See Fiordland’s dramatic lakes, mountains and the Kepler Track from a helicopter in a brisk 20–25 minute flight out of Te Anau. This short air tour is a fast, photographic way to grasp the scale and geology of one of New Zealand’s wildest parks.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step onto the tarmac at Te Anau Helicopters with the alpine air pinching your cheeks and the mountains already negotiating the horizon. The chopper's rotors quicken; a guide taps the headset, and for the next 20–25 minutes Fiordland opens up beneath you like a landscape being revealed in layers. Lakes—Manapouri then Te Anau—glint like cut glass, valleys fall away to narrow rivers that seem to have been carved by the weather itself, and the Kepler Track threads the hillsides as a pale line for those who know to look.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
20–25 minutes (flight); allow 1–2 hours for total experience including transfers
Fitness Level
Accessible to most people; minimal physical exertion required beyond boarding
Wildlife
History
European exploration and surveying of Fiordland accelerated in the 19th century, but the area has long been part of Ngāi Tahu territory, valued for seasonal food gathering.
Conservation
Flights operate under guidelines to minimize noise and disturbance; Fiordland is a protected UNESCO World Heritage area where tourism is managed to reduce ecological impact.
Reserve your spot on the Taste of Fiordland // Helicopter Scenic Flight from Te Anau today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Confirm weather 2 hours ahead
Call Te Anau Helicopters for a weather assessment two hours before your flight—Fiordland weather changes fast and can cancel flights last-minute.
Bring a windproof layer
Rotor wash and alpine breezes make a light windproof jacket useful even on mild days—temperature drops are noticeable in the air.
Charge and secure cameras
Use a wrist strap or small tether; the view is wide and you’ll want quick access to your camera during the short flight.
Mind weight requirements
Operators collect passenger weights for flight safety—declare accurate weights when booking to avoid last-minute changes.
Windproof jacket
Blocks rotor spray and sudden alpine breezes during the flight.
Camera with wide-angle lens
Captures expansive lake-and-mountain panoramas from the air.
Sunglasses
Reduces glare from lakes and snow patches on sunny days.
summer
Small daypack
Holds essentials—wallet, phone, extra battery—without getting in the way during boarding.