Scenic Helicopter Flights & Wilderness Adventures in Mount Aspiring National Park
Experience unforgettable scenic helicopter flights, heli-hike adventures, and jet boat tours with Backcountry Helicopters, specialists in premium wilderness experiences in Mount Aspiring National Park and New Zealand’s remote backcountry.
Operating from Makarora, our flights offer rare access to glaciers, alpine valleys, braided rivers, and pristine wilderness landscapes that few travellers ever see.
Heli Siberia Wilderness Adventures
Prices in NZD | Subject to change
Heli Siberia – Fly • Hike • Jet Boat
Allow 5 hours | Moderate fitness required | $599pp (2 pax minimum)
A must-do New Zealand adventure combining air, land, and water.
Begin with a scenic 15-minute helicopter flight over the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers toward Mount Aspiring National Park. Enjoy aerial views of Crucible Lake and the iconic Siberia Valley, with live commentary from your experienced pilot.
Land at the start of the track and enjoy a 3-hour self-guided alpine hike, then finish with a 30-minute jet boat ride through native beech forest with Wilkin River Jets, learning about the region’s history and geology along the way.
Heli Siberia Max – Fly • Hike • Jet Boat
Allow 5 hours | Moderate fitness required | $799pp (2 pax minimum)
Often described as one of the best wilderness experiences in New Zealand.
Enjoy a longer 25-minute helicopter flight deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, including an alpine landing and close encounters with Mt Pollux Glacier, waterfalls, and remote alpine lakes.
After a 3-hour guided-route hike, rendezvous with Wilkin River Jets for an exhilarating ride on both the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers, skimming across crystal-clear water beneath towering alpine cliffs.
Heli Jet Combo – Fly • Jet Boat
Allow 1.5 hours | Low fitness required | $599pp (2 pax minimum)
Perfect if you’re short on time or prefer to skip the hike.
Fly over braided rivers, alpine valleys, and Crucible Lake before landing at Kerin Forks. Enjoy time to relax or explore the riverbank before meeting Wilkin River Jets for a thrilling jet boat experience. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Luxury Helicopter Charters & Private Transfers
Enjoy tailor-made luxury helicopter flights and private charters from Queenstown, Wānaka, Makarora, and the West Coast.
Our bespoke helicopter experiences include:
- Private scenic flights
- Alpine landings
- Luxury lodge transfers
- Exclusive remote destinations
Each flight is carefully designed to deliver seamless access to New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.
Explore Makarora & Mount Aspiring National Park
Located on the Haast Pass Highway, Makarora is just 45 minutes from Wānaka and an hour from the West Coast. Bordering untouched native bush and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park, it is the ultimate gateway to New Zealand’s alpine wilderness.
Scenic Helicopter Flights from Makarora
Local Explorer Scenic Flight
Allow 30 minutes | $495pp (2 pax minimum)
Fly into the Top Forks and Siberia Valleys, over Mt Pollux, and past waterfalls and alpine lakes. Includes an alpine landing ideal for photography and soaking in the Southern Alps scenery.
Encounter Aspiring Scenic Flight
Allow 60 minutes | $850pp (2 pax minimum)
A comprehensive Mount Aspiring experience featuring braided rivers, glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and a close encounter with Mount Aspiring / Tititea (3033m). Includes an alpine landing and return via the remote Siberia Valley.
Private Luxury Flights, Lodges & Experiences
Indulge in:
- Secluded alpine picnics
- West Coast & Fiordland aerial explorations
- Fully customised private helicopter journeys
Each experience is tailored to your interests, schedule, and sense of adventure.
Hunting & Fishing Helicopter Access – Mount Aspiring Region
We provide specialist helicopter access for hunting and fishing expeditions across the West Coast, Makarora, Wānaka, and the lower South Island.
With deep local knowledge and experienced pilots, we offer exclusive access to remote backcountry locations for pursuits including Red Deer, Tahr, Chamois, and premier fishing areas — reachable only by helicopter.
Unforgettable New Zealand Helicopter Experiences
From scenic helicopter flights and heli-hike adventures to luxury charters and remote wilderness access, Backcountry Helicopters delivers some of the most exclusive helicopter tours in New Zealand.
Book your Mount Aspiring helicopter adventure today and experience New Zealand’s wild beauty from the sky.
Mount Aspiring Scenic Helicopter Flights – FAQs
Where do Backcountry Helicopters operate from?
Backcountry Helicopters operates from Makarora, providing scenic helicopter flights and wilderness adventures into Mount Aspiring National Park and surrounding alpine regions.
What is the best helicopter experience in Mount Aspiring National Park?
The Heli Siberia Fly–Hike–Jet Boat experience is one of the most popular and highly rated adventures, combining scenic helicopter flights, a self-guided alpine hike, and an exhilarating jet boat ride.
Do I need a high fitness level for helicopter tours?
Not all experiences require high fitness. The Heli Jet Combo is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, while heli-hike experiences require moderate fitness.
How long are scenic helicopter flights from Makarora?
Flights range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, with options including alpine landings, glacier views, and remote valley access.
Do you offer private or luxury helicopter charters?
Yes. Backcountry Helicopters offers private luxury helicopter charters, lodge transfers, alpine picnics, and bespoke scenic flights throughout the South Island.
Is Mount Aspiring National Park a good place for scenic flights?
Absolutely. Mount Aspiring National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage area known for glaciers, braided rivers, alpine lakes, and dramatic mountain landscapes — best experienced from the air.
For full details, availability, and bookings, view scenic helicopter flights and wilderness adventures with Backcountry Helicopters.
