Heli Hike Lake Alta, Remarkables, Queenstown

We will pick you up from your hotel in Queenstown and drive to the helicopter base in Frankton where we meet our pilot for the trip. Boarding your helicopter, we head up over Lake Wakatipu up to the summit of the Remarkables for a landing with the most amazing views out towards Queenstown, Fiordland and beyond.

We take in the spectacular views and grab some photos before heading round to Lake Alta – a small alpine lake nestled in the basin. The area is home to the Remarkables Ski Field in the winter season so the plant life is slow growing. It was also the site of many movies – the 1999 movie Vertical Limit and more recently the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit.

If we are lucky we may come across the cheeky Kea – an Alpine parrot that is very intelligent and inquisitive. Chamois and deer are also known to be in this area so keep your eyes peeled.

Your guide will be able to point out the local area and talk about the geology of the Remarkables and the walking is relatively easy going however off the rough track it is schist rock and sturdy shoes are required for the uneven surfaces. Although the vistas and endless views are fantastic up there, it can be exposed so warm clothing is definitely recommended whatever the weather.

The helicopter will then be waiting for us from our pre-arranged pick up point to fly us back to the helicopter base and you will then be dropped back at your hotel.

Departure time options: 8.30am or 1.30pm

Grade: Easy to Moderate

Walking distance: 2 – 2.5 hours

Duration: 4 hours

Season: November to April