WELCOME TO WANAKA HELICOPTERS

We are a family-owned and operated commercial helicopter operator and flight training school in one of the most stunning places in the world.

We specialise in scenic, luxury, and wedding flights to some of the most beautiful remote locations in New Zealand. We also offer commercial, agricultural, and charter services as well as our world-class flight training school.

COME & EXPLORE WITH US TODAY.

popular Scenic Flights

WĀNAKA EXPERIENCE

Experience the best of what Wānaka has to offer from the air any time of year with our iconic local Wānaka experience scenic flight!

WĀNAKA MAX

Take the Wānaka Experience trip to the next level with two alpine landings overlooking Wānaka and the local area – one landing on the iconic Coromandel Peak (Mt Roy).

AMAZING ASPIRING

Experience the breathtaking Amazing Aspiring scenic flight! Soar over the Clutha River, Lake Wānaka and the majestic Alps, with an unforgettable alpine landing.

ASPIRING SNOW SPECIAL

Discover New Zealand’s most breathtaking views with our Aspiring Snow Special. Soar over Mt Aspiring National Park, land on a glacier or snow, and create unforgettable memories on your holiday!

MILFORD FLYOVER

Milford Sound is a scene to behold. Discover the beauty of Lake Wānaka, Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park all in one breathtaking trip.

SCENIC FLIGHTS

ALPINE PICNIC PACKAGES

LUXURY & PRIVATE CHARTERS

COMMERCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

FLIGHT TRAINING

World Class Flight Training Amongst the Southern Alps with New Zealand’s most experienced flight training school.

We offer private (PPL), commercial (CPL) and tertiary training including the Diploma in Aviation.

Our wedding packages, feature stunning locations like the breathtaking Coromandel Peak on Mt Roy, as well as isolated glaciers and serene alpine lakes like Lake Lochnagar.

Discover all our wedding and proposal packages.

What our customers say

     EXCELLENT  
     Based on 424 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   RedBaronsBane 
 2024-10-03
 
 
 Verified Lovely team and stunning experience
We had a bit of a special need and request, that Nicky was simply amazing at accommodating and coordinating. Her kind help made an incredible experience even better. The Heli flight was brilliant, and our pilot, Chris provided us with some really great info regarding the geology, history, nature and other aspects of the regions that we flew over. It was truly an awesome experience.
  
 
       
   John E 
 2024-09-29
 
 
 Verified Great flight, perfect blue, sky's. What an experience.
Mike the pilot was great, with the information during the flight. The two landings, Roy's Peak and Mt Pisa in the snow were wonderful.
  
 
       
   pkh213 
 2024-09-18
 
 
 Verified Experience of a Lifetime!
We were able to add this before leaving Wanaka. We booked the Ultimate Milford Sound Experience which as 3.5 hours with three helicoper landings. We had our own pilot, Jason, and left from Wanaka and flew over the Clutha River and Lake Wanaka. We made our first landing on the snow of a glacier 6000 feet up and we had incredible views of the Alps and Mount Aspiring. This is a popular spot for wedding photos as there was a couple in another helicopter nearby. We flew seeing views as far as the Tasman Sea on the West Coast. The flights took us over the Red Hills, over popular Lord of the Rings filming locations and above alpine lakes to the second landing on the beach. It is amazing to think you can be on a glacier one minute and on a beach another. Milford Sound was next and we landed there for a 45 minute stop for lunch. On our way back to Wanaka, we flew over Sutherland Falls, the 5th highest waterfall in the world which tumbles 1,904 feet from Lake Quill into Milford Sound. Truly spectacular! Thanks Jason!
  
 
       
   Angela C 
 2024-06-14
 
 
 Verified Trial Helicopter Pilot Flight Experience
Wonderful team and experience, thanks very much. Had a great day and really appreciated the cosy fire for we spectators!
  
 
       
   Kathryn L 
 2024-05-05
 
 
 Verified Incredible Views were a Highlight of NZ
The Milford Ultimate flight was the highlight of our NZ vacation. We went with another couple, and ended up with a semi-private tour since no one booked the remaining seats. Everyone had an opportunity to sit in the front, rotating between landings. The views were amazing - including glaciers, waterfalls, beach fronts, and alpine lakes.
  
 
       
   8marley 
 2024-04-30
 
 
 Verified Wowsa
Wowsa. What great people they are at Wanaka Helicopters. Communication fantastic. Regular updates regarding weather etc. Pilot was awesome, friendly and happy to share his knowledge of the area. Stunning ride over Wanaka. Different options discussed. These guys were fantastic. Definitely recommend.
  
 
       
   Deb E 
 2024-04-24
 
 
 Verified Chris and Nicky went above and beyond to make dreams come true!
I had an INCREDIBLE experience with Nicky and Chris. Back story: My fiancé and I flew 21 hours across the world to get married on Coromandel Peak. It rained on our actual wedding day so we were unable to fly up to the peak. My coordinator graciously set up a second attempt with Wanaka Helicopters. However, we were fogged in by weather again. Both Chris and Nicky spent so much time, energy, and commitment helping us brainstorm a solution. Nicky squeezed us in a slot for a THIRD attempt the following day. Chris came back the next day to fly us out. After rearranging my travel schedule (such an adventure), my husband and I made it up to Coromandel Peak! Chris was not only our wonderful pilot, but was so helpful in assisting me with my bouquet and giving me a hand when I had difficulty walking in my wedding dress. He also gave us a great tour on the way back while pointing out the different peaks. So sweet and thoughtful! We felt very lucky to have him as our pilot!This heli experience was the highlight of our 8 day New Zealand trip! I honestly am so appreciative that Chris and Nicky helped make mine and my husband’s dreams come true. Thank you so much!!!🥹
  
 
       
   Roger S 
 2024-04-24
 
 
 Verified Total Surprise
Wanaka Helicopters helped me arrange a surprise flight for my wife many months prior.I arranged for them to pick us up at the Lime Tree Lodge just 1 km from their base. Chris the pilot skillfully landed on the lawn in front of the resort while my wife was feeding some alpacas, she looked up in total surprise as the chopper landed about 100 feet from her taking her totally by surprise.The flight was amazing and Chris one of the owners was an excellent pilot and gave us an amazing flight up to Mt Aspiring followed by a landing at around 7000 feet.Highly recommend.Thanks Chris.
  
 
       
   Sebastian A 
 2024-03-20
 
 
 Verified Best Heli Surprise Proposal
Planned a Heli surprise proposal to Coromandel Peak with Wakana Helicopters and felt it was the best move. Nicky, pilot Jason and photographer Kate should be nominated for the Oscars award for their best acting skills. My partner was deceived and we're very happy with the arrangements. Highly recommend them for any heli rides.
  
 
       
   20jag20 
 2024-03-07
 
 
 Verified A spectacular experience
Three friends in our 70’s had a fantastic experience. The ground crew and Mira were very helpful with our booking. Jason our pilot was very informative and experienced and the flight was awesome.An outstanding day and we would recommend. Thanks to all at Wānaka Helicopters for a very well run operation.

     EXCELLENT  
     Based on 87 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Mark Sainsbury 
 2024-10-03
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a bit of a special need and request, that Nicky was simply amazing at accommodating and coordinating.  Her kind help made an incredible experience even better.  The Heli flight was brilliant, and our pilot, Chris provided us with some really great info regarding the geology, history, nature and other aspects of the regions that we flew over.  It was truly an awesome experience.
  
 
       
   Peter Judd 
 2024-10-01
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant ride up to 2 peaks at Wanaka. Real memory making stuff with Mike great pilot. Thanks
  
 
       
   Laura 
 2024-09-09
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best experiences I’ve had in my life !
Booking was easy, staff were all really nice and welcoming and the flight itself was unreal.
10000/10 would do again !
  
 
       
   Alana Holt 
 2024-08-31
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the pleasure of using Wanaka Helicopters on our wedding day, and the experience was absolutely unforgettable. From start to finish, their team was incredibly helpful, ensuring every detail was taken care of. The flight itself was nothing short of spectacular, with two stunning location spots that made our special day even more magical. The pilot was professional, friendly, and made us feel completely at ease. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and we highly recommend Wanaka Helicopters to anyone looking to add something extraordinary to their wedding day.
  
 
       
   Michael 
 2024-06-23
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The experience is good. The pilot was very friendly and provided good commentary along the flight. We had 2 landings with a marvellous view of the area. Unfortunately, we're a little too early to see any snow for our landings.
  
 
       
   Maria R 
 2024-06-17
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an incredible experience with Wānaka Helicopters for our elopement. From the very start, Nicky and her team provided excellent communication and detailed information, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. The flight itself was phenomenal, offering breathtaking views that were simply unforgettable. The professionalism and friendliness of the staff made the adventure even more enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience!
  
 
       
   Rochelle Hansen 
 2024-06-03
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We're a photo/video elopement team and we recently had a flight with Wanaka Helicopters for an elopement photoshoot and it was amazing! The whole team was so lovely to work with! We had a few days we couldn't fly due to poor weather and the team was incredible in ensuring we got our dream landing. 100% would recommend them to anyone wanting to have an elopement shoot or any other scenic flight! Cannot wait to come back.
  
 
       
   Joe 
 2024-03-15
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pete and Amy were absolutely fantastic.  We did a four-hour tour and it was one of the highlights of my life.  In fact, I shared while on the tour, “There are only a few moments in life where you stop and think it just might not get any better than this right now.  This is one of those moments for me”.  Genuinely.  Further, Amy was so kind as to call area hotels and find a place for us to stay while a very busy conference was happening in Wanaka.  She found us the last two rooms available which were also great.  I already look forward to our next trip!
  
 
       
   Alli Lovell 
 2024-03-08
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would leave 10 stars if I could! Pete was an absolutely fantastic pilot, guide and chef for our journey. Helicopter tour over New Zealand was at the top of my bucket list and it did not disappoint. Amy was also so welcoming, and accommodating for our group. You can bet we’ll be talking about you guys for the rest of our lives!
  
 
       
   Lionel Day 
 2024-01-30
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant!