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 - rain forest, 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.
Flyingnorth 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. Travelling 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.
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 from your Queenstown accommodation 30 minutes prior to lift off.
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PLATINUM CHOICEEXPLORE OUR OTHER EXPERIENCES
20 Experiences
Milford Sound & Glaciers
1.5 Hours
Fly through the Grandeur of the Alps, over rainforests, frozen lakes, glaciers and majestic Milford to enjoy an alpine landing.
Milford Ultimate
4 Hours
As the name suggests this is our ultimate experience, unhurried & private. Distilling the essence of the regions dramatic scenery.
Over The Top Golf
1.5 Hours
Consider this the ’19th hole’ – we offer options to lift off from local golf courses after you’ve played a full game.
Fiordland Highlights
2-2.5 hours
Showcasing the great diversity of the National Park. One minute you'll be on the rugged west coast the next an alpine setting.
Alpine Kitchen & Dirty Nugget Saloon
2 to 3 hours
This flight takes you into the backcountry to enjoy the delights of yesteryear and an Alpine BBQ on our private high country station
Top of the Wine
3-3.5 hours
Discover the famous Otago wines by helicopter.
Experience A Helicopter Snow Landing On The Southern Alps in Queenstown
Allow 45 minutes
A remote Alpine Snow Landing with the helicopter shut down allowing you to hear the sound of silence.
Picnic on a Peak
Duration to Suit
What better way to enjoy the remarkable views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps than enjoying a champagne picnic.
Wine by Invitation
4.5-5 hours
Take a local Winemaker with you as you discover the famous Otago wines by helicopter.
Remarkable Discovery
Allow 30 Minutes
Land on the top of the mountain range, take in the views and snap a remarkable photograph, one mile high.
Queenstown Memories
40 Minutes
An extension of our Remarkables flight including birds eye views of Queenstown, Skippers canyon and the Shotover river.
Fiordland Explorer
Allow 6 hours
Want more from the Fiordland National Park? Why not choose the explorer of Multiple Fiords.
Milford Sound Heli Cruise
4 Hours
Discover Milford Sound in two ways, soaring above the grand waterfalls and rainforests by air, then from the deck of a cruise boat.
West Coast Glacier Explorer
Allow most of the day
View stunning Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers from Queenstown.
Otago Peninsula
Allow most of the day
Visit the Otago Peninsula to view the beautiful penguins in their natural habitat.
Stewart Island
Allow most of the day
A flight to beautiful Stewart Island with optional activities such as - hiking, kayaking, bird watching and more.
Guided Heli Fishing
Duration to Suit
Full day guided heli fishing. Your helicopter will drop you and your guide off in morning and collect you in the afternoon.
Ski Field Transfers
To Suit
Exploration Fly Fishing Ultimate
Duration to Suit
Helicopter at your disposal fish multiple rivers in one day.
Private Heli Skiing
Duration to Suit
Enjoy a private heli-ski day. Number of runs dependent on ability, fitness and conditions.
Some Of Our Testimonials
The most amazing adventure and a lifetime experience we will never forget. The most exhilarating breath taking views and to land and walk on the glacier was very special. Michael our pilot was amazing and professional and made me very comfortable on...
Jane A
Blown Away
We had a fantastic trip with Dan over the Alps, into Milford sound, landed on a glacier, and then home to Queenstown. I have wanted to do this trip for at least 25 years, but it has just never happened, till now. so exciting, and well worth the...
Alison H
Another great experience off the Bucket List
Your ability to put the nervous flyers amongst us at ease, coupled with your knowledge of the area and the interesting sites you introduced us to is a testament to your ability as a pilot and a tourism provider in Queenstown.
Sir John Key
former New Zealand Prime Minister
