Things to do in

Mount Earnslaw

Join us for the trip of a lifetime! Fly past rainforest covered valleys and spectacular alpine lakes and enjoy this world-famous area from the sky before landing in Milford Sound. You’ll see breathtaking cliffs from the water, cruise past the iconic Mitre Peak and enjoy the incredible views this location is famous for. On arrival in Milford Sound, you will join one of our partners for a cruise. During your cruise, you will see the Hanging Gardens and Fairy and Stirling Falls. You might also get to see some of the local wildlife, like New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and the very rare Fiordland crested penguin (spring/early summer). On your journey home via helicopter, enjoy a landing in the iconic Earnslaw Burn. The Earnslaw Burn truly is New Zealand’s best-kept secret. Here you’ll see some of the most spectacular scenery our country offers. A meandering glacier-fed river, an array of wildlife, tussock, speargrass, and countless waterfalls. But the best bit is the mighty Earnslaw Glacier, which hangs above you at over 1,000 ft.

Glide past coastal fjords, skim over glaciers, chase waterfalls and count the endless peaks as you embark on our signature Fiordland flight. Mt Tutoko makes an appearance on the way home, shortly before we land in the Earnslaw Burn. The famous Fiordland region is a World Heritage Site. Filled with pristine alpine lakes, roaring waterfalls, glaciers, fjords and rugged mountains, this area has it all – and with three stunning landings; and alpine lake, glacier and in the stunning Earnslaw Burn, you will experience it all on this incredible journey. Our adventure begins out of Queenstown, flying over Ben Lomond and the Richardson Mountains, past rustic Glenorchy village, and continuing high up in the alps to picturesque Lake Erskine. Next we head to the source of the mighty Sutherland Falls. Lake Quill feeds this monstrous waterfall, with a drop of 580m/1,900 ft and a very loud roar to match. Milford Sound is calling. Leaving the falls, we skip over to the rugged West Coast, sweeping past iconic Mitre Peak. From here we make a beeline towards Mt Tutoko – the highest peak in Fiordland – before circling back to land at the Earnslaw Burn. With a hanging glacier overhead, and waterfalls cascading down around you, the Earnslaw Burn is a sight to behold. Even in winter when many of the waterfalls have frozen dry, the glacier swells with fresh, dazzling snowfall. It’s a magical place. This is our final stop before we fly back home to Queenstown, passing over the historic gold mining sites of Skippers Canyon. Didn’t we say this trip has it all? *In winter months (June – August) the Earnslaw Burn does not have as many fast flowing waterfalls compared to our spring and summer months (September – March). It is still a stunning and magical location to visit during winter as there is usually extra snow coverage on the glacier and throughout the valley.

Discover Middle Earth on our flagship flight as we soar over a remote high-country station towards towering Mt Earnslaw. Experience a close-range flyover of the breathtaking “hanging” Earnslaw Glacier before touching down in the lower basin to enjoy this incredible spot. If one landing isn’t enough, upgrade your flight and add on a second landing! Add on an Alpine Landing and enjoy panoramic views of the Dart River and Lake Whakatipu. Adult – $120 per person Child – $120 per person Trip duration – 60 minutes Glacier Landing Adult – $225 per person Child – $225 per person Trip duration – 70 minutes *In winter months (June – August) the Earnslaw Burn does not have as many fast flowing waterfalls compared to our spring and summer months (September – March). It is still a stunning and magical location to visit during winter as there is usually extra snow coverage on the glacier and throughout the valley.