QUEENSTOWN RENTALS FIELD GUIDE
Helicopter Over the Lower South: Five Landings from Milford Sound to Aoraki / Mount Cook
A five-hour aerial circuit from Queenstown that links Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier and Aoraki / Mount Cook with five unique landings—this guide explains what to expect and what to bring.
Helicopter Over the Lower South: Five Landings from Milford Sound to Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Embark on an unforgettable aerial adventure across New Zealand’s lower South Island, departing from Queenstown to take in the Southern Alps, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, the neve of Franz Josef Glacier and the heart of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, with five unique landings that put you on glaciers, coastline and alpine terrain for once-in-a-lifetime views.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A five‑hour aerial circuit with five landings
A scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown links Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Franz Josef and Aoraki / Mount Cook, and includes five unique landings—Lochnagar, a West Coast beach, Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef township and an additional pilot’s‑choice landing.
Land on and above Franz Josef Glacier
One of the trip’s standout moments is a landing on or beside the Franz Josef Glacier neve, giving direct access to moving ice and glacial landscape from the air.
Aoraki / Mount Cook’s hanging glaciers
The flight reaches the heart of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park to view spectacular hanging glaciers and rivers of moving ice before returning over glacial terrain, with one further landing on the way home.
What the day feels like
What this flight feels like
From the Queenstown base you climb into the Southern Alps, sweep out to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, turn north to land at the Franz Josef neve, cross into Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park to inspect hanging glaciers and then return over glacial landscapes for a final landing before coming back to Queenstown—an uninterrupted five‑hour sequence of flights and five landings that showcases the region’s glaciers, coast and alpine peaks.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this flight suits — practical notes on suitability.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Warm clothing, sturdy covered shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a strapped phone or camera are recommended.
Bags, selfie sticks and iPads are not permitted onboard; avoid loose clothing and scarves and any dangerous goods.
Dress warmly and wear sturdy covered shoes suitable for alpine or beach landings.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the trip take?
Approximately 5 hours total, including your landings.
Where do I meet the flight?
Meet at The Helicopter Line base in Queenstown at 29 Lucas Place.
How many landings are included?
The flight includes five unique landings, including Franz Josef Glacier and additional coastal and township landings.
What should I bring with me?
Bring warm clothing, sturdy covered shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a phone or camera on a strap.
Are any items prohibited onboard?
Yes—bags, selfie sticks and iPads are not permitted; avoid loose scarves and any dangerous goods.
Is this suitable for children?
The experience is described as being for all ages.