A glacier with waterfalls is already a win. Add an exclusive Earnslaw Burn landing—the kind of place only Heliworks can touch down—and you get a helicopter trip that actually goes beyond scenic pass-bys. I love that you see the hanging glacier and a dramatic curtain of ice-fed waterfalls, while also flying over landmarks like Skippers Canyon and Lake Whakatipu.

My second big like: you get two landings in one 75-minute flight, including a pilot-selected mountain-top stop near Glenorchy. One consideration: this is weather dependent, so routes and landing locations can shift for safety, and you also need to follow weight requirements since seats are assigned by balance.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Earnslaw Burn is an exclusive landing with special access rights, not just another stop
• Hanging glacier + blue ice views with waterfalls that change by season
• Skippers Canyon and Lake Whakatipu fly-overs give context fast
• Two landings total: Earnslaw Burn (20 mins) plus an alpine landing (10 mins)
• Pilot chooses the second landing based on day conditions for the best safe views
• Year-round operation with winter snow swapping waterfall action for a glacier-focused scene

Entering the Earnslaw Burn landing experience

This trip runs on a simple idea: if you’re going to fly over a wild alpine region, you should also get to step into it. That’s why the Earnslaw Burn part matters so much. You’re not just looking at a glacier from above—you land in the Earnslaw Burn basin itself, where the terrain sets the stage for waterfalls and ice to feel like they’re towering right in front of you.

The experience is built around a 75-minute scenic helicopter flight from Queenstown, with time on the ground at two different locations. You’ll have a local pilot with informative in-flight commentary, and the whole thing is designed to be shared with other passengers (more on group size below).

And yes, Earnslaw Burn has been used as a filming location (including for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit). Even without going full movie mode, that kind of exposure hints at how visually distinctive the area is.

How the route ties together Skippers Canyon, Mt Earnslaw, and Lake Whakatipu

Before you ever land, the flight gives you quick geographic context—helpful if you’re new to Queenstown and the wider Lake Wakatipu region. The helicopter starts by heading through Moonlight Saddle and then over the historic gold-mining terrain of Skippers Canyon. That’s not just a scenic drive-by; it adds a layer of human history to the raw mountain setting.

Next, you pass by the mighty Mt Earnslaw. The way these regions stack up—saddle, canyon, then a big peak—makes it easier to understand why Earnslaw Burn looks the way it does once you’re on the ground.

After that, you move toward Glenorchy at the northern tip of Lake Whakatipu. The altitude shift and the way the pilot sets up the next landing are part of the fun, because you start the trip grounded in waterfalls and glacier drama, then transition to wide-open alpine views.

Earnslaw Burn basin: waterfalls, hanging glacier, and the blue-ice show

This is the headline stop: an exclusive landing in the Earnslaw Burn valley. You’re on the ground for about 20 minutes there, long enough to take photos, look around, and appreciate how close the ice-and-water action feels.

What you’re going to notice first is the scale. The description is direct for a reason: you’re dealing with an immense wall of waterfalls and a hanging glacier. The ice can appear as striking blue ice, and the whole basin feels built around steep drops and constant flow.

Then the season changes what you’re seeing:

• In summer, you’ll typically get many waterfalls pouring from the ice.
• In winter (June–August), you may see fewer flowing waterfalls, but the glacier becomes the star of the show, often draped in snow.

That’s actually a great reason to consider traveling in the colder months if glacier views are your priority. You trade waterfall volume for a cleaner, more glacier-forward look.

One more practical point: because you’re in a remote alpine setting, conditions can be cold. Warm clothing isn’t optional here.

The second landing: Glenorchy area alpine views picked by your pilot

After leaving Earnslaw Burn, the helicopter heads toward the Glenorchy end of Lake Whakatipu. As you climb, your pilot selects the best alpine landing site based on weather and operational conditions. This matters because alpine weather is real, and good pilots avoid forcing a scenic moment when safety or visibility won’t cooperate.

You’ll step out onto a mountain top for about 10 minutes. This is where the trip turns a bit calmer. Instead of waterfall noise and glacier closeness, you get panoramic views of rugged peaks and remote wilderness—plus the satisfaction of having seen two different types of alpine scenery in one flight.

It’s also worth knowing what this stop is designed for: serenity, scale, and a quick reset after the intense Earnslaw Burn visuals. If you like views where you can see how everything connects—lake, mountains, valleys—this is the moment.

What the 75 minutes really gives you (and what it doesn’t)

Let’s talk value in plain terms. At 75 minutes total, this is not a day-long expedition. You’re here for high-impact scenery and two landings, not for slow wandering or extended hiking.

In exchange, you get:

• A full scenic helicopter circuit from Queenstown
• One special Earnslaw Burn basin landing (about 20 mins)
• One alpine mountain-top landing (about 10 mins)
• In-flight commentary from a local pilot
• Return flight back along Lake Whakatipu toward home

What it doesn’t include is any meal or food service—you’ll want to plan around that. Also, you should expect that seating positions are assigned for aircraft balance and safety, so you can’t assume you’ll control where you sit.

In other words: if you want a fast route to serious alpine scenery, this format is strong. If you’re hoping for hours of walking, you’ll likely want a different type of tour.

Price and value: is $651 per person worth it?

At $651 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. The value is in what you’re actually buying: helicopter time plus two landings—one of them an exclusive Earnslaw Burn landing that only Heliworks is permitted to access.

That exclusive access is hard to replicate. A standard “fly-over” flight can show you the general region, but it doesn’t give you the same physical sense of scale you get when you’re standing in the basin with waterfalls and a hanging glacier around you.

Also, the trip is year-round with seasonal variation. In summer, you may get more waterfall flow; in winter, you may get a snow-covered glacier-focused scene. That means the experience isn’t a one-note summer product.

Still, make your call based on your priorities:

• If you want maximum scenery per minute and you’re comfortable with the cost, this can feel like a very efficient splurge.
• If you’re mainly after low-cost photos from viewpoints, you might find better value elsewhere. But you won’t get the same landing access.

Who this helicopter experience is best for

I think this works best for people who:

• Want to see alpine scenery without hiking for hours
• Love photography and want two different “settings” (waterfall-glacier basin and mountain-top panoramas)
• Are visiting Queenstown with limited time and want a high-signal activity
• Prefer guided, pilot-led interpretation rather than figuring routes out on your own

It’s also good if you’re traveling in winter. Yes, waterfalls may be reduced in June–August, but the glacier can look even more dramatic with snow coverage.

And if you’re someone who hates the idea of waiting all day for one perfect moment, this trip’s tight timing can feel refreshing.

Practical tips: what to bring and how to get the best photos

Since you’ll be landing in cold alpine conditions, pack like it’s a cool-weather outing. Based on what’s recommended:

• Bring warm clothing (think layers you can move in)
• Bring a camera (you’ll want it ready, not buried)
• Wear comfortable clothes for short get-outs at both landings

A small tip: prioritize your camera settings before you land. Once you’re out, you’ll likely be busy scanning the glacier-and-waterfall scene and framing shots fast.

Also, remember the helicopter is shared. You may be traveling with 6 to 9 passengers, so keep your gear secure and avoid anything bulky that adds hassle when boarding or exiting.

Lastly, weather can shift routes or landing choices for safety. If you go in expecting that, you’ll be less likely to feel disappointed by changes—and more likely to focus on what you still get.

Should you book Earnslaw Burn Glacier & Waterfalls?

I’d book this if you’re chasing a specific kind of experience: helicopter access plus a landing that gets you close to waterfalls and a hanging glacier, with a second alpine stop for wide views. The exclusive Earnslaw Burn landing is the big differentiator, and the year-round setup makes it a stronger choice than many seasonal-only tours.

I’d think twice if you’re very price-sensitive, or if you want long time on the ground and extended walking. This is a short, high-impact flight, not a slow nature day.

If your ideal trip is: see a lot of dramatic South Island scenery, step out twice, and be back in Queenstown without a full-day commitment, this one fits well.

FAQ

How long is the Earnslaw Burn Glacier & Waterfalls helicopter experience?

The total experience is 75 minutes from Queenstown.

What landings are included in the 75-minute flight?

You get an Earnslaw Burn basin landing for about 20 minutes, plus one alpine landing for about 10 minutes. The alpine landing location is selected by your pilot based on conditions.

What will I see at Earnslaw Burn?

You’ll see the hanging glacier and an immense wall of waterfalls around the basin. The ice can appear as blue ice, and the look changes with the seasons.

Is this experience available year-round?

Yes. It runs year-round, with seasonal variations. In winter (June–August), waterfalls may be reduced, while the glacier can be more prominent with snow coverage.

How many people are in the helicopter?

This is a shared experience. You may be traveling with 6 to 9 passengers onboard, and there are minimum passenger numbers to confirm a flight.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

What should I bring?

You should bring warm clothing, a camera, and comfortable clothes.

What if weather affects the flight?

All flights are weather dependent, and routes or landing locations may be adjusted or rescheduled for safety. You also get free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.