Glacier Helicopter, 1 Hour 10 Minutes

Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour

★ 4.9 47 reviews

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Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Meeting point: Frankton, Lucas Place
Cancellation: Cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
Run by: Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters

Overview

This 1 hour 10 minute helicopter flight from Frankton, Queenstown pairs Middle-earth filming locations with two alpine landings, one of them on a glacier. The operator, Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, worked on the filming of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. According to the listing, the flight crosses the Shotover River Gorge and the Ford of Bruinen, passes above landscapes used for Isengard and Lothlórien, and sets down on a glacier. A booklet is handed out on board to help identify each filming spot as it appears below.

The trip starts and finishes at 35 Lucas Place in Frankton, with hotel pickup and drop-off. Landing and facility fees plus GST are covered in the price; souvenir photos are the only listed extra. Group size is capped at 15 travellers. Total flying time is 70 minutes, with two landings built in for photos and snow time.

It suits Lord of the Rings fans first, but several reviewers said the scenery alone carried the flight even for companions who did not care about the films. Anyone who wants to stand on a glacier without a multi-day trek is well matched here. Travellers weighing over 120 kg should check the limits below before booking.

1 hour 10 minutesduration

4.9across 47 guest reviews

15guests at most

What's Included

Included

Landing and facility fees
Hotel pickup and drop-off
70 minutes of flight time
GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Not Included

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Itinerary

Meet in FranktonThe meeting point is 35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown. Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed, and you confirm your exact start time with the operator in advance.
Check-inPassengers must give their weight at the time of booking for aircraft balance.
Fly the film routeAccording to the listing, the flight crosses the Shotover River Gorge and the Ford of Bruinen, then passes over landscapes used for Isengard and Lothlórien. A booklet on board helps identify them.
Glacier landingThe first landing is high on a glacier. You step out for photos and snow.
Second alpine landingA second alpine landing follows at another filming location before the return flight.
Mount Aspiring National ParkThe flight passes by Mount Aspiring National Park.
Return to FranktonThe tour ends back at the meeting point. Total flight time is 70 minutes.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from weight limits to weather.

Braided Dart River near Glenorchy with beech forest and snowy peaks above.

State your weight. Passengers must advise their weight at booking for aircraft balance, and the total weight limit per passenger is 120 kg. Give an accurate figure so the operator can seat the helicopter correctly.
Dress for snow. You land twice in the high alpine, and one reviewer described sinking mid-calf into snow at the mountain stop. Warm layers and sturdy footwear make the landings far more comfortable.
Weather decides. The experience requires good weather, and the operator will offer a different date or a full refund if it is cancelled. One reviewer was moved to another day and reported the flight was excellent once conditions cleared, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.
Bring a camera. Reviewers repeatedly mention the photo opportunities, from the glacier to the gorge. Souvenir photos are available to purchase if you would rather keep your hands free.
Group flying. The flight carries a maximum of 15 travellers. Several reviewers describe a friendly, well-run operation, and one noted the pilot had worked on the films themselves.
Book ahead, confirm times. Confirmation comes through within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, and the start time is confirmed with the local operator in advance. For the current season, operating hours are 08:30 to 17:00.

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Common issues. Weather is the main friction: flights are cancelled when conditions are poor, with a new date or a full refund offered. One reviewer reported poor sound quality through the headsets and heard little of the pilot's commentary, and also raised hygiene questions about headphones swapped between passengers; if the commentary matters to you, it may be worth raising with the operator. Passengers over 120 kg cannot be carried, and infants must sit on an adult's lap at the child rate. Souvenir photos cost extra.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers 70 minutes of flight time, two landings, landing and facility fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, and GST. Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately and are the only listed exclusion.

Where Does The Tour Start And Is Pickup Included?

The meeting point is 35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown, and the tour ends back there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed, and you confirm your exact start time with the local operator in advance.

How Long Is The Tour?

The full experience runs 1 hour 10 minutes, with 70 minutes of that counted as flight time. Two alpine landings are included on the tour.

Is It Suitable For Children And Wheelchair Users?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible, and infants aged 0 to 3 sit on an adult's lap at the child rate. Most travellers can participate, though the weight limit of 120 kg per passenger applies to everyone.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside 24 hours receive no refund and are not accepted, and cut-off times use the local time in Queenstown. If poor weather cancels the flight, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Warm layers and closed shoes for standing on snow at the glacier landing, plus a camera. You must provide your weight at the time of booking for aircraft balance. A booklet to identify the filming locations is provided on board.