Helicopter Picnic at Middle Earth Waterfalls from Queenstown

Begin your amazing helicopter tour with pickup from your hotel in central Queenstown at 11:30 am where you will be transferred to the heliport to board your helicopter for a stunning flight through the Moonlight Saddle and over the Richardson Mountains to Mount Earnslaw.

With exclusive landing rights, you will descend 1000 meters to land gently at the head of the valley, where you will have plenty of time to take in the amazing views of the hanging glacier overhead and majestic waterfalls.

Enjoy a lovely gourmet picnic lunch with your choice of wine, beer or juice in the most unforgettable location!

Experience the Earnslaw Burn, a magical spot that was used as a filming location in 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey'. If you’re a Tolkien fan, you can walk in the footsteps of Bilbo and his company of dwarves under the waterfalls of Middle Earth (seen when they depart Rivendell to continue their quest) but if you haven't seen the film, you are sure to be impressed by the hanging glaciers, plunging waterfalls and rolling tussock fields.

You will have time to take lots of photos and explore a bit – walk along the valley or even walk behind the waterfalls to dip your toes into the icy water, if you dare. Afterwards, you will board the helicopter to continue your flight back to Queenstown and upon landing, you will be transferred back to your hotel at about 2pm.

This amazing 2.5 hour tour accommodates 2 to 6 people (subject to weights for the 6th person as it is in one helicopter) and includes pickup and drop off from your central Queenstown hotel.

Note: During the Winter months (June to August) - the Earnslaw Burn is in shadow during winter and does not have as many fast flowing waterfalls compared to the spring/summer/autumn months. This is still a stunning and magical location even in the winter months, however we would like you to be aware of this.