Earnslaw Burn Encounter

Experience

Earnslaw Burn Encounter

Discover Middle Earth on our flagship flight as we soar over a remote high-country station towards towering Mt Earnslaw. Experience a close-range flyover of the breathtaking “hanging” Earnslaw Glacier before touching down in the lower basin to enjoy this incredible spot.

Highlights

  • Feel like you are in the middle of nowhere
  • See a hanging glacier with beautiful blue ice
  • Seasonal cascading waterfalls
  • Views over Lord of The Rings spots
  • Stand in awe at the Earnslaw Burn, where the sheer size of the scenery will make you feel wonderfully small

If one landing isn’t enough, upgrade your flight and add on a second landing!

Add on an Alpine Landing and enjoy panoramic views of the Dart River and Lake Whakatipu.

  • Adult – $120 per person
  • Child – $120 per person
  • Trip duration – 60 minutes

Glacier Landing

  • Adult – $225 per person
  • Child – $225 per person
  • Trip duration – 70 minutes

*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.

Transport from Queenstown

We offer complimentary return transport from Queenstown return. Please make sure to book this in addition to your flight experience. 

If you are self-driving, it will take approximately one hour to drive from downtown Queenstown to Glenorchy. 

What to bring?

As you will be enjoying an alpine environment we recommend you:

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

Additional information

Minimum passenger numbers apply. Heli Glenorchy reserves the right to up-grade passengers or merge flights for operational reasons or flight management purposes if required. Occasionally flight paths or landing locations may alter at the pilot’s discretion. 

Flights are also weather dependent. Weather checks are to be made one hour prior to departure by phoning 0800 4354 49. If we cannot fly due to weather, we will offer alternative options. 

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.

Your journey

Book flight

Flight options are for a minimum of 2 people.

Prices

Subject to change without notice. Valid until 30 September 2025.

Child Prices

Aged 3 –11.
Child prices are 70% of the adult fare.


Infant prices are 50% of the adult fare.

Payments

As all flights are weather dependent so no payment is taken until the time of your flight. A 2% surcharge will apply to all credit and contactless transactions made at the counter.