Mackenzie Alpine Helicopter

Overview

This is a 25-minute helicopter flight with Mackenzie Helicopters that includes an alpine landing at a private site. It starts at the operator's base on Tekapo-Twizel Road, just south of the village. No transport is listed, so plan to reach the base yourself.

After takeoff, the helicopter climbs over the Mackenzie Basin, passing the turquoise water of Lake Tekapo and the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, with Aoraki Mount Cook in view on clear days. The route then crosses high country stations, a working rural landscape the booking page highlights as part of the region's heritage. The main event is the alpine landing, where the aircraft touches down at a private mountain spot and passengers step outside. In winter, that landing is on snow.

Once back on board, the flight returns to the same base, leaving the rest of the day free for Lake Tekapo. The tour runs in English with an experienced pilot. Meals and drinks are not part of the package, so plan food around the flight.

Itinerary

1. Arrive at the baseMeet at Mackenzie Helicopters' base at 697 Tekapo-Twizel Road, Lake Tekapo. No transport is listed, so plan to reach the base yourself.
2. Board the helicopterMeet your pilot and board the helicopter for the scenic flight over the Mackenzie Basin.
3. Fly over the basinAscend above Lake Tekapo's turquoise waters and the peaks of the Southern Alps, including Aoraki Mount Cook on clear days, then continue over high country stations.
4. Alpine landingLand at a private alpine location and step out onto the mountainside for photos and views of glacial valleys and lakes. In winter the landing is on snow.
5. Return flightReboard and fly back to the base, where the experience ends.

Common Questions