Champagne Picnic on a Peak: Queenstown Helicopter Experience

Land on a peak, uncork champagne, eat with a view that stretches across two mountain ranges

A private champagne picnic on a mountain peak near Queenstown, reached by helicopter from the Over The Top helibase. You fly to a remote location overlooking the Wakatipu Basin, spread a picnic rug on the peak, and eat gourmet meats, cheeses, salad and fruit while sipping champagne and taking in 180-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The helicopter returns when you're ready and flies you back over Queenstown before landing at the base. Pickup and drop-off from your accommodation are included, as are all landing fees, parking and the picnic hamper with beverages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Champagne picnic with helicopter ride

• Fly from helibase to mountain peak
• Enjoy champagne picnic with views
• Return flight with bird's-eye views

The experience

You start at the Over The Top helibase in Queenstown. After pickup from your hotel, the helicopter lifts off and carries you to a mountainous location that overlooks the city and the Wakatipu Basin. The flight itself is part of the experience, giving you a bird's-eye view of the landscape before you land. The pilot sets you down on the peak, and you're left alone with the picnic hamper, a rug, chairs and as much time as you want to stay.

The hamper holds local cheeses, meats, salad, fruit and a beverage selection that includes champagne, beer, water and soft drinks. You eat and drink on the mountain, surrounded by 180-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. There's no schedule pushing you. You stay as long as you like. When you're ready, you radio the helicopter to return, and the pilot collects you for the flight back to Queenstown, giving you another aerial view of the city and its surroundings before landing at the helibase.

The whole experience runs between one and three and a half hours depending on how long you linger on the peak. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain, and bring or wear a warm layer. The mountain is cooler than the city below. The activity runs subject to weather. If conditions turn poor, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund. You'll be contacted the day before or the day of your booking to confirm based on the forecast.

What’s included

• Scenic helicopter flights to and from the peak.
• gourmet picnic hamper with local cheeses, meats, salad and fruit.
• beverage hamper with champagne, beer, water and soft drinks.
• picnic rug and chairs.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• complimentary car parking at the helibase.
• all landing and facility fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to1d before

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 29 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Over the Top Limited

Is this one for you?The guide delivers commentary in English throughout the helicopter flights and the peak experience. If you speak English comfortably, you'll follow the full narrative of the landscape below. If English is not your first language, ask about the pace of the commentary when you book so there are no surprises on the day.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

21 verified traveler reviews

5 ★21

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's included in the picnic hamper?

The hamper holds local cheeses, meats, salad and fresh fruit, plus a beverage selection with champagne, beer, water and soft drinks. You can provide any dietary requirements in advance, and the operator will adjust the contents accordingly.

Can I book this for a special occasion like a proposal or anniversary?

Yes, the operator describes the Picnic on the Peak as suitable for romantic occasions, family experiences and group celebrations. Mention your occasion when you book so the team can tailor the experience.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day?

The experience is subject to favourable weather conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you'll be offered either an alternative date or a full refund. The operator will contact you the day before or the day of your booking to confirm based on the forecast.

Is the helicopter ride included, or do I pay extra?

The scenic helicopter tour is included in the price: both the flight to the peak and the return flight over Queenstown. Landing and facility fees are also covered, along with complimentary pickup and drop-off from your hotel and free car parking at the helibase.