Find Your Perfect Queenstown Heli Flight
Posted by OTT | Jul 2, 2025
Queenstown offers more helicopter experiences than most visitors realise — and choosing the wrong one means missing the landscape that would have stayed with you forever. This guide walks through the key questions to ask before you book: where you want to go, who you're travelling with, how long you have, and how much you want to tailor the experience to your trip.
We've been matching people with their dream heli tours since 1986, so we know a thing or two about finding you the perfect trip! This blog will help you find the ideal Queenstown helicopter flight to match your travel style, budget, and itinerary.
Choosing the Best Helicopter Tour in Queenstown for You
Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, is renowned for breathtaking scenery that begs to be explored. And what better way to experience this stunning region than from the air? A helicopter tour provides unparalleled views and access to some of Queenstown's and Fiordland’s most remote and beautiful locations. But with so many options available, it can be hard to know which Queenstown helicopter tour is right for you.
Ready to find your dream heli experience?
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Picking a Helicopter Tour
Before you start reading the specifics of every heli tour available (it's overwhelming, trust us), let’s figure out what you're looking for. Knowing which destinations are on your bucket list and how much time you’ll have will help narrow down your options.
Ask yourself these questions…
What are your must-see South Island destinations?
- Queenstown Highlights: Explore Queenstown's iconic landmarks and dramatic scenery from the air, from landing on the Remarkables to soaring over the rugged cliffs of Skipper's Gorge and the Shotover River.
- Milford Sound: This iconic fiord is a top choice for many visitors. A helicopter tour offers a unique perspective of its towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, and the convenience of being able to depart from various points around Queenstown.
- Fiordland (Doubtful & Dusky Sounds): For those seeking a more remote experience, these pristine fiords & virgin rainforests offer unparalleled natural beauty.
- Glaciers & Alpine Landscapes: Witness the majesty of New Zealand's Southern Alps and ancient glaciers from above, land on a glacier, or enjoy a mountainside picnic.
- Wine Country: Combine your love of scenery with a taste of Central Otago's renowned wines.
- Bespoke Journey: Can't decide on what the right tour is for you. Give us your wish list of must-see locations and we'll work some magic to create your unique heli experience
What's your heli tour budget?
While our helicopter tours are a premium experience, we have options to suit various budgets. Consider the Queenstown tour duration and inclusions to decide whether you’re looking for an affordable option or investing in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. We’ve been in the luxury heli tourism business for 39 years, and when it comes to heli tours, Over The Top will deliver a 5 star experience. Just check out our reviews.
Who are you traveling with?
- My partner: Romantic scenic flights or private charters can create unforgettable memories. These are incredible options for grand proposals, intimate picnics, or simply breathing in the awe-inspiring views together. What about your wedding ceremony on top of a mountain?
- My family: Look for tours with kid-friendly activities or shorter durations to keep everyone engaged. If you’d like a longer tour, choose one that breaks the flight up with an activity, BBQ or beach landing so younger ones can let off some steam.
- My adventure-loving friends: Make the most of being in New Zealand’s adventure capital, with tours that combine flying with activities like heli-skiing, glacier landings, golf a mountain top or fly fishing. There is so much on offer in the surrounding areas, that a helicopter flight is the fastest way to get there.
What kind of experience are you seeking?
Are you looking to spend quality time with friends and family sightseeing around the region, enjoy an adrenaline rush, or toast a celebration? Knowing whether your Queenstown helicopter tour should be a purely scenic flight, or one that offers adventure activities or dining, will help narrow down your options.
How long do you have?
How long can you spend on your Queenstown helicopter flight? Does your busy itinerary require a shorter heli ride over Queenstown's highlights, or do you have time for a couple of hours, a half day, or a full day of scenic flights and activities?
Exploring Your Queenstown Helicopter Tour Options
With 39 years of Queenstown Helicopter Tours under our belt, we’ve had plenty of time to learn what works, what our guests love, and where the best spots are! We’ve designed our range of Queenstown heli tours and exclusive experiences to reflect this:
Scenic Flights
The quintessential Queenstown experience, scenic flights offer breathtaking views of dramatic mountain ranges, shining lakes, rivers, and glacial valleys. Options range from short 20-minute flights to longer excursions, allowing you to see more of Middle Earth's diverse beauty.
Milford Sound Helicopter Tours
Experience the magic of Milford Sound in a fraction of the time it takes to drive. Our Milford Sound heli tours from Queenstown fly over lush rainforests, glaciers, and towering peaks before descending for alpine or beach landings. Our Milford Sound Heli Cruise pairs your flight with a cruise through the fjords.
Fiordland & Remote Area Tours
For those seeking true wilderness, helicopter flights to Doubtful and Dusky Sounds offer an exclusive glimpse into New Zealand's most pristine environments. Float around waterfalls and land in locations where few have ever set foot.
Unique & Bespoke Heli Experiences
At Over The Top Helicopters we specialise in exclusive experiences or creating bespoke heli tours tailored to your interests.
Some unique options include:
• Wine tasting with a local winemaker in Central Otago
• Golfing at high altitude on a remote alpine green
• Flying to remote backcountry rivers for a day of fly fishing with an expert guide
So if you can't find your perfect tour, contact our team of specialists to chat about creating something special just for you.
Making Your Decision and Booking Your Flight
Now that you've considered your priorities and explored the options, it's time to choose your tour! Here's a quick recap of what to keep in mind:
1. Determine your must-see destinations
2. Set your budget
3. Consider who you're traveling with
4. Decide on the type of experience you want
5. Check how much time you have available
Ready to book your perfect Queenstown helicopter tour? Visit Over The Top Helicopters' experiences page to explore all available options and find the ideal tour for you.
What Sets Over The Top Helicopters Apart?
It's impossible to list every detail that makes Over The Top Helicopters unique - from our impeccable safety record to our personalised service and 5-star experiences - but here's our top seven.
Safety
Safety is Paramount. We operate with an award-winning safety-first culture.
Experience and Expertise
With 39 years of flying in Queenstown's challenging alpine environment, safety and professionalism are paramount. Over The Top is the only helicopter tour provider in Queenstown to have been consistently awarded the International Helicopter Operator Safety Award.
Premium Aircraft
Our helicopters are some of the most modern in New Zealand. They're luxuriously comfortable with top-of-the-line safety features, reliable technology, and Bose noise-cancelling headphones.
Customisation
We love creating bespoke tours tailored to your specific interests and occasions - from proposals and weddings to corporate incentives, even enjoying a picnic on a mountaintop.
Exclusive Access
We have exclusive landing rights in remote and beautiful locations, as well as experiences you won't find anywhere else. We're talking BBQ lunches on a private high country station, golf at 4500 ft, or learning the secrets of white baiting from locals on the West Coast.
Local Knowledge
Flights and experiences are enhanced by the stories and insights of genuine Kiwi characters who know the region intimately. This is our backyard, and you benefit from our strong connections with the people who live in Queenstown, Fiordland, Otago and the surrounding areas.
Exceptional Service
There's more to a memorable flight than the scenery; it’s a seamless journey where comfort, safety, and world-class hospitality take centre stage. Whether you're soaring through breathtaking landscapes or simply enjoying the finer details of your flight, our dedication to excellence ensures a travel experience you'll want to repeat.
A Queenstown helicopter tour is more than just a flight—it's a transformative experience, giving you a new perspective on New Zealand's world-famous scenery and the true scale of our landscapes. Whether you're seeking adventure, romance, or simply want to witness the breathtaking beauty of the region, there's a perfect helicopter tour waiting for you.
