The Earnslaw Burn is a remote valley below Mt Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi, north of Glenorchy, where a hanging glacier feeds countless waterfalls. It is usually only reached on foot — by helicopter it is a 45- to 90-minute trip. Two operators land in the valley: Heliworks from Queenstown and Heli Glenorchy from Glenorchy, usually with about 20 minutes on the ground.
Not every flight lands at the Earnslaw Burn: the Glacier Southern Lakes flight only passes over it and lands on a glacier in Mount Aspiring National Park — it is listed separately below.
All of these land in the Earnslaw Burn itself. The shortest starts in Glenorchy; from Queenstown the options range from the 60-minute flight to a picnic and combinations with an alpine landing or a Milford Sound flyover.
Earnslaw Burn Glacier & Waterfalls from Glenorchy (45 min)
Operator: Heli Glenorchy · Departure: 35 Mull Street, Glenorchy 9372
From Glenorchy over a high-country station and past Mt Earnslaw's hanging glacier, landing in the lower Earnslaw Burn basin facing the waterfalls — about 20 minutes on the ground. The Viator booking includes a transfer from Queenstown; with GetYourGuide you make your own way to Glenorchy.
Operator: Heliworks Queenstown · Departure: 64 Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown
Via Moonlight Saddle and the gold-mining country of Skippers Canyon to the Earnslaw Burn basin (20 minutes on the ground), plus a 10-minute alpine landing the pilot picks on the day. Minimum numbers apply.
Operator: Heliworks Queenstown · Departure: 64 Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown
Over Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park without landing at the fiord, then two landings — on a remote alpine peak and in the Earnslaw Burn below its hanging glacier. Hotel pickup included.
This flight passes over the Earnslaw Burn on the way to the glaciers of Mount Aspiring National Park and lands on a glacier there — not in the Earnslaw Burn valley.
Fifty minutes over the glaciers of Mt Aspiring National Park and the Earnslaw Burn, with a glacier landing — note: January to June the landing may shift to an alternative site.
Heliworks Queenstown64 Grant Road, Frankton, Queenstown
Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown
Good to know
Landings depend on conditions
In the warmer months the waterfalls run at their fullest; in winter (June to August) there is less water but more snow around the glacier.
Departure points
Heliworks departs from 64 Grant Road in Frankton, Queenstown; Heli Glenorchy from 35 Mull Street in Glenorchy. The Viator booking of the Glenorchy flight includes a transfer from Queenstown.
Pickups and minimum numbers
Heliworks flies shared flights and needs exact passenger weights at booking; minimum numbers apply — if they are not met, you get a full refund.
Free cancellation
Every flight listed here can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure — checked on each product page.
Frequently asked questions
Can you land at the Earnslaw Burn?
Yes — Heliworks from Queenstown and Heli Glenorchy from Glenorchy land in the valley below the hanging glacier, usually for about 20 minutes. The Glacier Southern Lakes flight only flies over the Earnslaw Burn and lands on a glacier elsewhere.
Is the Earnslaw Burn better in summer or in winter?
It depends on what you want to see: in the warmer months the waterfalls are at their fullest; in winter (June to August) there is less water but more snow around the glacier.
How long are the Earnslaw Burn flights?
From Glenorchy about 45 minutes of flying. From Queenstown: 60 minutes, 75 minutes with an extra alpine landing, 90 minutes with a picnic in the valley, or 1.5 hours of flying combined with a Milford Sound flyover.
Can I combine the Earnslaw Burn with Milford Sound?
Yes: Heliworks flies over Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park and then lands twice — on an alpine peak and in the Earnslaw Burn. There is no landing at Milford Sound itself on this flight.
