Heli-Adventures in the Southern Lakes

Heli-adventures are the activities accessible only by air across Wānaka, Queenstown and the Southern Lakes region of New Zealand. The Southern Alps are the backdrop to everything you see here, and from the air they become something else entirely both in scenic and adventure terms.

From remote alpine valleys and glacier-carved landscapes to pristine backcountry rivers and untouched mountain terrain, helicopter access opens up some of New Zealand’s most remarkable places that visitors wouldn’t otherwise see.

Here at Release NZ we partner with trusted local operators throughout the Southern Lakes region to create helicopter experiences tailored to your interests, timeframe and travel style. Whether you’re seeking a half-day adventure or a fully customised itinerary, our Travel Fixer team can help arrange every detail.

How we build a heli-adventure package for you

Heli-adventures run year-round, with some activities shifting with the seasons.

Scenic flights are available in any month, from a 20-minute introduction over Wānaka’s high country or the Remarkables in Queenstown, to a full-day private Fiordland traverse or Aoraki/Mt Cook charter. Heli-fishing on the backcountry rivers that most fly fishers will never see is also year-round, as is the Mountain Kitchen alpine dining experience.

In winter, heli-skiing and snowboarding take centre stage, with operators running group and private offerings between July and September, depending on the snow. Through the warmer months, heli-biking puts riders onto remote mountain bike terrain otherwise unreachable, with both acoustic and e-bike rentals available.

Private scenic charters can be built around any destination within the helicopter’s range, and proposal and elopement flights are co-ordinated as specialist packages.

Scenic flights

Scenic flights are an adventure of their own kind and options of various durations run from Wānaka Airport and sites close to Queenstown Airport.

The shortest, at around 20 minutes with one landing, runs over the rivers, mountains and high-country stations, are. a good first helicopter experience, or an option for guests with limited time.

The Mt Aspiring National Park flight is the centrepiece of the range: 40 minutes, one landing, close passes by glaciers and blue ice walls in the Mount Aspiring World Heritage Area. Views from the landing site hold their own against any in the South Island.

For a full day, book a private charter for up to four guests and be awestruck as you complete a Southern Alps and Fiordland traverse with multiple landings, gourmet picnic lunch, and spot native wildlife in habitat most travellers will never see. Another full-day option focuses on Aoraki/Mt Cook and lands you on the Tasman Glacier to walk among crevasses and ancient blue ice with a guide.

Heli fly fishing

Some of New Zealand’s finest trout fishing is on rivers only accessible by helicopter. Helicopter access allows anglers to explore remote rivers, alpine lakes and backcountry locations throughout Central Otago, Mount Aspiring National Park and the surrounding mountain regions.

Fly directly into pristine wilderness areas with an experienced guide before spending the day sight-fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout in some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. The rivers are clear and peaceful, with trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout.

Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying New Zealand fly fishing for the first time, heli-fishing offers access to waters rarely visited by other anglers. This heli-adventure is available year-round.

Heli-skiing in the Southern Alps

For many winter visitors, heli-skiing is the ultimate New Zealand mountain experience. When the powder is good, Wānaka and Queenstown heli-skiing is the best in the world. Designed for upper-intermediate skiers who are keen and able to ski on ungroomed terrain, this is every snow sports fan’s dream.

Departing from Wānaka or Queenstown, heli-skiing provides access to vast areas of untouched terrain beyond the boundaries of traditional ski fields. Wide-open bowls, long descents and spectacular alpine scenery combine to create an unforgettable day in the mountains.

Guests can choose from small group or private experiences, with options suitable for experienced skiers and snowboarders looking to explore some of the South Island’s most remote mountain ranges. A 4-run package is an ideal first heli-adventure whereas those more confident or experienced might opt for a 7-run package. Locations vary too across the Southern Alps and Mount Cook with some 17 mountain ranges available to operators.

Pick-up from accommodation in Wānaka and Queenstown is included, alpine buffet lunch too. Powder skis or a powder snowboard are recommended, and we arrange these as part of your ski package. Premium private charter options come with your own guide, helicopter and gourmet mountain picnic.

Many guests combine heli-skiing with luxury accommodation, private transfers, mountain dining experiences and additional days at Cardrona, Treble Cone, Coronet Peak or The Remarkables. Due to limited operating days and strong winter demand, heli-skiing experiences are best booked well in advance.

Heli-hiking and alpine picnics

Not every helicopter adventure needs to involve adrenalin. A helicopter flight combined with a guided alpine walk or private picnic offers a unique way to experience the Southern Lakes’ mountain landscapes.

Land on a remote ridgeline, beside an alpine lake or high in the mountains before exploring on foot with an experienced guide. Many guests choose to include a gourmet picnic lunch with local wine or photography stop as part of the experience.

Suitable for couples, families and multi-generational groups, heli-hiking provides access to extraordinary locations without requiring extensive hiking experience.

Custom helicopter adventures

Our Travel Fixer team can arrange customised helicopter adventures throughout the Southern Lakes region and beyond as part of your stay with us.

Explore the remote fiords of Fiordland, discover the dramatic wilderness of Dusky Sound, land beside glaciers near Aoraki / Mount Cook, enjoy lunch in a secluded alpine location or create a full-day journey combining multiple destinations and experiences.

Private alpine dining experiences and luxury lodge transfers can be factored in too. Helicopter access allows you to experience New Zealand in a way that best suits the moments you’re trying to create on your trip.

Tailored to you

Whether you’re staying in Wānaka, Queenstown, Arrowtown or elsewhere in the Southern Lakes, our Wānaka-based team can integrate helicopter experiences into your itinerary.

Many guests combine helicopter adventures with private chefs, wine tours, fly fishing guides, mountain biking, skiing, and wellness experiences to create a seamless New Zealand holiday tailored to their interests.

Contact our Travel Fixer team today to begin organising your heli-adventure holiday in the Southern Lakes.

ENQUIRE NOW

Weather dependency: all helicopter operations are weather-dependent and have contingency plans, rescheduling to the next available day within your stay if conditions don’t allow flying. We recommend booking heli experiences in the first half of a multi-day stay to allow for this.

Booking in advance: heli-ski days during peak season (July to September) book out weeks ahead, and Fiordland and Mt Cook charters are in limited supply. We confirm heli days as part of your package, before you travel.

Physical fitness requirements vary: For heli-skiing, you need to be a strong intermediate at minimum, comfortable on blue runs at a resort and willing to ski ungroomed terrain. Heli-biking asks for reasonable mountain bike fitness. Scenic flights and the full-day charters are suitable for most guests.

Relaxing holiday home options for adrenalin fuelled travels

When you want your base to welcome you with home comforts, warm or cool you depending on the weather, and provide premium amenities always, the Release NZ portfolio of vacation homes in Wānaka and Queenstown is your starting point.

Family homes sleeping six to ten guests include Riverslea and Kakara Moana

Architectural one-offs that make for an iconic stay include Mt Isthmus and Beacon Retreat

Unique holiday homes can be found in Scout and Lodge Lorien

Enquire today – we’re ready to help you plan your adventurous stay!