New Zealand · SCENIC FLIGHTS

The 15 Best Scenic Flights in New Zealand

128 tours  ·  from $99

A snow landing on the Tasman, a fly-in to Milford, a fixed-wing loop over the Southern Alps. The 15 below compare aircraft, flight time and price, and are honest about how often weather grounds each one.

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary - From Kaikoura Airport to the aircraft
Kaikoura Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Kaikoura, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

1.Whale Watching Flight with Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 823 reviews · 40 min · from $131Our pick

Fly above Kaikoura with Air Kaikoura for a 30-minute whale-watching flight, plus briefing and photo time. Every passenger gets a window seat and an English commentary headset. Pilots such as Ben, Alex, Dan, and Tom share sightings and adjust the route when whales are reported. Expect sperm whales, dolphins, and sometimes orcas, blue whales, or humpbacks.

“It was a once in a lifetime bucket list activity. Very well organised and the staff and pilot were friendly and professional Must give a big thanks to pilot who was super helpful”

Check availability →Read our full review

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch) - Routeburn, Hollyford, and the first view of Fiordland
Boat Tours in Milford Sound, Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Milford Sound, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

2.Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 672 reviews · from $518Top rated

Trade a long road journey for a 35 to 40-minute flight over the Southern Alps, followed by a 1-hour-45-minute Milford Sound cruise with lunch. Your pilot points out Coronet Peak, Skippers Canyon, glaciers, Fiordland, and Sutherland Falls. The small group has reserved cruise seats, hotel pickup, and a different flight route home.

“The flights in and out of Milford Sound by Air Milford were incredible. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. Really words cannot describe the beauty. The cruise on the sound was beautiful and quite humbling as you come face to face with how small we are compared to these escarpments. I highly recommend the scenic flight and cruise offered by Air Milford. Also a special mention for our pilot Emma who gave excellent commentary and local knowledge insights on both flights.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing - What happens at the Franz Josef meeting point
Franz Josef Tours, Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

3.Franz Josef Glacier: Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 619 reviews · 25 min · from $230

Fly over Franz Josef Glacier with an English-speaking pilot, then land for 10 minutes on snow or alpine terrain when conditions allow. You will see ice pinnacles, crevasses, and Southern Alps peaks from a helicopter, with pilots such as Mike, Poppy, Mark, and Aaron providing commentary. Weather can change the route or cancel the landing.

“This was one of the highlights of our 4 week trip to New Zealand, well organised and a fabulous experience. We got a call a day or two before to move our flight to an earlier time as the weather would be better and it certainly was. 25 min flight including plenty of time on the top to have photos hear some commentary from the pilot any so snow angels in the snow. Absolutely brilliant and highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing - Flying up the Tasman Valley
Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Mount Cook, Mount Cook Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Mount Cook, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

4.Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 442 reviews · 25 min · from $226

Fly from Mount Cook Aerodrome through the Tasman Valley, over a blue glacier lake, and land in the Southern Alps with views toward Aoraki Mount Cook. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary, and the small helicopter carries up to six people. Snow landings are common but not guaranteed in summer.

“Wow what an amazing experience!!! Highlight of my trip! Just stunning to see from the air and to actually land on a glacier was fab. Our initial flight got cancelled due to the weather so we went to the place anyway and got rebooked onto the next one. Communication was great, can’t fault them at all for that. Thankfully we managed to get up! The pilot was great, gave us facts along the way. A memory we will never forget!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing - Check-in at the Franz Josef helicopter base
Franz Josef Tours, Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

5.Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers Helicopter Flight & Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 342 reviews · 35 min · from $289

Fly above Franz Josef and Fox glaciers with an English-speaking pilot, then land on the snow for photographs and mountain views. The 35-minute trip includes about 30 minutes in the air. Weather controls the schedule, so book early in your stay and allow time for a change.

“great day with a great guide. You couldn't expect more in this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min - Franz Josef Glacier from above
Franz Josef Tours, Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Franz Josef, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

6.Pilot’s Choice: 2 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 35min

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 336 reviews · from $300

From Franz Josef, take a 35-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier and, depending on weather, Fox or Tasman Glacier. Your pilot chooses the safest and most scenic route, then lands on snow for about 10 minutes of photos. Pilots including Gus, Mark, Mike, Aaron, Eddy, and Steve have been praised for calm flying and clear commentary.

“Fantastic thing to do as a family, the kids haven’t stopped talking about it. Would highly recommend to do it.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight - Lake Te Anau: A Calm First Stop
Milford Sound Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Milford Sound, Tour Reviews, Tours

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

7.Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · from $557

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a 16-seat Mercedes van with a local guide, stopping at Lake Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, Fiordland National Park, and Homer Tunnel. Cruise the fjord for two hours, then fly back to Queenstown in about 45 minutes when weather allows. A packed lunch, WiFi, and pickup are included.

“Amazing experience… going by road stopping in the most incredible places , tour by a boat in the fiord and the flight back was one of the must amazing experiences in my life. Tour guides were incredible friendly and helpful”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight and Cruise - Queenstown pickup and the start of the flight
Boat Tours in Milford Sound, Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Milford Sound, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight and Cruise

8.Milford Sound Flight and Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 283 reviews · 4h 30m · from $403

Fly with Glenorchy Air from Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu, Mount Aspiring National Park, glaciers, and Fiordland. Land at Milford Sound for a 1-hour-45-minute nature cruise, then return by a different route. Pilots such as Jim, Will, Annabel, and Joseph provide live commentary. Hotel pickup, window seats, transfers, and refreshments are included.

“It was beyond all expectations! Definitely a MUST do if you’re traveling to Queenstown!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight - What the helicopter adds
Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Mount Cook, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Mount Cook, Mount Cook Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Mount Cook, Tour Reviews

Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

9.Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328

At Mount Cook Aerodrome, you’ll fly by ski plane and helicopter over the Tasman Valley, blue glacier lake, Hochstetter Icefall, and Aoraki Mount Cook. The aircraft lands on the Tasman Glacier, shuts down, and lets you step onto the snow. Flight order can change, and weather may require a reschedule or alternate glacier.

“Cool. The pilots are very helpful and friendly. I am not tall and both pilots help me up and down the ski plane and helicopter. Bravo to them. Thank you very much. I have a wonderful day.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight and Nature Cruise - A 12-seat Cessna with unusually good viewing
Boat Tours in Milford Sound, Cruises & Boat Tours, Milford Sound Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Milford Sound, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight and Nature Cruise

10.Milford Sound Flight and Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 247 reviews · 4h 30m · from $373

Fly with Air Milford from Queenstown in a 12-seat Cessna, crossing Skippers Canyon, glaciers, and Lord of the Rings country. After a 1-hour-45-minute small-boat cruise past Stirling Falls, seals, dolphins, and penguins, return by a different scenic route. Pilots such as Tom, Emma, and Corey provide live commentary.

“Fantastic experience. We were so glad we took this trip rather than face a 13 hour coach tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes) - Searching the water for sperm whales
Kaikoura Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Kaikoura, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

11.Kaikōura Whale Watching Scenic Flight (40 Minutes)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 221 reviews · from $170

Fly from Kaikōura Airport in a small aircraft with no more than seven people, watching for sperm whales, dolphins, orcas, and humpbacks below. Every passenger gets a window seat and a headset for live commentary. Pilots such as Ben and Alex work with boats and other aircraft to time sightings, while the flight also delivers fine views of the coast and mountains.

“Friendly and very professional and thorough operation. Got me checked in, briefed and on the plane on schedule. Saw humpback whale surrounded by dolphins within a few minutes. Lots of opportunity to view sea life in the water from a completely different point of view and also the beautiful mountains nearby. Highly recommend the extended version as time flies by and don’t wear a jacket as it gets warm inside the plane.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary - A small aircraft and a fair view for everyone
Guided, Kaikoura Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Kaikoura, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Kaikoura: Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

12.Whale Watching Flight with Guided Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 216 reviews · 30 min · from $164

From Kaikōura Airport, you’ll join a small group of up to six for a short wildlife briefing and 30-minute flight. Pilots such as Sam, Jo, Alexis, and Joanne share live commentary while you search for sperm whales, dolphins, and seasonal species. Every passenger has a window seat, with free tea, coffee, or hot chocolate afterward.

“Was a quick flight but thankfully we got to see a whale. After that, it was more of a scenic flight along the coast. Everyone gets a wind seat and the pilot alternates how the plane rotates around the whale to give everyone a good view. Flys a lot lower than I thought too!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing - The 25-minute flight and alpine landing
Franz Josef Tours, Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

13.Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 215 reviews · from $238

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, rainforest, and the Southern Alps with Glacier Country Helicopters. Your flight includes an alpine landing of about 10 minutes, though snow is seasonal. Pilots such as Mark, Mike, Rachel, and Sam have been praised for calm, informative flying. Weather may change the route or landing site.

“Fantastic experience. Safe and comfortable helicopter ride with a very informative pilot/ guide. Great feeling walking on the glacier.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch - Eglinton Valley and Mirror Lakes set the tone
Boat Tours in Milford Sound, Cruises & Boat Tours, Luxury Tours, Milford Sound Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Milford Sound, Tour Reviews, Tours

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

14.Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · from $511

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a small group of up to 15, stopping at Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, Lake Gunn, the Darran Mountains, and more. Cruise the fiord, then fly back over Fiordland to Queenstown. Guides such as Hannah, Kristine, Danny, and Chris provide local stories and nature notes. Lunch, snacks, and water are included.

“Milford Sound is always listed as a “must do” NZ activity, and I can absolutely see why. This was an incredible tour from start to finish! Our driver and guide for the bus portion, Hannah, was lovely. Knowledgeable, kind, fun, and cheerful. She pRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing - What you see above Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Tours, Glacier Tours, Glacier Tours in Franz Josef, Helicopter Tours, Helicopter Tours in Franz Josef, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Franz Josef, Tour Reviews

Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

15.Franz Josef Glacier 25-Minute Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 197 reviews · from $245

Take a 25-minute helicopter flight from Franz Josef township over icefalls, crevasses, and snowfields, then land on the glacier for about 10 minutes. Pilots such as Richard, Simon, James, and Steve have been praised for calm, clear guidance. Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, sturdy shoes, and a camera.

“Straight forward and professional service. Went with my wife and we were lucky to get a beautiful day. The experience was fantastic. I would definitely recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Scenic Flights

★ 5.0Mount Cook Scenic 35 Minute Helicopter FlightFrom $3086 reviews
★ 5.0Mountains High 40-Minute Helicopter FlightFrom $41653 reviews
★ 4.5Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing39 reviews
★ 4.0Mount Cook Alpine Explorer Helicopter Flight with Alpine LandingFrom $35922 reviews
★ 5.0Kaikoura Helicopters Top n Tail Whale Watch flightFrom $4157 reviews
★ 5.0Coastal and Alpine Scenic Airplane FlightFrom $1088 reviews
★ 5.0Ultimate Discovery: 3 Glaciers & Snow Landing – 45minFrom $403112 reviews
★ 4.5Fox Glacier & Mount Cook 35-Minute Helicopter FlightFrom $3088 reviews
★ 4.5Private Flight: 3 Glaciers with Snow Landing – 45mins14 reviews
★ 5.0Private Flight – 2 Glaciers – Snow Landing – Franz Josef – 35mins5 reviews
★ 5.025mins Private Helicopter Flight in Franz Josef with Landing13 reviews
★ 4.5Mt Cook and Fox Glacier with snow landing (allow 30 mins – departs Fox Glacier)From $28020 reviews
★ 4.5Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Fox GlacierFrom $4169 reviews
★ 5.0Mount Cook Spectacular Helicopter Flight from Franz JosefFrom $41614 reviews
★ 5.0Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier LandingFrom $3783 reviews

Keep browsing

Glacier Tours93Helicopter Tours88Hiking & Trekking47Stargazing Tours23Wildlife54Bird Watching Tours26
Scroll to Top

Explore New Zealand

Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.

On the water

Boat TripsWhale WatchingJet BoatsKayakingSailing Trips

Volcanic country

Geothermal ParksMaori ExperiencesHot PoolsGlowworm CavesRafting

The alps

Glacier ToursScenic FlightsHelicopter TripsStargazingGuided Walks

Food and wine

Wine TastingsFood ToursBreweriesGin DistilleriesDining