Earnslaw Burn Encounter

Discover Middle Earth on our flagship flight, where the immense scale of Mount Earnslaw’s landscapes leaves you breathless. Departing from Glenorchy, this helicopter adventure takes you over vast high-country stations and winding rivers, framed by rugged mountain ranges.

As we near Mount Earnslaw, its towering jagged peaks dominate the horizon. You’ll be treated to a close-range flyover of the awe-inspiring “hanging” Earnslaw Glacier, a suspended wall of ancient blue ice that clings dramatically to the cliffs above the valley.

The journey then descends into the Earnslaw Burn basin, where sheer walls of rock and ice rise around you. It’s a place that makes you feel wonderfully small, like you’ve stepped right into a Lord of The Rings scene, because you have!

Depending on the day, you may also have the chance to meet a member of the Southern Lakes Sanctuary conservation team, who can share insight into the vital work being done to protect the unique ecosystems of this wild corner of New Zealand.

Upgrade Your Flight with an Extra Landing

If one landing isn’t enough, make your flight even more memorable:

• Alpine Landing – Panoramic views over the Dart River & Lake Whakatipu. $140 pp, total duration 60 minutes
• Glacier Landing – Step onto a remote glacier with surreal blue ice. $250 pp, total duration 70 minutes

What makes this experience unique?

• Optional upgrades for an even more epic adventure
• Experience one of the South Island’s most dramatic natural wonders
• Exclusive access to the Earnslaw Burn basin
• Fly with highly experienced local pilots who know the area inside and out