Queenstown Essential

Ready to experience Queenstown like never before?

The Queenstown Essential Helicopter Tour is your ultimate introduction to the region – a thrilling aerial loop capturing the best of this alpine playground, with two epic landings to top it all off.

Taking off from Queenstown Airport, experience aerial views of Lake Whakatipu before climbing straight into the heart of the mountains. This is where the magic begins. Landing locations are chosen on the day to suit the incredible, ever-changing alpine conditions that make flying in Queenstown so unique. Whether it’s the dramatic ridgelines of Cecil Peak, the towering faces of The Remarkables, or a remote alpine shelf with unreal views of Skippers Canyon – no two flights are ever the same.

Every landing gives you space to breathe in that crisp mountain air, soak up the silence, and grab those once-in-a-lifetime photos with the most jaw-dropping backdrops.

Back in the air, we fly around the flanks of Ben Lomond and into the raw, cinematic terrain of Queenstown’s high country. You’ll peer into Skippers Canyon from above – a place where gold miners once dared, and the mighty Shotover River still roars far below.

Before heading back, we’ll make a second alpine landing, offering another unbeatable perspective before a scenic pass by Coronet Peak and one final look at Queenstown’s iconic beauty from above.

This is not just a flight — it’s the essential Queenstown experience.

Why take a Queenstown Essential Helicopter Tour?

• Two landings, one epic flight – more time on the ground and in the air
• Locally owned and operated – we know these mountains like the back of our hand
• Unique flight path – combining classic sights with some lesser-known gems
• Perfect introduction to Queenstown – ideal for first-time visitors or those short on time
• Private charters available – elevate your experience with a heli all to yourself