Best Scenic Helicopter Flights in New Zealand's South Island
New Zealand’s South Island is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
There is no better way to experience them than from the sky. A scenic helicopter flight offers unmatched views of dramatic mountains, ancient glaciers, pristine lakes, and rugged coastline. Whether you’re visiting Fiordland, the Southern Alps, or the wild West Coast, here are some of the best scenic helicopter tours in the South Island.
1. Milford Sound / Piopiotahi & Fiordland National Park
A flight over Milford Sound / Piopiotahi reveals its enormous scale of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush rainforest surrounded by sharp peaks. Flights with The Helicopter Line will include a landing or two, depending on which flight you choose. This is one of the most iconic helicopter flights in New Zealand, ideal for photographers, adventurers, and anyone who loves breathtaking views.
2. Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
On the West Coast, helicopter tours over Franz Josef and Fox Glacier offer a rare opportunity to land on ice that is thousands of years old. You’ll fly past icefalls, deep crevasses, and vast snowfields with the Tasman Sea in the distance. This is a surreal experience that combines mountains, rainforest and ocean in just one flight.
3. Aoraki / Mount Cook & Lake Pukaki
Fly above Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak, and take in fantastic views of the Southern Alps. On the flight, you'll have aerial views of the Tasman Glacier and Lake Tasman. In clear weather, this is one of the most stunning regions in the country.
4. Queenstown & Lake Whakatipu
Departing from Queenstown, scenic flights explore the Remarkables, Skippers Canyon, and Lake Whakatipu. Some tours extend to Glenorchy or even Fiordland, with alpine landings available for a truly high-country experience.
Find snow landings, alpine lakes and epic coastlines on a scenic helicopter flight in the South Island. It is the ultimate way to explore. From Queenstown to the glaciers, every region offers incredible views and memories that last a lifetime.
Explore our South Island flight options and book your adventure today at helicopter.co.nz.
