can check availability and book online here.

mi-pad Queenstown – $$

If you’re looking for a mid-range hotel, then you should seriously consider mi-pad Queenstown. It’s a modern and eco-friendly stay right in the heart of town that features compact yet stylish rooms with app-controlled lighting and temperature. Plus it also boasts a rooftop terrace with stunning lake and mountain views!

Prices vary depending on the season but usually start around $200 NZD per night. You can check availability and book online here.

Absoloot Hostel Queenstown – $

My top choice for budget travelers is the Absoloot Hostel Queenstown. This small hostel has dorm rooms and budget private rooms, and it’s really clean and comfortable. The location is in the heart of Queenstown – the window from the kitchen looks out over Lake Wakatipu!

Dorms are around $55 NZD, and private rooms begin around $210 NZD. The Absoloot Hostel is easily one of the top cheap hostels in Queenstown and can be booked on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Related Read: For even more options, see our Where to Stay in Queenstown guide for the top areas and recommended hotels!

Thanks for reading!

Phew, and there it is, a breakdown of all the different types of scenic flights available from Queenstown. I know there are a heap of options to choose from but deciding hopefully won’t be a difficult choice for you! 

If you found this blog post helpful, then don’t log off just yet – check out more blogs on My Queenstown Diary! Seriously, I have so many – there are Queenstown, Milford Sound, and New Zealand blogs that are packed with info. Check out these few in particular that I think you might like:

10 Best Queenstown Tours and Day Trips

Things to do in Queenstown with Kids

The Best Time to Visit Queenstown

Top Adventure Activities in Queenstown