Earnslaw Burn Encounter Heli Flight – Heli Glenorchy

The Earnslaw Burn Encounter is Heli Glenorchy's flagship scenic helicopter experience, offering exclusive access to one of New Zealand's most spectacular and remote alpine landscapes. Departing from Glenorchy, the flight takes you over vast high-country stations, braided rivers, towering mountain ranges, and the magnificent Mount Earnslaw (Pikirakatahi) before landing on the valley floor of the breathtaking Earnslaw Burn Basin—a location made famous by its dramatic waterfalls and hanging glacier. (Heli Glenorchy)

Tour Overview

(Heli Glenorchy)

Experience Highlights

🚁 Scenic Flight over Glenorchy Wilderness

The adventure begins with a spectacular helicopter flight across some of the South Island's most untouched landscapes.

During the journey, you'll fly over:

• Vast high-country sheep stations

• Braided alpine rivers

• Rugged mountain ranges

• Remote valleys inaccessible by road

• Pristine wilderness featured in numerous films

Within minutes, the dramatic silhouette of Mount Earnslaw dominates the horizon, creating an unforgettable alpine panorama. (Heli Glenorchy)

🏔️ Fly Beside the Hanging Earnslaw Glacier

One of the tour's signature moments is a close flyover of the remarkable Earnslaw Glacier, a spectacular wall of ancient blue ice suspended high above the valley.

Highlights include:

• Blue ice formations

• Hanging glacier cliffs

• Massive rock faces

• Seasonal snowfields

• Unique aerial photography opportunities

The perspective from the helicopter allows visitors to appreciate the glacier's immense scale in a way that's impossible from the ground. (Heli Glenorchy)

🌊 Exclusive Earnslaw Burn Valley Landing

Heli Glenorchy is the only helicopter operator permitted to land in the world-famous Earnslaw Burn, making this experience truly unique. (Heli Glenorchy)

After descending into the basin, guests step into an extraordinary alpine environment surrounded by:

• Towering cliffs

• Glacier-fed rivers

• Cascading waterfalls

• Golden tussock grasslands

• Native alpine vegetation

The valley's dramatic scenery has earned comparisons to Middle-earth, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and photographers. (Heli Glenorchy)

💧 Seasonal Waterfalls

During spring, summer, and autumn, dozens of waterfalls pour from the surrounding cliffs, creating one of New Zealand's most iconic alpine landscapes.

Best waterfall viewing seasons:

• Spring: Powerful snowmelt cascades

• Summer: Continuous glacier-fed waterfalls

• Autumn: Golden tussock contrasts with flowing streams

• Winter: Fewer waterfalls but spectacular snow-covered scenery

(Heli Glenorchy)

❄️ Optional Flight Upgrades

Alpine Landing Upgrade

Extend your experience with an additional landing on an alpine ridge featuring panoramic views over:

• Dart River

• Lake Whakatipu

• Southern Alps

• Glenorchy wilderness

• Additional Cost: NZD $140 per person

• Total Duration: Approximately 60 minutes

Glacier Landing Upgrade

For the ultimate adventure, land directly on a remote glacier and stand among surreal blue ice formations.

• Additional Cost: NZD $250 per person

• Total Duration: Approximately 70 minutes

(Heli Glenorchy)

🌿 Conservation Experience

Depending on operational schedules, guests may have the opportunity to meet a member of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary conservation team, learning about efforts to protect the region's unique wildlife and fragile alpine ecosystems.

This educational element adds depth to the experience while highlighting ongoing environmental restoration projects. (Heli Glenorchy)

Photography Opportunities

The Earnslaw Burn Encounter is considered one of New Zealand's finest helicopter photography experiences, offering views of:

• Hanging glaciers

• Glacier-fed rivers

• Alpine waterfalls

• Jagged mountain peaks

• Remote wilderness valleys

• High-country landscapes

The exclusive valley landing allows guests to capture images from perspectives inaccessible to most visitors. (Heli Glenorchy)

What's Included

✔ Scenic helicopter flight from Glenorchy

✔ Exclusive Earnslaw Burn valley floor landing

✔ Close flyover of Mount Earnslaw's hanging glacier

✔ Expert commentary from experienced local pilots

✔ Spectacular aerial views of rivers, mountains, and waterfalls

✔ Complimentary return transfers from Central Queenstown (advance booking required)

(Heli Glenorchy)

Pricing (Valid 1 April 2026 – 30 September 2027)

Private Charter

• Squirrel Helicopter (up to 6 passengers): NZD $3,125 per helicopter

(Heli Glenorchy)

What to Bring

• Comfortable covered shoes

• Warm jacket and layered clothing

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Camera or smartphone

• Hat and gloves during colder months

Passenger weights are required at the time of booking for aircraft balance and safety, and flights are weather dependent. Guests should confirm weather conditions approximately one hour before departure. (Heli Glenorchy)

Why Choose the Earnslaw Burn Encounter?

• 🚁 Heli Glenorchy's flagship scenic flight

• 🌄 Exclusive landing rights in the iconic Earnslaw Burn Basin

• 🧊 Close flyover of the spectacular hanging Earnslaw Glacier

• 💧 Incredible seasonal waterfalls and glacier-fed rivers

• 📸 Outstanding photography opportunities

• 🌿 Optional conservation insights from the Southern Lakes Sanctuary team

• 🚐 Complimentary Queenstown transfers for added convenience

Traveller Insights

Guests consistently describe the Earnslaw Burn Encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, praising the professionalism of the pilots, the intimate valley landing, and the breathtaking combination of glaciers, waterfalls, and untouched alpine wilderness. Many reviewers recommend upgrading to the glacier landing for an even more immersive adventure, calling it one of the most memorable helicopter experiences in New Zealand. (Heli Glenorchy)