Milford Sound & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Tour from Queenstown — Scenic Flight with Alpine Landings
Brief but epic: a 90-minute helicopter loop from Queenstown that pairs a Milford Sound flyover with two landings — an alpine ridge and the Earnslaw Burn hanging glacier. Expect dramatic aerial views, quick alpine exploration, and strict weather-dependent scheduling.
The Experience
Before You Go
Dress in layers
Temperatures at alpine landings are significantly cooler and windier than in Queenstown—pack an insulated layer and a windproof shell.
Secure your camera
Vibrations and wind are constant in a helicopter; use a wrist strap and keep lens caps handy between shots.
Arrive early for pickup
Operators request you be ready 45 minutes before departure for check-in and briefing—late arrivals can miss the flight.
Mind the weight questions
Operators collect passenger weights to balance the aircraft—answer booking questions honestly to avoid last-minute changes.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •The remote alpine landing offers unobstructed panoramas rarely reached by road—perfect for quiet, wide-angle compositions.
- •The Earnslaw Burn waterfall amphitheatre—small, sheltered recesses below the glacier—reveals micro-landscapes and ice melt channels if you move slowly.
Wildlife
- •Bottlenose dolphin
- •New Zealand fur seal
Conservation Note
Flights operate under corridor and landing guidelines to limit noise and ecological impact; visitors should follow operator instructions and avoid disturbing wildlife or fragile alpine plants.
Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) sits within Fiordland, carved by Pleistocene glaciers and long-known to Māori; European sealers and surveyors later mapped its steep inlets.
Photographer's Notes
- • Aerial approach to Mitre Peak for dramatic scale
- • The alpine landing ridge above Earnslaw Burn for glacier close-ups
- • Over Lake Wakatipu on departure for mountain reflections
What to Bring
Insulated mid-layerEssential
Keeps you warm during exposed alpine landings where temperatures drop quickly.
Windproof waterproof shellEssential
Protects against gusts and spray near waterfalls and in the helicopter doorway.
Sturdy hiking boots or shoesEssential
Provides traction on snow, ice, or rocky alpine terrain at landing sites.
Camera with wrist strap or compact setup
A lightweight, secured camera makes photographing through open doors and in wind safer and easier.
Common Questions
How long is the flight and how much time do I spend on the ground?
The total experience is about 90 minutes; expect two short landings—roughly 10 minutes on the alpine peak and about 20 minutes in the Earnslaw Burn valley—plus transit time.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Flights are weather-dependent; the operator may cancel for poor visibility or unsafe conditions, with full refunds if canceled by the supplier, and you can cancel up to 24 hours for a refund.
Is this suitable for children or infants?
Yes—infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available on request.
Are there weight or health restrictions?
Passenger weight is collected for aircraft balance; disclose accurate weights and any health concerns during booking to ensure safe seating and loading.
Can I bring large camera gear or drones?
Large, loose gear is discouraged due to limited cabin space and safety; drones are not permitted during the flight or landings without prior approval and permits.
Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
The operation notes wheelchair accessibility, but specific transfer assistance and limitations vary—confirm with the operator when booking to arrange logistics.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1–1.5 hours
Location
Queenstown, Otago
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Basic mobility required—able to stand and step on uneven rock or snow during short landings.
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