[2025 Queenstown Attraction] Travel Guide for Southern Glacier Helicopter Flight Experience (Updated Jan)

| Take the photo of a lifetime. Fly over snow-capped mountains and touch glaciers that are thousands of years old. A helicopter ride in Queenstown is a must-do! 😍 The feeling of awe and tranquility is unforgettable. If you go to Queenstown, New Zealand, you can't miss the helicopter experience. It's a super exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. 🚁 Helicopter experience: The helicopter has 1 pilot and 6 passenger seats. The two seats in the front row next to the pilot have the best view, with floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides. Before takeoff, you'll be weighed, and the pilot will assign seats accordingly. Once you're seated, the pilot will help you fasten your seatbelt and check that everything is in order before taking off. 👗 What to wear: You don't need to wear too much! Although it's late spring or summer, the glacier isn't as cold as you might think. It's quite warm when the sun is shining, but we recommend wearing waterproof boots as the snow is thick on the mountain. 📅 Itinerary: The whole trip takes about 50 minutes, with about 45 minutes of flying time and about 5 minutes of glacier landing time. On the way to the glacier, you'll fly over snow-capped peaks and see the whole of Queenstown. You can also listen to the pilot talk about the history of the glacier. After about 30 minutes of flying, you'll land in a designated area where you can take photos and play in the snow. The return journey is quick, and you won't see the glacier. 💰 Cost: About 800 NZD per person. ⚠ Note: Before boarding the helicopter, you can't bring scarves, hats, or other items that are easy to lose. Zip up your clothes, and selfie sticks, GoPros, and DJI drones are prohibited. Helicopter takeoff and landing are greatly affected by the weather. We had to change our flight from Mount Cook to Queenstown. In short, this activity doesn't require much physical strength, so it's suitable for the elderly and children. It's great, so go for it!

The most unforgettable part of my trip to Queenstown was the helicopter tour! 💕 Preparation: I booked a tour with Southern Lakes Heliski through a local travel agency online. When choosing a tour, be sure to consider the company's reputation, flight route, time, and price. Especially during peak season (July–September), be sure to book early! I get a little carsick and was worried about getting airsick, so I consulted a doctor in advance, but it was actually fine. I wore warm clothes and comfortable shoes according to the season and weather, and the helicopter company also provided warm clothes and helmets at the base, which was very thoughtful! Tour: I chose the Remarkables helicopter tour, a 20-minute trip with a mountain landing, where you can see Queenstown, the Wakatipu Basin, and the Crown Range from the air. It was truly amazing! If you have more time, the Skippers Canyon helicopter tour (30 minutes), the Alpine Scenic Flight (35 minutes), and the Glacier Explorer (50 minutes) are also great. Skippers Canyon is full of history, the Alpine Scenic Flight lets you walk on snow-capped mountains, and the Glacier Explorer takes you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park's Mount Forbes. Flight: After arriving at the base and completing the formalities, the pilot will give a safety briefing, so be sure to listen carefully. When I saw Lake Wakatipu, the Southern Alps, and Queenstown from the air after takeoff, I was speechless with beauty. The pilot also explained the glaciers and surrounding environment to us along the way, which gave me a deeper understanding of the land. When I had the opportunity to land on a snow-capped mountain, I felt like I had entered the world of Frozen, it was so beautiful it didn't seem real! Photo tips: Be sure to bring a camera to capture these beautiful moments! But be careful not to let the lens reflect light when taking photos on the helicopter. Notes: The weather in the glacier area changes quickly, so be sure to check the weather forecast and cancellation policy before booking. Also, some helicopters have weight restrictions, so if you're overweight, let the company know in advance. The co-pilot seat is usually assigned by the pilot according to weight, so whether you can sit there depends on luck. Sometimes, due to weather or seasonal reasons, it may not be possible to land at the original location, but no matter what, there will be a different surprise! 🚩 Don't miss the local food! Be sure to try Fergburger in Queenstown, their burgers are full of ingredients, the patties are tender and juicy, and every bite is super satisfying. There's also Patagonia Chocolates' chocolate ice cream, which is rich and smooth, with a pure chocolate flavor that makes you feel happy with every bite! The Queenstown helicopter tour was the best experience of my trip, so be sure to try it if you have the chance! 💖