Queenstown sits in a bowl of mountains, and from the ground you only ever see a slice of it. A helicopter flight over The Remarkables changes that in under half an hour. The route lifts off from the Queenstown area, crosses the glittering water of Lake Wakatipu, also spelled Whakatipu, and climbs over the serrated crest that gives the range its name. From the air you see the alpine tarns, the scree slopes and the ski-field basins that look so small from the lakefront, and on a clear day the view extends past Cecil Peak and Walter Peak to the high peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. Flights of this kind usually seat a handful of passengers, with large windows and headsets so the pilot can point out features as you pass them. Many visitors treat it as a splurge for a birthday, an anniversary or a first day in New Zealand, while others book it as a wet-weather backup when the cloud lifts for an hour. It is not the cheapest way to see the scenery, but for views that nothing on foot can match it is hard to beat.
How it works
You check in at the helicopter base, are weighed and briefed, and are allocated a seat by the pilot, who balances the load. The flight is roughly 25 minutes in the air, with the exact route chosen by the pilot on the day to suit the wind and cloud.
Some operators offer variations with an alpine landing, where the helicopter sets down on a ridge so you can step out into the silence, but landings depend on conditions and are never guaranteed. Check the exact inclusions when you book, because routes and landing options differ between flights.
What to expect
The cabin is noisy but comfortable, with headsets that let you chat and hear commentary. Seats near the windows give the best views, and the pilot will usually try to give everyone a turn at the front seat if you ask. Dress in layers because it can be cold when the doors are open or when you step out at altitude, and wear sunglasses against the glare off snow and water.
Bring a camera with a strap, but remember that reflections on the glass can spoil photographs, so keep the lens close to the window and avoid flash.
Making the most of it
Mountain weather in Central Otago changes quickly, and flights are cancelled or delayed when cloud sits on the peaks or the wind picks up. Book early in your stay so that you have spare days if the first slot is called off, and ask what the refund or rebooking arrangements are when you book.
Morning flights often have calmer air, while late afternoon light gives golden colour on the rock. Pair the flight with a lazy lunch in town or a gentle cruise on the lake so that the rest of the day feels unhurried. If you are travelling with children, check the age and weight policy first, because helicopters have strict limits on seat allocation.
Good to know
Scenic flights are priced per seat and can sell out in peak summer and the ski season, so avoid leaving the booking until your final day. If you are comparing flights, look at the length in the air rather than the total time on the ticket, and check whether a landing is part of the route. Motion sickness is uncommon on short flights but possible in gusty air, so take a tablet beforehand if you are prone to it. Photographs are best taken without flash, with the lens close to the window.
What to expect
The experience
A scenic helicopter flight of around 25 minutes over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, with a briefing and headsets for commentary.
Best time
Clear mornings for the calmest air, or late afternoon for warm light on the rock.
How long
About 25 minutes in the air, plus check-in and briefing time at the base.
Tips
Book early in your stay in case weather delays the flight, dress in layers and keep your camera lens close to the window.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the biggest possible view of Queenstown’s mountains in the shortest possible time.
- Families
- Suitable for older children who can sit still and wear a headset, but check age and weight limits when you book.
- Couples
- A classic splurge for an anniversary or honeymoon, especially with an alpine landing if conditions allow.
- Pair with
- A lake cruise on the TSS Earnslaw or a quiet dinner in town afterwards.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half door to door, including check-in and briefing.
Good questions
How long is the Remarkables helicopter flight?+
The flight itself is around 25 minutes in the air. Allow extra time for check-in, weighing and the safety briefing before you lift off.
Will the helicopter land on the mountains?+
Some flights include an alpine landing and some are scenic only. Landings depend on weather and the pilot’s judgement, so check what your flight includes when you book.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
Cloud and wind can cancel or delay flights. Book early in your stay so there is time to rebook, and ask about the refund or rescheduling arrangements.
Can children take the helicopter flight?+
Children are usually welcome, but helicopters have age and weight limits and need passengers to stay seated and wear headsets. Confirm the policy before booking.
Which side of the helicopter has the best view?+
Window seats on either side give good views, and the pilot allocates seats to balance the load. Ask for the front seat if you want the widest outlook.
