Queenstown Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Picnic
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
September 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Journey above Queenstown's spectacular Wakatipu Basin on a scenic helicopter flight bound for Earnslaw Burn, a hidden alpine valley made famous by The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. As you climb toward the lofty slopes of Mt Earnslaw Glacier, watch snow-capped peaks and sparkling waterfalls unfold beneath you before touching down at a site only this operator is permitted to visit.
Beneath the hanging glacier, settle in for a locally made picnic surrounded by crisp alpine air and towering mountain walls, while your pilot shares insights into the valley's dramatic landscape and Middle-earth history. Whether you visit in winter for the glacier at its most dramatic or summer when the waterfalls run full, it's a memorable setting. Perfect for popping the big question, celebrating an anniversary, or simply enjoying as an unforgettable Kiwi moment.
Location
What you need to know
- 90-minute alpine adventure with picnic landing
- Scenic helicopter flight over the Wakatipu Basin and Mt Earnslaw region
- Exclusive Earnslaw Burn glacier landing
- Locally made picnic at Earnslaw Burn
- Informative pilot commentary
- This experience departs at 11.30 and/or at 11.45am daily.
- Please allow 90 minutes for this experience.
- This experience includes complimentary pick-up from central Queenstown, or you can meet directly at the helicopter base located at 64 Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown 9371.
- Sensible, comfortable, covered shoes
- Warm clothing, including a jacket
- Camera, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent
- All participants must provide their accurate weight in kilograms upon booking
- Participant name changes are permitted, provided the replacement passenger is of a similar weight
- Spectators are welcome to watch your flight depart and return from the Heliworks hangar
- All flights are weather-dependent; weather checks should be made 90 minutes before departure
- If adverse weather conditions prevent the flight from operating, no cancellation fees will apply.
- Wheelchair access and facilities are available
- A minimum of two passengers is required for the flight to operate
- Children must be accompanied by a full fare-paying adult
- The experience provider reserves the right to upgrade passengers or combine flights for operational or flight management purposes
- Flight paths and landing locations may occasionally be altered at the pilot's discretion due to operational requirements or weather conditions
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no-shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
