THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Take flight above Queenstown with The Helicopter Line’s Pilot’s Choice, a 20-minute alpine landing adventure that offers breathtaking mountain views and a rare chance to step onto remote peaks. Discover why this helicopter experience is a must-do for visitors seeking fresh perspectives on New Zealand’s rugged Southern Alps.
Take flight above Queenstown with The Helicopter Line’s Pilot’s Choice, a 20-minute alpine landing adventure that offers breathtaking mountain views and a rare chance to step onto remote peaks. Discover why this helicopter experience is a must-do for visitors seeking fresh perspectives on New Zealand’s rugged Southern Alps.
Book with The Helicopter Line - Queenstown
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by The Helicopter Line - Queenstown · Queenstown, Otago
Queenstown, perched on the edge of New Zealand’s South Island, is renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery and outdoor thrills. The Helicopter Line - Queenstown elevates that experience by offering the Pilot’s Choice — a 20-minute helicopter trip that includes an alpine landing on rugged mountain terrain surrounding this adventure capital. Unlike sightseeing flights confined to the air, this trip descends onto a remote natural perch handpicked by expert pilots, giving you a rare chance to stand amidst stark peaks and valleys that define the Southern Alps.
The flight begins at Lucas Place in Frankton before ascending over Queenstown’s distinct features: Lake Wakatipu’s swooping curve, jagged mountain ridges etched into the horizon, and often snow-dusted alpine tops even outside winter. Pilots adapt routes daily, selecting landing spots that showcase the best seasonal conditions — whether grassy summits or snow-blanketed ledges — all accessible only by helicopter. This flexibility ensures a unique, tailor-made vantage point beyond the reach of traditional hiking or driving.
The Helicopter Line's seasoned pilots offer knowledgeable commentary on the landscape’s geology and local natural history, shedding light on how these dramatic formations formed through volcanic activity and glacial carving. Standing above the valley floor, visitors can absorb a perspective of Queenstown that stretches miles, with panoramas punctuated by tussock grass, native beech forests, and the occasional shadow of the kea parrot overhead.
Safety and professionalism are cornerstones of every trip, with thorough briefings and strict adherence to aviation regulations in challenging alpine weather. The company supports sustainable tourism efforts, including conservation levies that help protect this pristine environment. For travelers based in Queenstown looking to add perspective and unmatched photo opportunities to their itinerary, the Pilot’s Choice offers an unforgettable alpine encounter, bridging aerial adventure with grounded awe.
easy.
20 minutes (total trip).
No advanced fitness required; standing on alpine terrain briefly is manageable for most visitors
The total duration is about 20 minutes, including the alpine landing and flight time.
Flights depart and return to The Helicopter Line base at 29 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown.
Yes, during winter months pilots often choose snow-covered landing spots for a unique alpine experience.
No prior flying or helicopter experience is necessary; all passengers receive a safety briefing before departure.
Flights are weather-dependent. If conditions are unfavorable, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
The activity is suitable for all ages, with safety protocols in place to accommodate families.
Queenstown’s reputation as an adventure hub took off in the late 20th century with pioneering extreme sports; helicopter tours have since expanded access to the rugged Southern Alps.
The Helicopter Line includes conservation levies in pricing that contribute to preservation of the alpine environment and wildlife habitats.
The Helicopter Line - Queenstown operates scenic and charter helicopter experiences based in Queenstown, Otago. The Helicopter Line - Queenstown specialises in aerial tours across Fiordland, the Southern Alps and the lower South Island, offering flights to iconic destinations such as Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Franz Josef Glacier and Aoraki / Mount Cook. Services include panoramic flights, private charters, glacier and alpine landings, and a dedicated Heli‑Wine Tour that combines an alpine landing with visits to multiple wineries, a paired lunch and a visit to an underground wine cave. Signature journeys feature the Milford Sound Explorer Charter with three landings including a glacier and an alpine picnic, multiple Milford Sound overflight options, combined itineraries linking Milford Sound with Franz Josef and Aoraki / Mount Cook, and specialised charters to Sutherland Falls and remote West Coast beaches. Flight experiences range from short Queenstown Panorama routes and The Grand Circle over iconic local terrain to longer scenic combinations that include glacier and snow landings in Mount Aspiring National Park. The Pilot's Choice service offers flexible alpine landings chosen by the pilot for optimal views. The Helicopter Line - Queenstown focuses on safe, guided sightseeing and tailored charters, presenting a variety of ways to see Fiordland, the Southern Alps and nearby wine regions. Information on each trip is provided in individual trip summaries, and bookings depart from Queenstown, Otago. Departure and booking details appear on individual trip pages; departures leave Queenstown heliports and may vary with seasonal schedules and weather conditions.
Book with The Helicopter Line - Queenstown