Fiordland Finest Helicopter Flight from Queenstown — Milford Sound, Lake Quill & Earnslaw Burn
Soar from Queenstown into Fiordland’s raw, vertical world—Milford Sound’s cliffs, the blue ice of Mt Tutoko, and an exclusive Earnslaw Burn landing. This two-and-a-half-hour heli trip compresses geology, wildlife and Māori history into a high-altitude, hands-on experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers
Temperatures drop quickly on alpine and glacier landings; wear insulating mid-layers and a windproof shell.
Secure your camera
Use a wrist strap and turn off burst modes—rotor wash and sudden light changes can create blurred shots or lost gear.
Prepare for motion
If you’re prone to airsickness, take a preventative remedy and sit facing forward; brief landings can be bumpy.
Book flexible timing
Glacier and Earnslaw landings are weather-dependent—build a buffer day into your itinerary in case of rescheduling.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Earnslaw Burn glacier amphitheatre — a rarely visited alpine valley revealing hanging glaciers and cascading streams
- •Aerial view of Skippers Canyon’s braided riverbeds and historic mining cuttings visible only from above
Wildlife
- •New Zealand fur seal (kekeno)
- •Kea (alpine parrot)
Conservation Note
Flights operate under Department of Conservation guidelines with strict landing zones to limit disturbance; operators encourage leave-no-trace behavior and respect for wildlife.
Fiordland’s valleys were carved by Pleistocene glaciers; Māori navigators and later European miners and pastoralists left place names and routes now visible from the air.
Photographer's Notes
- • Lake Quill shoreline during the 10-minute landing
- • Earnslaw Burn valley from the landing zone
- • Overhead approach to Milford Sound for waterfall cliffs
What to Bring
Insulating jacketEssential
Keeps you warm during cold alpine and glacier landings.
Sunglasses & sunscreenEssential
High-albedo surfaces like ice and water intensify UV exposure.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Required for safe footing during short landings on rough terrain.
Camera with wide-angle lens
Captures sweeping panoramas of fiords, glaciers and waterfalls.
Common Questions
How long is the flight?
The shared experience is approximately 150 minutes total, including multiple brief landings: Lake Quill (10 mins), glacier (10 mins, weather permitting), Earnslaw Burn (20 mins).
Are glacier landings guaranteed?
No—glacier landings are weather-dependent and may be removed from the itinerary if conditions are unsafe.
Is there hotel pickup?
Yes, complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off are included; expect to be ready about 45 minutes before scheduled departure for collection and check-in.
Are there weight limits or requirements?
Operators request passenger weights at booking for aircraft weight-and-balance—be honest to ensure safety and proper seating arrangements.
Can infants join the flight?
Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; notify the operator at booking so they can plan seating.
Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Departure facilities are wheelchair accessible; discuss any mobility needs with the operator in advance to coordinate assistance.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
2–3 hours
Location
Queenstown, Otago
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; ability to step into/out of a helicopter and stand on uneven alpine ground for short periods.
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