The 8 Helicopter Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Franz Josef: 2.5 Hour Glacier Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 322 reviews · 4 - 8 hours · from $475Our pick

Take a short helicopter flight from Franz Josef over rainforest and rugged peaks, then spend 2.5 hours on the glacier with an English-speaking guide. Expect crampons, ice caves, crevasses, ropes, and changing routes. Guides such as Ryan, Sarah, Drew, and Abbey are praised for clear explanations and calm support.

“We enjoyed the trip and guide very much. Incredible scenery and experience.”

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2.Fox Glacier: Up to 3 Hours Hike with Helicopter Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 309 reviews · 4 hours · from $448

Fly into Fox Glacier, strap on crampons, and spend up to three hours following ice steps through caves, arches, crevasses, and meltwater channels. Guides such as Kate, Billy, Keeley, and Toa explain the glacier as you go. Weather controls the schedule, so flexibility matters.

“Super recommend, nice walking is the glacier.friendly staff”

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3.Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 235 reviews · 3 hours · from $537

Fly from Mount Cook Airport to a remote part of Tasman Glacier, then spend up to two hours walking through blue ice, moulins, caves, and changing formations with a guide such as Hunter, Anna, or Tori. Your gear is supplied, and a second helicopter flight returns you beneath Aoraki/Mount Cook.

“Brilliant tour. Couldn't be better. Torri our guide was wonderful, the guy who did an internet safety etc was passionate about his job, would do it again. Completely recommend it to anyone.”

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4.Canadian Rockies: Helicopter Flight with Exploration Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 89 reviews · from $272Best value

Take a 20, 30, or 55-minute helicopter flight over glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, and 10,000-foot peaks. Land near the Cline River for a guided one-hour hike to Twin Falls, then return over Abraham Lake. Flights include a pilot guide, headset, and small groups of up to six.

“This was the BEST part of our trip! The kids even agree! What a truly worthwhile experience we definitely recommend!!! Ralph, the pilot, was extremely knowledgeable about animals, nature and the country of Canada! He is also quite hilarious and getting to know him was an experience all on its own! We’d go back and do this in a heart beat!!! Thank you for the memories!”

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5.Canadian Rockies: Private Helicopter Tour and Hike for Two

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 80 - 104 minutes Top rated

Take a private helicopter flight over Alberta’s Rockies with pilot commentary and headsets, then land near the Cline River for a guided one-hour hike or snowshoe to Twin Falls. Return over Abraham Lake. English-speaking guides include Thor and Victoria.

“Toller Rundflug mit Zwischenstopp an einem einsamen Wasserfall. Eine einzigartige Erfahrung mit 100%iger Weiterempfehlung.”

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6.Denali National Park: Helicopter and Hike Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 7 reviews · 5 hours · from $528

You’ll fly from TEMSCO’s private riverside heliport to remote terrain near Denali, then hike for up to 3.5 hours with an English-speaking naturalist guide. Expect sweeping tundra views, plant and wildlife insights, and a small group capped at 10 people. Hotel pickup is optional.

“Great trip recommend to anyone, very knowledgeable and personal guide..”

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7.Helicopter Glacier Swim & Hike – Anchorage Area

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $870

Take a helicopter from Palmer to the Knik Glacier for a guided ice hike and optional swim in a blue glacial pool. You’ll wear a dry suit, helmet, flotation device, and glacier gear. Guides such as Tavel, Tom, Shane, or Jared may lead the outing, weather permitting.

“We had a wonderful time and one hour wasn't enough! The terrain is amazing and our pilot Shane was very informative!”

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8.All-Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking and Helicopter Overlook Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $568

Start with hotel pickup in Beijing, then fly for about 10 to 12 minutes above Mutianyu and the unrestored Jiankou section. Your private guide handles the day, while you choose a cable car or chairlift and toboggan for a 2 to 3 hour wall walk, followed by a dumpling lunch.

“Totslmente recomendable! Vinierona buscarnos al hotel con un Tesla el conductor y una guia que hablaba españon perfecto. Nos llevaron a montar en helicoptero para ver la muralla! Vale la pena porque la ves super bien y sin hacet colaRead more”

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