Glacier Helicopter

Few experiences match the thrill of lifting off from Hanmer Springs and soaring over the Southern Alps towards the vast, ancient ice of a glacier. Glacier Helicopter tours offer an unforgettable aerial perspective of New Zealand's alpine wilderness, combining the excitement of a helicopter ride with the raw beauty of the glaciers. You'll land on the snowfield for a short walk and photo opportunity, surrounded by crevasses and seracs, before flying back over the braided rivers and mountain ranges.

Highlights & What to See

• Glacier Landing: Touch down on a remote glacier for a 10–15 minute snow walk – a chance to feel the crisp alpine air and take stunning photos.
• Southern Alps Panorama: Soar over the peaks of the Hanmer Range and the main divide, with views of the Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
• Braided River Valleys: Fly over the Waiau River and its intricate braided channels, a classic New Zealand landscape.
• Alpine Flora & Fauna: Keep an eye out for kea (mountain parrots) and the sparse but hardy alpine vegetation.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for the entire experience, including check-in, safety briefing, flight time (typically 30–50 minutes), and the glacier stop. The flight itself is compact but intense; you'll feel you've seen a world of wilderness in a short time. Book a morning flight for the best light and calmer winds, but afternoon flights can also be spectacular with long shadows.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa: Soak your muscles after the flight in the famous hot pools, just a few minutes' drive from the helipad.
• Waiau River Jet Boating: Add an adrenaline rush with a jet boat ride through the same river valleys you saw from above.
• Conical Hill Walk: A short, steep hike offering panoramic views of Hanmer and the surrounding mountains – a great grounding after flying.
• Kaikōura: A 1.5-hour drive east for whale watching, dolphin encounters, and the dramatic Kaikōura Peninsula walkway.
• Molesworth Station: New Zealand's largest farm, accessible via a scenic 4WD tour from Hanmer – a different kind of vast landscape.

Please check official sources for current details.