About this tour
When Sarah from our team booked the Queenstown Helicopter Experience to Earnslaw Burn Glacier, we expected pretty views—and got genuinely jaw-dropping ones. This one-hour flight lands you at a hidden hanging glacier with vivid blue ice and seasonal waterfalls, accessible only via this operator. You'll skirt over Skippers Canyon's gold mining relics and rugged schist cliffs, with commentary filling in the history as you go. Summer brings thundering waterfalls; winter wraps the glacier in fresh snow. It's pricey and thrilling in equal measure, best suited to flyers comfortable with helicopter noise and motion.
Highlights
- Exclusive landing rights at Earnslaw Burn — no other outfit gets to touch down here
- Vibrant blue ice up close, not just from the air
- Skippers Canyon's gold rush history visible from above
- Seasonal variety: waterfalls in summer, snow-dusted glacier in winter
- Hotel pickup included, so no awkward transport puzzle
- Wheelchair accessible throughout — genuinely inclusive for a heli tour
- Live on-board commentary that actually contextualises what you're seeing
What to expect
The flight departs Queenstown and climbs quickly over familiar terrain before the landscape turns raw and remote. Skippers Canyon sprawls beneath you—jagged, historic, genuinely wild—then the glacier appears: hanging off the mountainside with that impossible blue ice that photos never quite capture. Sarah said the 20-minute landing window (weather permitting) feels longer than it is; you're standing on snow, glacier melt rushing past, the sheer scale sinking in. The noise is constant and loud, even through headsets, so don't expect a zen meditation.
What caught us was how seasonal this place feels. Timing matters. Summer roars with waterfalls; winter offers that pristine, cold-light quality that changes the whole mood. The flight itself is smooth-ish, but helicopter motion isn't for everyone—ask the operator about motion sickness tablets if you're prone. Commentary keeps the energy up and explains the gold mining remnants you pass, which adds real meat to the scenery.
What travellers say
- Only operator with landing rights at this glacier — genuine exclusivity
- Stunning blue ice and seasonal waterfalls deliver visual impact
- Hotel drop-off and pickup included, no transport headache
- Wheelchair accessible — rare and genuinely executed for heli tours
- Live commentary anchors the scenery with gold rush history
- Weather-dependent landing feels earned, not gimmicky
- Helicopter noise constant and intense — demanding on ears
- Weather can cancel or ground the landing without warning
- Pricey experience with relatively brief ground time at glacier
- Motion sickness risk if you're helicopter-sensitive; no motion sickness tablets included
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is genuinely exclusive—no other company lands here, so you're not queuing with tour groups. The glacier and blue ice are real showstoppers, especially in clear weather. Hotel pickup saves mucking about with logistics in Queenstown. Wheelchair accessibility is legit, which is rare for heli tours. Suitable for most fitness levels since you're airborne, not tramping.
Helicopter tours aren't cheap, and weather can ground you—always have a backup day. The noise is relentless (especially for sensitive ears or young kids), and motion sickness is real if you're prone. Infants sit on laps; no restraints except specialised seats. You're not getting close-up time to really explore; the landing is brief and weather-dependent. Meals aren't included, so eat beforehand. Winter might mean less dramatic waterfalls. Shared flights mean you're with other passengers—this isn't a private charter vibe.
Bring warm layers, sunscreen, and sunglasses even in winter. No special fitness needed. Group size is typical helicopter capacity (4–6 people). Peak season is summer; book well ahead. Check the weather forecast the day before.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.