Earnslaw Burn Heli Hike

Experience

Earnslaw Burn Heli Hike

  • Allow 3.5 - 4 hours
  • $1375

The Earnslaw Burn with its hanging glacier and cascading waterfalls really is New Zealand’s best-kept secret, and our guided heli hike is the best way to experience it.  

Highlights

  • Experience the enchantment of nature without exhausting yourself
  • See a hanging glacier with beautiful blue ice
  • Seasonal cascading waterfalls
  • Enjoy an artisan lunch created by local experts

Calling for a little adventure?

Experience the ultimate adventure with an Earnslaw Burn heli-hike. Departing from Glenorchy, you'll soar over breathtaking landscapes, including rugged peaks and pristine valleys, before landing upon the start of your journey through Mt Earnslaw.

This stunning location features cascading waterfalls, ancient glaciers, and lush alpine meadows. Once on the ground, embark on a guided hike through this untouched wilderness, exploring the dramatic terrain and taking in the awe-inspiring views. You will take a journey walking up the glacier-fed river and experiencing all the native Flora and Fauna the trek has to offer. From here, you will walk directly into the heart of Earnslaw Burn basin and be surrounded by waterfalls while enjoying an artisan picnic lunch. We then fly you back to Glenorchy, including the dramatic ascend, getting up close and personal with the blue ice from the “hanging” Glacier.

The combination of a thrilling helicopter flight and an immersive hiking experience makes this journey truly unforgettable, offering a unique perspective on New Zealand's natural beauty. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, the Earnslaw Burn heli-hike promises a day of exhilarating exploration and breathtaking scenery.

Te Reo Māori

  • Mt Earnslaw Glacier – Pikirakatahi
  • Glacier – Kōpaka
  • Lake Whakatipu -Whakatipu Waimāori
  • Dart River – Awa-whakatipu, Te
  • Glenorchy – Tāhuna

*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.

Prices listed are for shared experiences with others. To book a private charter, click here. 

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 hiking while enjoying an alpine environment, we recommend you:

  • Wear sensible comfortable walking shoes, trainers or hiking boots. 
  • Wear warm clothing and bring a windproof jacket.
  • Bring along a small day pack with a water bottle, camera, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.
  • You’re more than welcome to bring snacks (a picnic lunch will be provided at the end of your hike). 

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.