Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters

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Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters

Earnslaw Burn Explorer

 

Two Landings. One Unforgettable Journey.

The Earnslaw Burn Explorer takes your adventure to the next level. Not only do you get exclusive access to the breathtaking Earnslaw Burn — with its dramatic “hanging” glacier, cascading waterfalls, and blue ice — but you’ll also enjoy a second alpine landing in the remote high country for even more incredible views.

Heliworks and our sister company, Heli Glenorchy, are the only operators permitted to land at the stunning Earnslaw Burn. Your flight begins with sweeping views over historic Skippers Canyon, where gold-mining relics still cling to steep schist cliffs. Then, we make our first landing right on the valley floor of the Earnslaw Burn. Surrounded by waterfalls in summer, or the towering, snow-laden glacier in winter*, it’s a place that feels worlds away from everyday life.

After taking it all in, we lift off again and head to a second, elevated alpine location, a pristine and remote mountain landing that offers unbeatable panoramas over the Southern Alps. It’s the perfect contrast to the lush, glacier-carved valley below.

Why book the Earnslaw Burn Explorer today?

Plenty of time on the ground to explore, take photos, and simply take it all in.

  • Plenty of time on the ground to explore, take photos, and simply take it all in.
  • Two stunning landings: one in the iconic Earnslaw Burn and another high in the Southern Alps
  • Exclusive access to the Earnslaw Burn — only with Heliworks and Heli Glenorchy
  • Fly over Queenstown’s legendary Skippers Canyon and rugged high country
  • Witness seasonal shifts: gushing waterfalls in summer, glowing blue glacier in winter
  • Perfect for private charters, scenic photography, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience
  • Plenty of time on the ground to explore, take photos, and simply take it all in

*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.

Don’t forget to check out our other unforgettable Earnslaw Burn experiences for more ways to explore this stunning location.

 


75 minute experience


Landings

x1 Earnslaw Burn landing

x1 Alpine landing (Pilot's Choice)


Glaciers


Waterfalls


Mountains


Lakes


Rivers

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+): $1,195 per person

Child (3-11): $835 per person

Infant: (0-2): $595 per person

Prices are valid from 1 April 2025 - 30 September 2027. 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): $5,975 per helicopter

Airbus H130 (up to 6 passengers): $7,170 per helicopter

Twin-engine Squirrel (up to 6 passengers): $8,365 per helicopter

BK (up to 9 passengers): $9,560 per helicopter

Prices are valid from 1 April 2026 - 30 September 2027.

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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