Hokitika Gorge Helicopter Tour: Six Glaciers & Snow Landing

Land on snow at high altitude and see glaciers most visitors never reach

A helicopter tour from Hokitika Gorge that flies to six different glaciers across the Southern Alps (Wilkinson, Ramsay, Dainty, Lonty and Leeb) with a landing and walk on the snow of Mt Beaumont. The flight runs 45 minutes to an hour, includes an English-speaking pilot who narrates the region's history, and departs from the only helipad at the gorge itself. Suitable for all fitness levels. Infants sit on an adult's lap.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour of six glaciers

• Fly to six different glaciers
• See Wilkinson, Ramsay, Dainty, Lonty, Leeb glaciers
• View native bush and alpine terrain
• Spot greenstone, gold, deer stalker huts, Himalayan Tahr
• Listen to pilot's running commentary
• Land on snow at Mt Beaumont
• Enjoy views, crisp air, and fresh snow

The experience

You board a single helicopter at Hokitika Gorge, a three-hour drive south of Christchurch, and fly across the western and eastern flanks of the Southern Alps. The pilot takes you to six different glaciers in one flight: more peaks than any other operator reaches in a single tour. Wilkinson, Ramsay, Dainty, Lonty and Leeb Glaciers pass below as the pilot gives a running commentary on the landscape's history, the remote gold and greenstone sites, and the wild alpine animals like Himalayan Tahr that roam the high country.

On the return, you land on snow at the top of Mt Beaumont. You step out into crisp air and fresh snow, with mind-blowing views across the alpine terrain. The snow melt from the glaciers feeds crystal-clear water visible from above, cutting through vast expanses of native bush. The flight also passes historic deer stalker huts tucked into remote valleys: structures that mark the region's backcountry heritage.

The whole experience runs between 45 minutes and an hour. Landing and facility fees are included. The helicopter operates from the gorge itself, so there's no transfer to a separate airfield. You're based at the most spectacular free walk in the region, and the tour departs from the only business located there. An English-speaking pilot is with you throughout.

What’s included

• Helicopter flight to six glaciers.
• snow landing on Mt Beaumont.
• landing and facility fees.
• English-speaking pilot commentary.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00 and 15:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 69 years) · Senior (70 and older) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (1 to 14 years) · Infant (under 1)

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Precision Helicopters Hokitika

Is this one for you?This tour is built for travelers with a few hours to spare near Hokitika who want to see high alpine terrain and glaciers without a full-day commitment: the snow landing and the sheer number of peaks in one flight are what make the short duration possible.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (1 to 14 years); Infant (under 1).

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.

How many different glaciers does the helicopter visit in one flight?

Six glaciers across the Southern Alps (Wilkinson, Ramsay, Dainty, Lonty and Leeb) making this the only operator that reaches this many peaks in a single tour from Hokitika Gorge.

What happens when the helicopter lands on Mt Beaumont?

You land on snow at the summit and step out to walk on fresh snow with views across the alpine terrain and the glaciers you've just flown past.

Where does the helicopter depart from?

The helipad is at Hokitika Gorge itself, the only business located at the gorge and adjacent to the free walk of the same name, about three hours south of Christchurch.

Is there a guide on the flight?

Yes, your pilot provides a running commentary in English throughout the flight, covering the region's history, gold and greenstone sites, and the alpine wildlife and historic huts visible below.

How long does the entire flight take?

The tour runs between 45 minutes and an hour from takeoff to landing back at Hokitika Gorge.