Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters

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Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters

Earnslaw Burn Express

 

Experience the Exclusive Earnslaw Burn by Helicopter

The Earnslaw Burn helicopter tour is a truly spectacular destination, renowned for its stunning hanging glacier, vibrant blue ice, and cascading waterfalls. As the only company permitted to land here, Heliworks takes great pride in offering exclusive access to this hidden gem. Our flights also treat you to breathtaking views over the historic Skippers Canyon, adding to the richness of the experience.

Together with our sister company, Heli Glenorchy, we hold the sole landing rights at the Earnslaw Burn. The journey there is incredible — flying over rugged schist slopes and the old gold mining sites of Skippers Canyon before descending onto the valley floor. From this unique vantage point, the glacier towers overhead, surrounded by waterfalls that change with the seasons.

During the warmer months, the waterfalls are in full flow, creating a spectacular natural display. In winter*, the waterfalls quiet down but the glacier becomes even more magnificent, transformed by fresh snowfall. A close-up flyover reveals an unearthly deep blue glow within the ice, a truly unforgettable sight.

This stunning secluded location has been featured on:

Why book your flight into the Earnslaw Burn today?

  • Exclusive landing access with Heliworks
  • Up-close views of the awe-inspiring hanging glacier and seasonal waterfalls
  • Stunning flight path over historic Skippers Canyon and dramatic schist landscapes
  • Experience the remarkable seasonal contrasts of the region’s natural beauty
  • Ideal for private charters, special occasions, or unforgettable scenic flights
  • Unique photo opportunities from a vantage point few ever reach

*In winter months (June – August) the Earnslaw Burn does not have as many fast flowing waterfalls compared to our spring and summer months (September – March). It is still a stunning and magical location to visit during winter as there is usually extra snow coverage on the glacier and throughout the valley.

 


60 minute experience


Earnslaw Burn landing


Alpine


Glaciers


Waterfalls


Mountains


Lakes

The prices listed below are for our shared departures, so other guests will be on your flight. Our prices are also subject to change annually.

Adult (12+): $920 per person

Child (3-11): $645 per person

Infant: (0-2): $460 per person

Prices are valid from 1 October 2025 - 30 September 2026. On our shared departures, you may be in a helicopter with up to 9 people.

We have private charter rates available for our Squirrel helicopters, our twin-engine Squirrels and our 9-seater BK.

Charters are a great option for bigger groups, or if you would like a more intimate experience.

Find out more about our fleet.

Squirrel (up to 6 passengers): $4,600 per helicopter

Airbus H130 (up to 6 passengers): $5,520 per helicopter

Twin-engine Squirrel (up to 6 passengers): $6,440 per helicopter

BK (up to 9 passengers depending): $7,360 per helicopter

Prices are valid from 1 October 2025 - 30 September 2026.

We offer complimentary return transport from downtown Queenstown at 37 Camp Street. Please make sure to book this in addition to your flight experience. If you are self-driving, we are based in Frankton and we have plenty of parking available.

  • Wear comfortable covered shoes
  • Bring along or wear warm clothing, including a jacket
  • Remember to bring your camera, sunscreen and sunglasses

Bookings
• We recommend booking in advance via our online booking calendar.
• For the purpose of aircraft weight and balance and in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority rules and regulations, we require all passenger weights at the time of booking. Once we have received and reviewed this information we will be able to confirm the booking.
• Our booking system will ask for your credit card details, which are securely stored to confirm your booking, however we will not charge your card until the day of your booking.
• Please note a surcharge will be incurred for credit and contactless payments.

Your flight
• You will need to contact us one hour prior to your departure time for a weather check.
• Minimum passenger numbers are required for all scenic flights. We reserve the right to upgrade passengers or merge flights for operational reasons or flight management purposes if required.
• Flights depart on demand and are subject to availability.
• Flights depart from our Heliworks Queenstown base in Frankton.
• Advertised times away, flight and landing times are approximate and can be subject to weather conditions. On occasion, flight paths and landing locations may change at the pilot’s discretion.

Pricing
• Our prices change annually from 1 October. Please select your preferred date of travel on our booking system or view the pricing section to view pricing schedules.
• Prices are in NZ currency and include Goods and Services Tax.
• We reserve the right to change prices at any time without further notice. However, if we have confirmed an advance booking the quoted price will not be altered.

Payments
• We accept EFTPOS, Visa, Mastercard and cash. Please note a surcharge will be incurred for credit and contactless payments.

Cancellations
• Any cancellations made within 24 hours of departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee. If passengers ‘no-show’ for a flight, 100% of the fare will apply. If we cannot operate due to weather and as a result, passengers are unable to fly, no cancellation fees will apply.

 

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