West Coast Glacier Explorer
Book Now Fly along the Southern Alps to Mt Cook. View the western glaciers, beaches, rain forest and alpine lakes. Options include Fox or Franz glacier landings or hikes with a recommended local operator.
Flight Overview
New Zealand’s climate is dominated by two main geographical features, the mountains and the sea. From the west, the saturated weather pattern off the Tasman Sea rises up to cross the massive Southern Alps and dumps all its moisture in Fiordland.
This huge rainfall gives this region its unique character - rainforests, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. Fiords carved by the glaciers dominate the scenery until reaching the wild and windswept west coast. The West Coast Glacier Explorer immerses you from the start in this alpine wonderland.
The helicopter flies north past Mount Aspiring, the dramatic scenic experience takes you past Mt Cook, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and Milford Sound on one amazing journey through the heart of the Southern Alps.
Steep-sided valleys lead naturally towards Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. This is the birthplace of the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, flowing gradually seaward to the rugged West Coast. Travel the backbone of the Alps along the wilderness of the west coast, take a stroll on a secluded beach and lunch at a remote spot.
The jewel of Fiordland, Milford Sound is yet to come. The helicopter travels over the route Captain Cook first sailed as he charted these waters, you enter the mouth of Milford Sound past towering sheer cliffs. Flying amongst the mighty glacial valleys as you leave Milford is a lasting experience from your incredible day’s journey through the most dramatic scenery created.
Options include Fox or Franz glacier landings or hikes with a recommended local operator.
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MORE INFO
WHAT TO BRING?
Camera, sunglasses, sturdy shoes, warm jacket and a smile
MORE INFORMATION
This excursion is only available on a private basis.
DEPARTURE TIME
Once you have submitted your enquiry we will be in contact within 24 hours to confirm your departure time.
CANCELLATION
Cancellations within:
24 hours of tour receive a 25% refund
7 days of tour receive a 50% refund
8 days or more receive a 100% refund
(100% refund will be issued if cancelled due to weather)
PICKUP INFORMATION
Either self-drive to our departure lounge at the Queenstown airport where we have ample complimentary parking and aim to be here 20 minutes prior to lift off. Alternatively, we can arrange a pick up 30 minutes from the departure of your heli tour from your Queenstown accommodation
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Bespoke ExperiencesSome Of Our Testimonials
Excellent experience. Weather can be an obstacle given the differences between Milford and Queenstown but the people at Over The Top gave the extra effort to make sure we got to see Milford Sound and the beautiful country around Queenstown.
Thomas Forston
Over The Top worked miracles
Thanks to Mark and his team, our first Queenstown holiday was completed with best helicopter flight experience. From booking to the day of the flights, communication was great and the team worked hard to make sure we got to do our flight with...
Patrick Jin
Best Helicopter Experience
Door pick up and drop off. The pilot mark was very knowledgeable about the area. Very professional and satisfied with my experience. We landed and played in the snow before returning. Would recommend.
Rebecca Thompson
Highly Recomended
