Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Tour: A Comprehensive Guide

The Earnslaw Burn helicopter tour offers a breathtaking aerial experience over one of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. This tour takes visitors on a journey through the majestic Southern Alps, showcasing the spectacular Earnslaw Burn glacier, cascading waterfalls, and pristine alpine scenery. With exclusive landing rights and expert pilot commentary, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and Lord of the Rings fans alike.

What is the Price Range for an Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Tour?

The cost of an Earnslaw Burn helicopter tour varies depending on the duration and type of experience:

  1. Earnslaw Burn Express:
  2. Duration: 60 minutes
  3. Price: $840 per person

  4. Earnslaw Burn Picnic:

  5. Duration: 90 minutes
  6. Price: $940 per person

  7. 75-minute experience with 2 landings:

  8. Price: $990 per person

  9. 1.5 hour experience with 2 scenic landings:

  10. Price: $1,410 per person

  11. 2.5 hour experience with 3 scenic landings:

  12. Price: $1,690 per person

  13. 5 hour Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli experience:

  14. Price: $1,685 per person

  15. Earnslaw Burn Heli Hike:

  16. Duration: 3.5-4 hours
  17. Price: $1,375 per person

It’s important to note that prices may vary depending on the season and availability. While there are no specific discounts mentioned for early bookings, it’s always worth checking with tour operators for any current promotions.

How Long Does an Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Tour Last?

earnslaw burn helicopter tour

The duration of an Earnslaw Burn helicopter tour depends on the specific package chosen:

Tour Package Flight Duration Total Experience Time
Earnslaw Burn Express 60 minutes Up to 2 hours (including transfers)
Earnslaw Burn Picnic 90 minutes Includes picnic and exploration time
75-minute experience 75 minutes Includes two scenic landings
1.5 hour experience 90 minutes Includes two scenic landings
2.5 hour experience 150 minutes Includes three scenic landings
Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli N/A 5 hours total experience
Earnslaw Burn Heli Hike 20-25 minutes flying 3.5-4 hours total experience

The Earnslaw Burn Heli Hike, for example, includes 20-25 minutes of flying time, 1.5-2 hours of hiking, and 1-1.5 hours for a picnic and exploring the area.

What Do Customers Say About the Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Tour?

While specific customer reviews are not detailed in the available sources, general feedback and satisfaction levels are overwhelmingly positive:

  • Scenery: Customers rave about the spectacular views of the hanging glacier, cascading waterfalls, and the recognizable landscapes from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
  • Exclusive Access: Many appreciate the exclusive landing rights held by Heliworks Queenstown, allowing for unique photo opportunities and experiences.
  • Pilot Commentary: The informative and engaging commentary provided by pilots is frequently mentioned as a highlight of the tour.
  • Overall Experience: On platforms like Everything Queenstown, the Earnslaw Burn helicopter tour boasts a high satisfaction rate, with 93% of new customers reporting a good or excellent experience.

It’s worth noting that during winter months, the waterfalls may not be as vigorous as in other seasons, which could affect the overall visual impact for some visitors.

How Can I Book an Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Tour?

Booking an Earnslaw Burn helicopter tour is straightforward and can be done through various platforms:

  1. Online Booking:
  2. Heliworks Queenstown website
  3. Everything Queenstown platform
  4. GetYourGuide and other tour operators

  5. Cancellation Policies:

  6. Most operators offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.
  7. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a 50% fee.
  8. No-shows are typically charged 100% of the tour cost.
  9. Weather-related cancellations by the operator usually result in no fees charged.

  10. Payment Options:

  11. Some operators don’t require payment until the time of the flight.
  12. A 2% surcharge may apply for credit and contactless transactions.
  13. Certain platforms allow you to reserve now and pay later.

  14. Booking Tips:

  15. Book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
  16. Check for any current promotions or package deals.
  17. Confirm the cancellation policy and any potential weather-related rescheduling options.

What Should I Expect on an Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Tour?

An Earnslaw Burn helicopter tour offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience:

  1. Scenic Flight:
  2. Soar over the Southern Alps and witness the stunning Earnslaw Burn glacier.
  3. Enjoy panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, pristine alpine lakes, and rugged mountain terrain.

  4. Landing Opportunities:

  5. Depending on your chosen package, experience one or more scenic landings.
  6. Explore areas inaccessible by other means of transport.

  7. Photo Opportunities:

  8. Capture breathtaking shots of the landscape, including locations featured in famous films.
  9. Take advantage of the exclusive landing sites for unique perspectives.

  10. Expert Commentary:

  11. Learn about the region’s geology, flora, fauna, and cultural significance from knowledgeable pilots.

  12. Optional Extras:

  13. Some tours include picnics, hikes, or even a Milford Sound cruise for a more comprehensive experience.

  14. Safety Briefing:

  15. Receive a thorough safety briefing before takeoff and follow all guidelines provided by your pilot.

Remember to dress appropriately for alpine conditions, bring a camera, and be prepared for potential weather changes that could affect your flight.

References:

  1. Heliworks Queenstown – Earnslaw Burn
  2. Everything Queenstown – Helicopter Flight Earnslaw Burn Express
  3. Heli Glenorchy – Earnslaw Burn Heli Hike

Leave a Comment