QUEENSTOWN GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Fly Into the Valley of Hanging Glaciers — Queenstown’s Earnslaw Full‑Day Heli‑Canyoning
A full‑day guided adventure that combines helicopter access and a glacier flight with up to five hours of alpine canyoning—this guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and who it’s right for.
Fly Into the Valley of Hanging Glaciers — Queenstown’s Earnslaw Full‑Day Heli‑Canyoning.
Combining a scenic helicopter journey, a world‑famous glacier flight and a full day of canyoning in a remote alpine valley, the Earnslaw Full Day Heli Canyoning with Glacier Flight is canyoning at its absolute finest—towering waterfalls, glacier‑fed streams and abseils that plunge you deep into New Zealand’s dramatic mountain landscape.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Helicopter access & the Valley of Hanging Glaciers
The day includes a scenic helicopter transfer into the Earnslaw valley and an additional glacier flight past the internationally recognised Valley of Hanging Glaciers, delivering aerial views of waterfalls, cliffs and ancient ice formations.
Big canyon walls and abseils up to 80 metres
Expect up to five hours of canyoning through alpine rock, glacier‑fed water and towering waterfalls, including a series of dramatic abseils—some as long as 80 metres—for an authentic wilderness challenge.
Guides, gear and a full‑day logistics package
Small group sizes, qualified professional guides, all technical equipment provided, photos and a fresh picnic lunch are included, together with return transport from your Queenstown accommodation.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You’ll be collected from Queenstown, driven to Glenorchy, fitted with equipment and then lifted into a remote canyon by helicopter. After a safety briefing you descend through a series of waterfalls and sculpted rock features—moving between exposed abseils, short walks and glacier‑fed pools—before boarding the helicopter for a return alpine flight and transfer back to town.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full‑day experience with an approximate total duration of 9 hours from pickup to return.
Pick up is from your Queenstown accommodation; the day includes road transfer to Glenorchy and helicopter transfers into and out of the canyon.
All technical canyoning equipment is provided; participants should plan to wear a wetsuit during the canyoning sections and will have time to change into dry clothes afterwards.
Qualified professional guides, small group sizes, helicopter transfers, photos, and a fresh picnic lunch are included in the trip.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the adventure?
The full experience runs approximately 9 hours from pickup to return.
Do I need previous canyoning experience?
No prior canyoning experience is required; guides provide a comprehensive safety briefing and instruction, though participants must be comfortable with heights and water.
Where and when do I meet the group?
Pick up is from your Queenstown accommodation in the morning; the operator arranges transfers to Glenorchy as part of the day.
How big are the abseils?
The canyon features a series of descents, including abseils of up to 80 metres.
Are helicopter flights and guides included?
Yes — helicopter transfers into and out of the canyon and qualified professional guides are included.
Is food provided?
A fresh picnic lunch and snacks are included during the day.