The 15 Best Scenic Flights in New Zealand

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing - Takeoff over Franz Josef’s terminal moraine

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 619 reviews · 25 min · from $230Our pick

Review of the 25-minute Franz Josef Glacier helicopter flight, alpine landing, views, weather risks, price, seats, and booking tips.

“This was one of the highlights of our 4 week trip to New Zealand, well organised and a fabulous experience. We got a call a day or two before to move our flight to an earlier time as the weather would be better and it certainly was. 25 min flight including plenty of time on the top to have photos hear some commentary from the pilot any so snow angels in the snow. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

2.Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 618 reviews · from $506

Review of the Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike, with flight details, fitness advice, weather risks, gear, price, and booking tips.

“An amazing tour and experience! Knowledgeable guide and the hike was well planned out. Totally worth it and highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Tour Reviews

Heli Hike Fox Glacier

3.Heli Hike Fox Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 563 reviews · from $477Top rated

Fly over Fox Glacier, then walk its ice caves, crevasses, and arches with expert guides on this weather-dependent four-hour heli hike.

“Visiting Fox glacier is a must. It is a unique experience. They are professional, friendly and knowledgeable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef: 35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

4.35min Helicopter Trip over Two Glaciers

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 451 reviews · 35 min · from $289

Soar over Franz Josef and Fox or Tasman Glacier, then land on snow in the Southern Alps during this 35-minute helicopter flight.

“Pros: Experienced operation super smooth from start to finish Amazing experience flying around Alternated some seating for groups to ensure everyone got a window seat Small helicopter groups so best views guaranteed Cons: Pricey but that’s as you’d expect - helicopters don’t come cheap and you don’t want to cheap out on safety etc!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Helicopter Flights in the Mackenzie, Helicopter Tours, Mackenzie Country Tours, Mount Cook Day Tours, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

5.Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 25 min · from $226

Review of Mount Cook’s 25-minute helicopter flight, alpine landing, glacier views, pricing, weather limits, and practical booking tips.

“It was an amazing experience and worth the money that we paid. We really enjoyed the view.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Snow Landing Flights, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

6.Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 342 reviews · 35 min · from $289

Fly above Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, land on pristine snow, and see the Southern Alps from a helicopter in 35 minutes.

“Excellent pilot and guide Richard and Sham also who helped us board and disembark from the helicopter.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Helicopter Flights in Queenstown, Helicopter Tours, Milford Sound Cruises, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

7.Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · from $557

Review of Altitude Tours’ Milford Sound small-group trip from Queenstown, with scenic drive, cruise, picnic lunch, and return flight.

“Shelly was an excellent driver & guide, full of fun information around every turn. She took wonderful individual group photos and shared dear personal stories about growing up in New Zealand. Our day was perfect and the included lunch was actually pretty good & filling! Weather was a lovely sunny day, and we were able to take the plane ride back to Queenstown. Would 100% recommend this experience to anyone traveling to the south island.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

8.2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475

Review of Franz Josef’s heli hike, with glacier caves, scenic flight, gear, fitness needs, weather tips, price value, and booking advice.

“The best part for us was climbing through the glaciers. We loved our trip but if we had to change one thing it would be to have a smaller group to help the hike flow a bit better.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3-Hour Experiences, Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

9.Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448

Walk through Fox Glacier’s blue ice caves after a scenic helicopter flight, with expert guides, quality gear, and up to three hours on the ice.

“My partner and I booked the Heli-Hiking tour and it was a wonderful experience. Fox Glacier Guiding did a wonderful job with arranging the day. Our initial day was going to be cancelled due to weather and when we spoke to them the day prior they were able to move us to the following day with better weather. Our tour guide was great and the team working to arrange the Helicopter did a great job. We’d recommend this to others!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Helicopter Flights in Queenstown, Helicopter Tours, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing

10.Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 291 reviews · 25 min · from $230

Review of Queenstown’s 25-minute helicopter tour with an alpine landing, mountain views, practical tips, pricing, weather advice, and FAQs.

“The highlight of our trip and an experience we will be talking about for a while. We were so excited to learn we would be landing on snow and were able to get some great family photos in the process. Make sure to bring a phone or camera!! Also shoes that won’t get wet from the snow.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Helicopter Flights in the Mackenzie, Helicopter Tours, Mackenzie Country Tours, Mount Cook Day Tours, Skiing, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

11.Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328

Fly by ski plane and helicopter over Aoraki Mount Cook, land on the Tasman Glacier, and judge the weather, views, and value.

“Very beautiful up there at the tip of the mountain Pictures are just awesome memories from up top”

Check availability →Read our full review

3-Hour Experiences, Helicopter Flights in the Mackenzie, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Mackenzie Country Tours, Mount Cook Day Tours, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

12.Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Walk on Tasman Glacier, explore blue ice caves, and fly beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook on a small-group heli-hike from $537.

“The receptions and the staff were nice to us and provided a very clear introduction and briefing to us prior to the beginning of the events. They have all sorts of equipment that we could borrow, including Rain coats, backpacks, etc. My guides, Hunter and Kirby, are friendly and professional.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Helicopter Tours, Kaikoura Tours, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching, Whale Watching Trips in Kaikoura

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

13.Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · from $170Best value

See Kaikōura whales, dolphins, mountains, and coast from a small plane with window seats, pilot commentary, and a strong wildlife focus.

“Fantastic experience. We loved the flight in general, but saw 2 sperm whales and 2 orca. The pilot was great, making sure that all on board had a great view by circling the animals in both directions in turn. Would highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

3-Hour Experiences, Helicopter Flights in the Mackenzie, Helicopter Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Mackenzie Country Tours, Mount Cook Day Tours, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

14.Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 218 reviews · 3 hours · from $564

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to the Tasman Glacier for a guided two-hour heli hike among ice caves, peaks, and Southern Alps scenery.

“It was our first helicopter ride and it was an amazing and unforgettable experience. We felt really safe during the hike. Max, the guide was fun and caring. The hike as such could have been longer tho.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Tours, Helicopter Flights in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

15.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238

Review of the Franz Josef Glacier helicopter flight, including alpine landing, seasonal snow, price, safety, seating, and booking tips.

“A different and experience. Rachel the pilot was perfectly fine and gave a sense of security. Megan the receptin girl works with tourists and should make an effort to be nicer and more helpful.”

Check availability →Read our full review