Altitude Golf by Helicopter from Queenstown

A golf hole reached only by helicopter is the whole point here. You fly from Queenstown to a high-altitude par-three in the Southern Alps, play your shots above the Wakatipu Basin, then board the helicopter again for the return flight. It is not a round of golf so much as a memorable shot with a remarkable approach.

I like two things in particular: the helicopter ride is part of the experience, not just transport, and the small-group setup means you get personal attention from a pilot and caddy. The main consideration is the price: at $477.84 per person, this makes sense as a special outing, not as a budget way to play golf.

Key points before you book

• The course is helicopter access only, high in the mountains above Queenstown.
• You get five balls for the par-three challenge, with about 90 minutes allowed for the full outing.
• The package includes clubs, balls, a pilot and caddy, and complimentary pickup and drop-off.
• Weather matters: the flight may be rescheduled or refunded if conditions are poor, and snow closes the course in winter.
• This is a small-group activity: a helicopter carries 6 to 9 passengers, and the overall tour has a maximum of 12 people.
• The price buys a combined flight and golf experience, rather than a conventional golf session.

A golf hole with a helicopter for a front door

The appeal is easy to understand. Queenstown is framed by mountains and the Wakatipu Basin, but this outing takes you up into the Southern Alps rather than simply giving you another view from town. The helicopter lands at a remote par-three course, where you can attempt a hole in one from one of three tee boxes.

The course is described as sitting roughly 4,000 feet above Queenstown, though some tour details put the height at 4,500 feet. Either way, this is high-altitude golf with a wide view across the basin. The setting is the draw; the golf is the playful challenge that gives the flight a purpose.

That distinction matters when you decide if the price is right. You are not paying for many holes, a long practice session, or a full day on a course. You are paying for the flight, the unusual setting, the chance to take your shot, and the logistics that make a remote tee box reachable.

The activity has a five-star rating from 22 reviews, with 100 percent recommending it. That is a small sample, so I would not treat it as a guarantee. It does fit the tour’s strongest appeal: people come for the whole occasion, from the helicopter ride to hitting golf balls from the top of the mountain.

From Frankton to the mountain course

The stated meeting point is 10 Tex Smith Lane in Frankton, Queenstown. Complimentary pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour also describes hotel pickup in Queenstown. Check the pickup details for your own accommodation before the day, rather than assuming every address is covered in the same way.

At the heli base, you meet the pilot before heading up to the course. The flight is not incidental: it is the only way to reach this golf hole, and the views begin on the way up. The full experience takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, including the flight, time on the course and return flight.

The helicopter may be shared with other players. The stated capacity is 6 to 9 passengers per helicopter, while the activity itself has a maximum of 12 people. That is still a small-group outing, but do not assume you will have the aircraft to yourself. If you are travelling with a mixed group, non-playing spectators are welcome, though you should check availability and any cost details directly when booking.

Once you reach the course, you get a chance to play the par-three hole and attempt the high-altitude hole in one. There are three tee boxes, and the included clubs and balls mean you do not need to bring your own golf gear. The activity allows for five balls, so think of it as a short, focused challenge rather than an open-ended session.

The description mentions driving, chipping and putting. How much of that comes into play depends on your shots and the course conditions. The helicopter relocates to pick you up after you finish putting, then flies you back to the base. The tour ends where it began.

What the golf is like, and what it is not

The course is a single par-three hole, not a full round. That is a useful expectation to set: you will get a distinctive golf moment, but not the structure or variety of a standard course. The included five balls give you a few attempts to make the shot count, and the caddy’s presence adds practical help while you play.

The three tee boxes offer a choice of starting point, though the available information does not specify their distances or how the choice is made. If you are an experienced golfer, you can bring your swing and enjoy the novelty of the setting. If you are new to golf, you can still take part, but it is worth remembering that the basic format is a real par-three challenge, not a guided lesson.

The small number of shots is part of the charm and the limitation. You get a clean, simple objective: fly in, play, putt out and fly back. If you are hoping for an afternoon of practice, this is not it. If you want an unusual outing that combines scenery with a bit of friendly competition, the compact format works well.

Comfortable shoes are recommended because the terrain is uneven. You should also be prepared to walk around the course rather than assume you will be standing on a smooth, manicured fairway. The activity asks for a moderate level of physical fitness, so consider that if uneven ground or walking is a concern for anyone in your party.

The helicopter ride is half the value

A scenic helicopter flight is included, along with the golf. That makes the price easier to assess: this is not simply a very expensive way to hit five balls. It combines mountain access, a flight above Queenstown and a short golf experience that would otherwise be impossible to reach by road.

At $477.84 per person, it is still a substantial spend. The value depends on whether you want both parts. If your main goal is to play golf, you can find better value in a conventional round. If you would happily pay for a scenic flight and like the idea of adding a one-off golf challenge, the package brings those interests together in a clear, time-efficient outing.

The flight and mountain setting also make this a good pick for a group with different levels of golf enthusiasm. A non-playing spectator can come along, which gives a partner or friend a way to share the helicopter ride and scenery without taking a swing. Confirm arrangements for spectators before booking, especially if the group is near the passenger limit.

The tour has group discounts, but the amount and terms are not specified here. If you are booking for several people, it is worth checking whether a discount applies. The activity is booked, on average, 42 days in advance, which suggests that planning ahead is sensible, especially if you have a particular date in mind.

Weather, winter and the details that can change the day

This outing depends on flying conditions, so the schedule is not as fixed as a land-based activity. The operator contacts you either the day before or the day of your booking to confirm based on the weather. If the helicopter cannot fly because conditions are poor, you can choose another flight or receive a full refund.

The course also closes when it is covered in snow during winter. That is more than a minor detail: the mountain setting is the reason to go, but it also makes the activity vulnerable to conditions that can close the course or prevent the flight. If your Queenstown dates are fixed, leave room in your itinerary for a possible weather change.

Passenger weights must be advised at booking. This is a standard practical requirement for helicopter operations, but it is important to provide accurate details rather than leave it until the day. The listed helicopter capacity is 6 to 9 passengers, while the activity limit is 12 people, so group size and aircraft arrangements may vary.

Food and drinks are not included, though options can be pre-purchased. The tour is short, so you may not need a meal during the activity, but plan ahead if you want something arranged. Transfers from local golf courses can also be arranged for an additional cost.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Weather cancellations are handled separately, with an alternative flight or full refund offered; if the minimum number of participants is not met, you can be offered a different date or experience, or a refund.

Who should book this Queenstown golf flight?

I would consider this for golfers who enjoy unusual courses, couples looking for a shared adventure, and groups who want a short activity with a strong sense of occasion. It also suits someone who already plans to take a scenic flight and likes the idea of adding a memorable golf shot rather than keeping the flight purely sightseeing.

It is less suited to anyone measuring value by the number of holes played. You get one par-three, five balls and a 90-minute outing, not a full golf day. It may also disappoint if you need a firm schedule and cannot adapt to weather changes.

For most people, the best way to think about it is as a helicopter excursion with a golf challenge built in. The five-star rating and universal recommendation among the 22 ratings are encouraging, but the real question is whether this combination appeals to you. If you would enjoy the flight even without a perfect shot, the outing has a strong case. If the golf itself is all that matters, spend your money on a longer round.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want an unusual way to see the mountains and would enjoy taking a few shots from a remote alpine tee. The helicopter access and the 180-degree outlook are the features that make the outing different from an ordinary golf session.

Skip it if you are focused on getting the most golf for your money, or if your plans cannot bend around weather. For a special Queenstown day, though, the mix of flight, views and a single high-altitude par-three is hard to reproduce on the ground.

FAQ

How long does the activity take?

Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes for the helicopter flight and golf. The tour information specifies five balls during that time.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $477.84 per person. Group discounts are available, though the discount details are not specified.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The meeting point is 10 Tex Smith Lane in Frankton, Queenstown. The activity ends back at the meeting point, and complimentary pickup and drop-off are offered.

Is golf equipment included?

Yes. Golf clubs and balls are included, along with a pilot and caddy.

How many golf balls do I get?

The activity allows for five balls.

Can a non-playing spectator come along?

Yes. Non-playing spectators are welcome, subject to the helicopter’s passenger arrangements.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather prevents the flight, you will be offered an alternative flight or a full refund. The operator contacts you the day before or the day of the booking to confirm based on conditions.

Is the tour available in winter?

The course closes when snow covers it during winter. The flight is also subject to favourable weather conditions.

How far ahead should I book?

The activity is booked an average of 42 days in advance. You must also provide all passenger weights when booking.