Advertisement
Queenstown Tours
Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour
5

Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour

By Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Soar above 'Lord of the Rings' film sites on this helicopter tour, flying above the fictional Middle-earth locations of the Misty Mountains, Isengard, Lothlórien, and more. Make two spectacular landings, on Clarke Glacier in Mount Aspiring National Park and in Skippers Canyon. Your pilot—who worked on the 'LOTR' and 'Hobbit' trilogies—shares stories and commentary throughout the scenic flight.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 1h 10m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Thrilling scenic 'Lord of the Rings' helicopter tour with two landings
  • Get both panoramic and up-close views of key film sites
  • Gain an insider perspective by flying with 'Lord of the Rings' film crew
  • Convenient round-trip transportation from select Queenstown hotels

  • Landing and facility fees
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • 70 minutes of flight time
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
What's not included
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

After pickup at your Queenstown hotel, head to the airport to meet pilot Alfie Speight, who completed aerial film work for the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit.'  Once your helicopter lifts off, cover some gorgeous terrain, starting with the mountain range whose peaks became the films’ Misty Mountains and Redhorn Pass, then cross to Glenorchy via Dart Valley and Mount Earnslaw. Along the way, your pilot points out the places that Peter Jackson transformed into Isengard, Amon Hen, and Lothlórien. Two separate landings let you see the remote terrain up close! First, touch down on the massive Clarke Glacier, and then land in Skippers Canyon, a beautiful gorge with towering sides. Lift off a final time for the return trip to Queenstown Airport, where a shuttle meets you for transfer back to your hotel.

Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
  • 35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Pickup details
  • Will self-drive Pick up location TBC Kamana Lakehouse Mercure Queenstown Resort Heritage Queenstown Crowne Plaza Queenstown I-Site Millennium Hotel Pounamu Apartments The Rees Hotel Sherwood Bus Stop (Frankton Rd) The Hilton Resort & Spa
Hotel pickup offered
During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
    Additional pickup options
    During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.
    • Tāhuna Queenstown isite Visitor Information Centre, The Station Building 25 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand
    End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

      • Wheelchair accessible
      • Pushchair accessible
      • Near public transportation
      • Infants must sit on laps
      If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9180P9

      • Most travellers can participate
      • Due to comfort and weight / balance of the aircraft, passengers must advise of weight at the time of booking
      • Infants will be charged at the child rate (0-3 years old sit on adults lap)
      • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
      • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

      • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

      If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 9180P9

      From
      $1,074.00
      per adult
      Select date and travellers

      Similar experiences

      Itinerary
      • Pass by
        Mount Aspiring National Park
      About the operator
      Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
      • Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
        1,015
        Queenstown, New Zealand
        Joined in October 2010
      • bronwynt36
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Excellent experience
        Brilliant trip on a big sky Queenstown morning - great service from check in and our pilot was knowledgeable about the local landscape. Would definitely recommend
        Written 30 November 2024
      • paulsimons62
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A must do trip!!
        Very proffesional company! Definitly worth the money, ones in a lifetime experience! Whenever you have the change do this trip with this company!!! Combination of heli flight and boat trip is the best!
        Written 30 November 2024
      • 96katet
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        The best thing we did in New Zealand
        Thank you for an amazing time. One of the best things we've ever done and the highlight of our holiday. From the greeting by the wonderful Alfie, to the magical moment Luke landed effortlessly on a snowy mountain and finally the kindness of Holly taking us back from the airport. We cannot praise everyone we met enough. Thank you for making our holiday.
        Written 23 November 2024
      • U9182YZpeterf
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        We loved it !
        Outstanding experience. Seamless , professional, friendly and a very experienced and knowledgeable pilot. An absolutely amazing experience. All staff are to be highly commended.
        Written 18 November 2024
      • 735joec
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Fantastic experience
        A very professionally run outfit right from booking and checkin to a very enjoyable flight experience. Our pilot Jeremy was very informative and the glacier landing was something special. Helicopter very spacious and all 6 passengers get great views. Would recommend these guys any time you are in Queenstown.
        Written 13 November 2024
      • Paulrchapman95125
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Absolutely breathtaking experience!
        Absolutely breathtaking experience! The helicopter ride over Milford Sound was unforgettable, offering stunning views you simply can’t capture any other way. Soaring over dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and lush greenery with the fjord stretching out below was magical. Our pilot was knowledgeable, pointing out key landmarks and sharing fascinating insights about the area. The smooth flight and incredible scenery made this adventure worth every moment. Highly recommend this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
        Written 10 November 2024
      • Chantelle D
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Incredible experience
        What an incredible experience for our first trip to Queenstown! We saw the most beautiful sites from the sky and on the ground. Being in the helicopter, flying in and out of the clouds, and seeing the snow capped mountains was breathtaking. This was also our first helicopter flight which pilot Jeremy made so memorable. We were fortunate to make all 3 landings, beach, Milford town, and Bryant Glacier basin.
        Written 5 November 2024
      • Elaine H
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Remarkable and Magical
        This was truly a once in a lifetime remarkable experience from start to finish. Our pilot Michael was amazing, super friendly, informative and was more than happy to take pictures. I can not recommend this enough if you are in Queenstown.
        Written 28 October 2024
      • O9585EAchristinew
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Wow. Just Wow.
        Our light plane flight to Milford Sound did not go ahead due to weather. Walked into Glacier Helicopters and they helped us with a flight to Milford sound. Landed and had time for a walk around. Return flight - landed in alpine snow. Such a great experience from start to finish. Reception staff exceptional. Pilot (Cody) professional, skilled and I felt very safe. Worth every cent and won’t forget this amazing experience.
        Written 26 October 2024
      • robr232
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Modern helicopter and great communication
        This was the second helicopter trip for us in a few days. Nice modern helicopter, tried to maximise views for all people. We were again lucky with the weather as the following day was constant rain and low clouds. The trip itself was good up to the top, landing for photo opportunities over Queenstown. Pilot was very informative. Overall good experience.
        Written 23 October 2024
      • AHJYEO
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Amazing experience
        I flew with Glacier Southern lakes twice this. once in early August with my daughter and just again in October with my wife and other daughter. Both times were amazing experiences. From the booking process to confirmation of the flight on the day based on weather conditions to the trip itself was smooth, well organised with very friendly and polite staff throughout. Our pilot Alfie is an amazing pilot and his skill in flying was clearly palpable. The landing on the glacier was a breathtaking experience on both occasions. and the flight to Milford sounds over the whole region of mountains and lakes was glorious too. I would highly recommend and concur with the high ratings and reviews from many other customers, and would love to fly with them again when we are next back in Queenstown.
        Written 17 October 2024
      • stephenf545
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Sunset flight to the Remarkables.
        Michael our pilot was excellent. The flight up was picturesque and breathtaking. We had an amazing time up in the snow and had an amazing experience.
        Written 8 October 2024
      • J8308ZTangeliqueg
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Unforgettable Alpine Flight: Perfect Couple’s Adventure!
        My partner and I had an absolutely phenomenal scenic alpine flight experience! The views were stunning, and it made for a truly memorable couple’s adventure. Our flight instructor was not only skilled but also incredibly cool, taking pictures of us throughout the journey, which made it even more special. The transport was well-organized, and the customer service was exceptional — the receptionist staff even reached out when I nearly lost my driver’s license. It was a perfect day for both of us, and we highly recommend it for couples looking for a unique and unforgettable experience!
        Written 5 October 2024
      • Vacationer583751
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dream flight team
        We took two flights with these guys and were so impressed by their calm, cheerful professionalism and knowledge of the local area. The first time, they delivered us to a sunny mountain top so we could get married on a freezing winter's day. Our toddler got cold, so the pilots sat inside a helicopter with her, chatting away. The second time was to Milford Sound with a glacier landing on the way back. We need to give kudos to Cody for his photo skills - he took so many great pics of us at each landing. Thank you so much! We felt like we were in safe hands the whole time.
        Written 28 September 2024
      • Chris M
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Just book it !
        Awesome experience well worth the price. Very comfortable flight and sensational views of Queenstown and surrounds. Highly recommended.
        Written 25 September 2024
      See all 1,015 reviews
      These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

      Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

      Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

      Popular mentions

      We perform checks on reviews.
      Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
      Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
      When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
      Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
      Learn more about our review moderation.
      5.0
      5.0 of 5 bubbles28 reviews
      Excellent
      25
      Very good
      2
      Average
      1
      Poor
      0
      Terrible
      0

      Nat
      Perth, Australia15 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Alfie was so skilled and knowledgeable. I was anxious as we had our 5 and 8 yr old kids with us. He soon put us at ease with his expertise and skill. Todays weather was perfect, glacier was so breathtaking and such a breathtaking view of Queenstown and surrounds. Alfie’s local knowledge and passion made it an experience we will never forget. Zipping low through the river and waving to the rafters at the end was awesome!
      Written 2 October 2022
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Cruiser35974636837, Thank you very much for your review on your recent flight with us. I am pleased to hear Alfie put you at ease during the flight. We live in an incredible part of the world and we love to share it with people like you! Alfie did alot of the filming for the LOTR and Hobbit movies, so his knowledge of the filming locations and the surrounding areas is pretty amazing. Thank you again for choosing GSLH and we hope to see you again soon! Kind regards, Tegan
      Written 2 October 2022
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Sunshine17063961356
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2023 • Family
      Amazing highlight of my trip to Queenstown. I highly recommend a trip with Luke! His competence and experience shows an ability to reassure and make passengers feel safe, especially those anxious about flying. Stopping on a glacier was an especially memorable. Specular views of the mountainous and lake terrain were breathtaking. Don’t hesitate, you’ll love it! Mauri ora Fabian.
      Written 11 November 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Kia Ora Mauri ora Fabian, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback on your recent scenic flight. I am so pleased that your Pilot, Luke made you all feel safe during the flight, meaning you had a more enjoyable experience! We trust you took many photos and videos to look back on. Thank you very much for choosing to fly with GSLH. We hope to fly you again in the near future. Kind regards, Tegan
      Written 13 November 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Ian Wu
      Singapore21 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      10/10 experience! The views were breathtaking and the helicopter experience felt very safe and exciting. Jeremy, our pilot, was a steady hand and gave us a some amazing views and insights into the area. The booking process was also very smooth - they were responsive and very clear with the instructions. Complimentary pickup was also included! Highly recommended and it left us wishing we could go on more flights with them in the future 😊😊😊
      Written 4 April 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi iWuverine83, Thank you very much for your recent 5* review on your Lord of The Rings & Glacier Helicopter flight. We are so pleased to hear that you had a smooth experience from when you made the initial booking to the flight itself. Thank you for your kind words about Pilot Jeremy, I will make sure to pass these comments along to him. We look forward to flying you again in the future, maybe Milford Sound next time?? Kind regards, Tegan
      Written 28 April 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      DC17101997
      5 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2024 • Couples
      Phenomenal trip! 2 x landings with 1 on a glacier. Seeing the area from the air and up close is amazing with a very different view from anywhere else.

      Cody was amazing with positioning the helicopter exactly to capture the best view.

      Highly recommend this trip with this company (Southern Glacier Lakes Helicopters).
      Written 17 November 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi DC17101997, Thank you very much for your 5* review. We are thrilled to hear that you had a phenomenal Lord of the Rings & Glacier flight with pilot Kody! I will be sure to pass along your kind words to Kody. We hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Queenstown and thank you for choosing to fly with us. Kind regards, Tegan
      Written 17 November 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      mbs5
      Lansdale, PA177 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Dec 2019
      Our family of 8 traveled to New Zealand and spent New Years Eve 2020 in Queenstown. We were split into 2 helicopter and given a tour of a lifetime! Matt and Jono showed us the breathtaking landscape of Queenstown and pointed our Lord of the Rings sites throughout our trip. They took pictures of our group and were so friendly! I like Lord of the Rings but really signed up because it was the longest tour. You see so much!!! We landed twice....once on a snow covered peak/glacier!! There is no better way to take in the beauty of Queenstown and surrounding areas! I would recommend everyone do this!! Thank you!
      Written 2 January 2020
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Kia ora! I am so pleased to hear what a wonderful experience you had with us! Queenstown certainly has breathtaking views! Matt and Jono are great pilot with a huge amount of experience and I am glad it was a great memorable experience for you all - what a way to enter 2020! We hope to welcome you back in the future!
      Written 2 February 2020
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      lars f
      Keystone, CO9 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Oct 2024 • Family
      We had an unbelievable trip with Michael as the pilot/guide. Though weather didn't permit a Glacier landing, the vistas at the landing spots, the spectacular nature around Queenstown that we got a closeup birds-eye view it of more than made up for that. Informative background commentary of the different movie locations, spectacular scenery and exiting flying really make the the experience something special.
      Thanks again for a great ride!
      Written 23 November 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Larsf39, Thank you for your 5* review on your recent Lord of the Rings flight. We are thrilled to read that you had an unbelievable trip with Pilot Michael and despite the weather not allowing us to land on the glacier, you still have a spectacular trip and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery. Thank you for choosing to fly with us and we hope you enjoy the rest of your time in New Zealand. Kind regards, Tegan
      Written 27 November 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Elena
      Brisbane, Australia7 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Mar 2023 • Solo
      This was a last minute booking for my birthday and GSLH were able to squeeze me on to one of their afternoon LOTR flights. All I can say is it turned out to be one of the highlights of my whole trip! Not a lot of LOTR content but the scenery and the thrill of my first helicopter flight eclipsed that. Will definitely be back again soon to do another helicopter tour with these guys. Great customer service with pick up and drop off options for Queenstown.
      Written 6 May 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Elena, Thank you for taking the time to review your recent LOTR + Glacier Flight. We are so happy that we were able to accommodate you and especially seeing as it was your first every Helicopter flight! I will certainly pass along your wonderful feedback to our wider team and be sure to mention your comment about more LOTR commentary. Thank you again for choosing to fly with GSLH and we are so honoured to have flown you on your first evert flight! Kind regards, Tegan
      Written 15 May 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      MeeAe M
      5 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Jan 2023
      This was such a GREAT experience! I'm terrified of heights and I've never felt safer. Jeremy was knowledgable and friendly. It was a last minute splurge for our Honeymoon and worth every penny! I'm a huge LOTR fan and they even gave a booklet with extra information!
      Written 11 January 2023
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Meeaem, Thank you very much for sharing your recent experience. We are so happy to hear that you had a wonderful time during your flight and what an added bonus that you got to experience so many of the LOTR filming locations. Congratulations and we hope you had a wonderful rest of your Honeymoon, we are so glad that we could be apart of it! Thank you very much for choosing GSLH! Kind regards, Tegan
      Written 16 January 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Paul J
      1 contribution
      4.0 of 5 bubbles
      Nov 2024 • Couples
      A very helpful and friendly team at Glacier Helicopters. A very enjoyable experience and beautiful scenery
      Please check the currency you will pay in. It may not be in NZ Dollars.
      Written 2 December 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Dear Paul, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience on the Lord of the Rings and Glacier flight. We sincerely apologise for any confusion caused by the currency discrepancy during your booking process. When booking through third-party online travel agents, different currencies may be used. unfortunately, we have no control over this. We hope this issue did not detract from your overall experience with us, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the near future. Kind regards, Tegan
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Mobile04261327872
      1 contribution
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sept 2024 • Couples
      Amazing experience highly recommend it to anyone and Will our pilot was great! Unbelievable views on the mountain ranges
      Written 7 September 2024
      This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
      Hi Mobile0426137872, We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your scenic flight experience with your Pilot, Will! Thank you so much for choosing to fly with us. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Queenstown. Kind regards, Tegan
      Written 15 September 2024
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Showing results 1-10 of 24
      *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

      Lord of the Rings and Glacier Helicopter Tour provided by Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters

      All Queenstown HotelsQueenstown Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Queenstown
      All things to do in Queenstown
      Day Trips in QueenstownZoos & Aquariums in Queenstown
      RestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire