Scenic Flights and Heli-experiences

Discover Aotearoa (New Zealand) from a breathtaking perspective with Aotearoa Adventures. Our scenic flights and heli-experiences offer unparalleled views of stunning landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to pristine coastlines. Explore what makes our approach unique and how we can elevate your adventure.

Aotearoa from above

Whether you're seeking the tranquility of soaring over remote fiords or the adrenaline rush of landing on a mountain peak, scenic flights and heli-experiences are designed to leave a lasting impression. Imagine the stories you'll tell and the photos you'll share – these moments are priceless.

Fiordland (Milford / Doubtful + glaciers) - ex Queenstown or Te Anau

The moment the skids lift and Lake Wakatipu slides away, the scale hits different. You thread above beech forest and granite walls into a maze of hanging valleys, then the pilot swings between waterfalls that look close enough to touch. Milford is all drama—Mitre Peak, sheer-dark water, and ribbons of spray—while Doubtful feels bigger and quieter, a slow reveal of ridgelines stacked to the horizon. On the right day you’ll tag a snow landing on a high glacier, step into absolute silence, and feel very, very small in the best way.

  • Why it’s unmissable: Waterfalls, vertical rock, glacier landings, get NZ’s greatest hits in one loop.
  • Go from: Queenstown (most options) or Te Anau (closer, calmer logistics).
  • Best light: Early morning or late arvo for softer shadows and calmer air.
  • Upgrade moves: Flight + Milford boat cruise, or heli + short alpine snow landing.
  • What to wear: Sunglasses, warm layer (snow landings are chilly), closed shoes; bring a camera with wrist strap.
  • Pro tip: If you’re prone to motion sickness, sit front left (best sightlines) and keep eyes on the horizon during turns.

Aoraki/Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier — Canterbury

This is the alpine postcard brought to life. You lift off over turquoise meltwater and moraine, then suddenly you’re eyeballing seracs and crevasses on the Tasman and the mighty south face of Aoraki. On a heli-snow landing the air tastes extra clean, sound drops away, and you can see the patterns glaciers carve across the Southern Alps like someone raked the world. Fixed-wing flights feel classic and swoopy; choppers get you closer and often let you step out where the ice crackles underfoot.

  • Why it’s special: New Zealand’s highest peak from spitting distance, plus the country’s biggest glacier.
  • Choose your ride: Fixed-wing (wider windows, smoother) or helicopter (closer angles, snow landing).
  • Launch pads: Mt Cook Airport (closest), Tekapo (adds turquoise-lakes views).
  • Add-ons: Heli-hike on the Tasman, or hook it into an Alps 2 Ocean itinerary.
  • Pack: Warm layer, sunnies, sunscreen (alpine reflection is fierce).
  • Local tip: Winter air is crystal-clear; spring/summer have longer light and more colour contrast.

Franz Josef / Fox — West Coast heli-hike

Rainforest to ice in minutes: you lift through coastal mist, skim past cliffs bearded in rimu, then bump down on blue ice that looks dyed it’s so vivid. Crampons on, ice axe in hand, and you’re weaving among crevasses and melt-blue caves with a guide who knows which features are safe today. It feels otherworldly—crunch underfoot, a thousand shades of blue around you, and kea heckling from the ridge.

  • Why it’s magic: The fastest way to go from sea-level bush to crevasse-maze wonderland.
  • Who for: Active travelers comfortable walking 2–3 hrs on uneven ground; guides set the pace.
  • Weather reality: West Coast fronts move fast—be flexible, morning slots often win.
  • Bring: Thermal base, waterproof shell, sunnies, gloves; boots/crampons supplied.
  • Booking tip: Build a “spare day” into your West Coast plan in case weather bumps your slot.

Mt Aspiring / Dart–Rees — Wānaka & Glenorchy

This one is pure Southern Alps romance—icefalls tumbling off Tititea / Mt Aspiring, turquoise rivers twisting through the Dart and Rees, and lonely backcountry huts perched where the world turns quiet. From Wānaka you arc across braided rivers and glacier tongues; from Glenorchy you trace gleaming water up to rock-and-ice amphitheatres that day walkers only dream about. If the pilot sets you down on a high snowfield, you’ll get that “no footprints but ours” feeling that sticks for years.

  • Why it’s gorgeous: Big-mountain scenery without the crowds; rivers, ice, and toothy peaks in one flight.
  • Depart from: Wānaka (Aspiring & Matukituki views) or Glenorchy (Dart/Rees focus).
  • Nice extras: Snow landing, or a heli-drop to start/finish a tramp if you’re feeling spicy.
  • Best time: Calm mornings; spring adds fresh snow, late summer shows off turquoise rivers.
  • What to bring: Layers, sunnies, camera; avoid loose hats—rotors love souvenirs.

The unexpected

Many are surprised by the sheer diversity of landscapes you can witness in a single flight. From lush rainforests to volcanic plateaus, the contrast is astounding. The perspective shift offers a new appreciation for New Zealand's natural wonders, revealing details you'd never notice from the ground.