• Plan your trip – Te Anau Base

Plan Your Trip
Te Anau Base

Getting here
& parking

Walking & Biking

Our helicopter base is conveniently located on the lakefront near to the town centre, just a quick stroll away from many hotels, restaurants, and cafés.

Car & Parking

If you are not staying in Te Anau, you can also reach our base easily by car, with parking facilities available.

Public Transport/InterCity Connections

From Queenstown
Te Anau has a direct Tracknet bus connection with Queenstown. The bus ride is about 2h30 with the bus stop 400m down the road from the Southern Lakes Helicopters, making this a relaxed and convenient option.

Visitor
Information

Accessibility

Mobility Parking
Our car parks are level grounded, and tar sealed, making it wheelchair friendly.

Wheelchair Access
All areas of our office and facilities can be accessed by wheelchair users.

We also do our best to accommodate everyone’s wishes and needs during our helicopter rides. Most of the time clients who need a wheelchair will remain in the helicopter during our landings, however we assess on an individual bases what is the most practical approach.

Groups: If you are booking a helicopter tour for a group of wheelchair users, please let us know beforehand. Unfortunately, not all wheelchair types fit in our helicopters and clients might have to stay on the ground if the requirements and details were not discussed previously. We do not have a max number of wheelchair users per group and just need a chat with the team.

flight tour options

We have a wide variety of scenic flight options and experiences available but can also create bespoke adventures based on your specific wishes. For a better overview, check out our fan favourites or contact us to discuss your custom-tailored tour.

on-ground facilities

We have a waiting area available at our office for you to use before your flight as well as toilet facilities.

Faq

The pilots make a weather call each morning. Passengers are welcome to call the office for an update. If we have concerns regarding weather, we usually try and give booked passengers a call the day before to talk through options. 

This varies and is entirely up to you. With different packages to choose from, you can select the package that works best for you. 

see all Frequently Asked Questions

Where to stay

Cabot Lodge

Located on a 2000 acre sheep, deer and cattle farm bordering the Fiordland National Park, Cabot Lodge is the perfect base to explore Fiordland. Guests of the Lodge can enjoy the fruits of the family’s labour, with fresh honey, berries, meats, as well as fresh produce from the vegetable garden and eggs from the resident chickens.

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Radfords on the Lake

Enjoy the luxuery 5 star accommodation at Te Anau’s Lakefront, Radford’s on the Lake. Wake up to views of stunning Lake Te Anau and the mountains of Fiordland National Park in one of our spacious, luxuriously appointed apartments.

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Dunluce

Experience a boutique accommodation with a quintessential kiwi welcome, fresh baking, and a friendly face. A comfortable and peaceful stay awaits with breathtaking lake and mountain views from your private patio.

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Where to eat

Ditto

Asian inspired street fare for both dine in & takeaway, with an emphasis on freshness & flavour. The ‘south meets east’ fusion menu is created from combining a lifetime of trial and travel, and the best of local produce in our stunning Te Anau location.

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Sandfly Café

Lazy tunes & Sunny Mountain Views. The Sandfly Cafe has all day sun, indoor & outdoor seating. With a full breakfast menu, superb coffee, and lunch options available, this is a great spot to relax

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Fat Duck

Located in the heart of the beautiful lakeside township of Te Anau and only a quick stroll away from most hotels, The Fat Duck Gastropub offers great beverages and amazing food for a fun time.

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Are you looking 
for a Fiordland
adventure?

Discover Fiordland’s famous Great Walks, stunning scenery and unique nature in an unforgettable experience.

get in touch with us today
  • Stunningly Beautiful. Amazing trip with Heff as our pilot. Scenic views breathtaking & landings amazing. Views can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.

    Melissa – January 2022 – Dunedin, New Zealand

  • WORTH EVERY PENNY! We did the Doubtful Sound flight and it was the most amazing experience I have ever done! Craig was an amazing pilot who was super chill and easy to chat with and made it just that little bit better.

    Mackenzie – February 2021 – Stewart Island, NZ

  • Our photos do not do justice to the feeling of standing what felt like the top of the world. The feeling of total amazement was worth every dollar it cost to do and I’d do it again when we can. This is an absolute must do and I’d highly recommend Southern Lakes Helicopters.

    Phil – August 2021 – Havelock North, NZ

  • Trip of a lifetime!! Pristine wilderness, fab pilot and staff: an experience I will NEVER forget!!! A MUST DO for anyone visiting Fiordland. No matter what your budget, figure out a way to make it happen. A 360 degree sensory experience that will keep you buzzing for days. Do it.

    Susan – September 2020 – Koi Samui


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