THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Soar from Queenstown into the Southern Alps on a 50‑minute flight that crosses Skippers Canyon, the Rees Valley and a hanging glacier at Earnslaw Burn. Expect dramatic icefalls, a short glacier landing and close-up alpine scenery—weather permitting.
Soar from Queenstown into the Southern Alps on a 50‑minute flight that crosses Skippers Canyon, the Rees Valley and a hanging glacier at Earnslaw Burn. Expect dramatic icefalls, a short glacier landing and close-up alpine scenery—weather permitting.
You lift from Queenstown and the town shrinks beneath a patchwork of lakes and braided rivers; the pilot banks and the Southern Alps press in—raw, folded rock capped with ice. The plane threads Skippers Canyon’s sheer cliffs, follows the Rees Valley’s silver ribbons and settles above Mount Aspiring National Park, where hanging glaciers disgorge waterfalls that plummet into narrow ravines.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters · Queenstown, Otago
You lift from Queenstown and the town shrinks beneath a patchwork of lakes and braided rivers; the pilot banks and the Southern Alps press in—raw, folded rock capped with ice. The plane threads Skippers Canyon’s sheer cliffs, follows the Rees Valley’s silver ribbons and settles above Mount Aspiring National Park, where hanging glaciers disgorge waterfalls that plummet into narrow ravines.
This region carries both Māori and gold‑rush histories: ancestral routes and seasonal mahinga kai once traced these valleys, and 19th‑century miners carved Skippers Road into the cliffs. Geologically, you’re flying over a young, uplifted mountain range shaped by plate collision and persistent glaciation; the glaciers you see are active but visibly retreating, their icefalls constantly reworking the landscape.
Culturally the scenery is cinematic—the Earnslaw Burn and surrounding cirques served as visual reference for film crews—yet the area remains working wilderness managed under Mt Aspiring National Park protections.
Practical guidance: the flight includes a glacier landing—bring layered, windproof outerwear and sturdy shoes for 10–15 minutes on uneven, icy surfaces. Weather controls all timing; expect a last‑minute check and potential reschedule. Weight and balance rules apply, so provide accurate weights when booking. Hotel pickup is typically offered; allow 2–3 hours for the whole activity including transfers.
For photographers, aim for morning light on glaciers or late afternoon shadows for depth. Respect park rules on landings—stick to the pilot’s guidance, pack out everything, and treat alpine streams and fragile snowfields with care. This is a short, high-impact way to see the Southern Alps from a perspective few visitors get.
easy.
50 minutes (flight) · 2–3 hours total including transfers.
Suitable for all fitness levels; you should be able to climb a short stepladder and walk on uneven ground for 10–15 minutes
Yes; the experience includes a short glacier landing when conditions permit—expect 10–15 minutes on the ice with pilot guidance.
Children are permitted; infants must sit on a lap and some operators charge a child rate—confirm age rules at booking.
Flights are subject to cancellation for safety; operators typically require a weather check call one hour before departure and offer refunds or rescheduling if cancelled at least 24 hours prior.
Yes—accurate passenger weights are required for aircraft balance and safety; you will be asked for weights at booking.
The valleys saw Māori seasonal use and an 1860s gold rush; Skippers Canyon’s road and early mining sites remain part of local heritage.
Mount Aspiring National Park is managed to protect fragile alpine environments; operators follow strict landing and waste protocols and climate-driven glacier retreat is an ongoing conservation concern.
Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You lift from Queenstown and the town shrinks beneath a patchwork of lakes and braided rivers; the pilot banks and the Southern Alps press in—raw, folded rock capped with ice. The plane threads Skippers Canyon’s sheer cliffs, follows the Rees Valley’s silver ribbons and settles above Mount Aspiring National Park, where hanging glaciers disgorge waterfalls that plummet into narrow ravines.
You lift from Queenstown and the town shrinks beneath a patchwork of lakes and braided rivers; the pilot banks and the Southern Alps press in—raw, folded rock capped with ice. The plane threads Skippers Canyon’s sheer cliffs, follows the Rees Valley’s silver ribbons and settles above Mount Aspiring National Park, where hanging glaciers disgorge waterfalls that plummet into narrow ravines.
This region carries both Māori and gold‑rush histories: ancestral routes and seasonal mahinga kai once traced these valleys, and 19th‑century miners carved Skippers Road into the cliffs. Geologically, you’re flying over a young, uplifted mountain range shaped by plate collision and persistent glaciation; the glaciers you see are active but visibly retreating, their icefalls constantly reworking the landscape.
Culturally the scenery is cinematic—the Earnslaw Burn and surrounding cirques served as visual reference for film crews—yet the area remains working wilderness managed under Mt Aspiring National Park protections.
Practical guidance: the flight includes a glacier landing—bring layered, windproof outerwear and sturdy shoes for 10–15 minutes on uneven, icy surfaces. Weather controls all timing; expect a last‑minute check and potential reschedule. Weight and balance rules apply, so provide accurate weights when booking. Hotel pickup is typically offered; allow 2–3 hours for the whole activity including transfers.
For photographers, aim for morning light on glaciers or late afternoon shadows for depth. Respect park rules on landings—stick to the pilot’s guidance, pack out everything, and treat alpine streams and fragile snowfields with care. This is a short, high-impact way to see the Southern Alps from a perspective few visitors get.