The Helicopter Line

The Helicopter Line is a scenic helicopter company operating in New Zealand's South Island. The website describes it as a locally owned helicopter operator, and says it has been operating since 1986.

The company has bases at Queenstown, Aoraki Mount Cook at Glentanner Park, Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Milford Sound flights depart from Queenstown. The site has a map to help guests find the base nearest to them.

Scenic flights are the core experience. Examples include the Franz Josef Névé Discoverer, Mountains High from Glentanner Park, Queenstown Panorama, the Franz Josef Twin Glacier and the Southern Glacier Experience. Trip times run from about 25 minutes to two hours.

Heli hikes fly guests over ice formations and land on the glacier. The guided walk lasts two hours, and guests wear specialized glacier boots and crampons. Tasman Glacier heli hikes and an ice climbing adventure depart from Mount Cook Airport.

Charters offer personalised itineraries and competitive rates for private groups. The website lists heli ski, hunting, fishing, climbing excursions, bespoke tours and corporate groups as examples.

Wine and gin tours combine a scenic flight over Queenstown with tastings of local gin and wine. Weddings can be held high above Queenstown or on the glaciers.

The company supports the Tiaki Promise, a commitment to care for people, place and culture in New Zealand.

Services

• Scenic flights
• Heli hike
• Charters
• Wine and gin tours
• Weddings
• Milford Sound overflights
• Franz Josef Névé Discoverer
• Tasman Glacier ice climbing