Queenstown: Remarkables Helicopter Tour with Alpine Landing

Summary

Helicopter lands atop the Remarkables for wild Queenstown views

You’ll lift off over Queenstown by helicopter, soar past Lake Wakatipu’s blue sweep, then land high on the Remarkables for wild mountain air and huge views. With a local pilot guiding you and hotel pickup included, it’s quick but oddly unforgettable — especially that moment when silence hits after landing.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how my hands felt awkwardly cold against the seatbelt buckle as we lifted off from Queenstown. You don’t really expect your stomach to drop before breakfast, but there it was — that first swoop over Lake Wakatipu, sunlight bouncing off the water like someone shaking out a silver blanket. Our pilot, Nick (who looked way too relaxed for someone flying us up a mountain), grinned back and asked if anyone had done this before. No one had. I think we all just laughed because what do you even say to that?

The Remarkables came up fast — much closer than they look from town. The rotors made everything vibrate in my chest, and then suddenly it went quiet as we landed on this narrow spur at nearly 5,000 feet. The air was sharp and smelled like snow, even though it was only early spring. Nick pointed out Coronet Peak in the distance and told us a story about some film crew getting stuck up here once in a storm (he swore he wasn’t making it up). I tried to take photos but honestly, standing there with wind tugging at my jacket and Queenstown so tiny below — it’s hard to care about phone screens.

We didn’t stay long, maybe ten minutes? Just enough for everyone to shuffle around awkwardly on the rocky ground, trying not to look too amazed or slip on loose gravel. Someone asked if we could see all the way to Fiordland on a clear day; Nick said maybe, if you squint and believe in miracles. He handed out headsets again for the ride down, but most of us just stared out the window in silence. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m back home doing laundry or something equally boring — how small everything felt from up there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Remarkables Helicopter Tour and Views

• Fly over Queenstown
• Land on Remarkables spur
• View Wakatipu basin and peaks
• Take photos at 5,000 feet

Top questions

How long is the Remarkables helicopter tour from Queenstown?

The flight lasts approximately 25 minutes including time spent landing on the Remarkables spur.

Does this helicopter tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

Can children join the Remarkables helicopter tour?

Yes, children can join as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

Is the helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, this tour is wheelchair accessible.

Will I get to land on The Remarkables during this flight?

Yes, you’ll land on a spur of The Remarkables at around 5,000 feet for photos and views.

Are infants allowed on this helicopter tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap; they’re charged at child rate.

What mountains can I see during the flight?

You’ll see The Remarkables up close plus Coronet Peak and Cecil Peak in the distance.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Queenstown, all landing fees and taxes covered, plus clear headsets so you can actually hear your guide’s stories above the noise — which helps when you’re flying over mountain peaks together.