Where is Queenstown Snowmobiles Located? We depart from Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, which is located at 35 Lucas Place, Frankton (near Queenstown Airport). The snowmobile trip occurs on the Garvie Plateau which is only accessible by helicopter. There is no self-drive option to the snowmobiling location.
Do you provide courtesy transport to your helicopter base? A complimentary shuttle service is available to pick up and drop off passengers from selected locations in the Queenstown area. Click here to view our pick-up locations.
Can I bring my own car? Yes, we have free parking for our passengers. We are located at 35 Lucas Place, Frankton (near to Queenstown Airport).
What helicopter company do you use? Queenstown Snowmobiles is owned and operated by Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters. Our helicopter and pilot stay on the Garvie Plateau for the duration of your snowmobile trip. As the location is within the mountains, sometimes weather can be changeable. In that event, we are able to depart quickly. Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters has a modern fleet of Airbus helicopters and all our pilots are highly experienced in our rugged, alpine environment.
What is the minimum passengers per trip? We require a minimum of four passengers to operate a trip. You don’t need to make a booking with four people – we can combine other passengers to make up this number to enable the trip to happen. For this reason, we encourage guests to book this tour at the start of their Queenstown itinerary, and have flexibility to move as required.
How old do you have to be to ride a snowmobile? You must be 15 years or older to operate your own snowmobile (Proof of age required). This is subject to ability and the guide’s discretion. Children aged 6-14 years ride as pillion passengers with an accompanying adult. The minimum child age is 6 years, however the child must have the strength and ability to hold on to their driver for the duration of the trip. If they are unable to do so, both the child and accompanying adult will be asked to wait at the base until the trip is finished.
How long is the scenic helicopter flight to the Garvie Plateau? Approx. 15 minutes each way. We fly past the sky-piercing Remarkables Mountain range before flying towards our base on the snow.
What should I wear for my snowmobiling experience? As you’ll be outdoors in an alpine environment, dress in warm, comfortable layers, with a windproof jacket along with pants. Thermal layers are a great idea if you’re particularly sensitive to the cold. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for both comfort and safety. Don’t forget your camera, sunglasses, hat and sunblock. You’re welcome to bring a small bag for any personal items you need to carry with you.
What clothing will be supplied? Protective insulated overalls, helmets, gloves, goggles and boots will be supplied for adults. If you have your own waterproof ski pants and jackets then you are welcome to wear them. We have helmets and can provide non-insulated outer clothing for children, they will need to be dressed in their own warm base and mid layer clothing. If you don’t have the appropriate gear, please contact us.
How long do we snowmobile for? 1 hour 30 minutes of snow time (approx). This includes an initial training time and competency check on the snowmobiles before setting off on your excursion.
Will there be any stops during the snowmobiling? Yes, there will be approximately three stops. Our guides know all the locations for the best vistas.
What do I need to bring? Queenstown Snowmobiles occurs in an alpine environment during the winter and early spring months. It can be very cold so dress warmly. We recommend woollen garments and layers. Wear a warm hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. You may need sunglasses for your flight but we provide goggles for when riding the snowmobiles. Of course bring your camera and Go Pros. Drones are not permitted at all. A day pack and some water is handy.
How often are the trips? We depart daily at 9:00am, 11:30am & 2:00pm – keep in mind all tours are weather and snow dependent, so a weather check is done at least an hour prior to all departure times.
Is there a risk to snowmobiling? This tour is an Adventure Activity and as such it presents certain hazards, including but not limited to; snowmobile rollover, snowmobile collision, loss of control, cold exposure, uneven terrain, slips trips and falls. Serious injury or death is a possibility, therefore agreeing to participate is your personal decision. As we operate in a mountain environment, certain weather events may result in having to stay overnight. Please ensure that you are carrying any important medication with you. It is important to us that you understand the risks of participating in this activity. For more information please refer to our Safety page.
What time do I have to be at Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters ready for departure? You will need to be at the Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopter Reception 20 minutes before your departure. For example if your trip is at 9am, you will need to check in at our front office no later than 8.40am. The office is located at 35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown.
Who do I contact if I have an enquiry about booking? Please feel free to contact us with any questions at one of the following: Email: [email protected] Freephone (NZ): 0800 801 616 Phone: +64 3 442 3016
When will I know if the trip is going ahead or not due to bad weather? Please phone us an hour before your scheduled departure to do a weather check. Our reservations team will advise you of the situation for your trip. Please phone +64 3 442 3016 or freephone 0800 801 616
What is your cancellation policy? If you cancel your reservation more than 24 hours from the departure time, a full refund will be made. Cancellations or booking changes within 24 hours of the departure time will incur a 100% cancellation fee. The away times (flight duration) specified in the flight tour itinerary are approximate and can be subject to weather conditions. If the experience finishes early due to adverse weather or snow conditions, the following prices will apply depending on the completed duration: If the flight operates but snowmobiling does not take place, a 50% refund will be given. If the snowmobiling activity lasts less than 30 minutes, a 25% refund will be given. If the snowmobiling activity lasts more than 30 minutes, no refund will apply.
What happens if the weather is not suitable? We do not fly or snowmobile if the weather makes it unsafe. All clients will be informed at the time of their weather check and offered an alternative day and time to fly and ride. In the event an alternative doesn’t suit you a full refund will be made. For this reason, we encourage guests to book this tour at the start of your Queenstown itinerary, and have flexibility to move as required.
Will I be able to purchase any photos of my trip? Our pilot or your guide will be available to take photos of you either at the beginning or the end of the trip using your own camera or phone.
Is there a bathroom? There is a long drop toilet at the Queenstown Snowmobiles base on the Garvie Plateau. We also have bathrooms at our check in area at Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters.
Do you offer gift vouchers? Yes, and what a perfect gift a Queenstown Snowmobile trip would make. Spoil someone special or reward extraordinary effort. You can purchase gift vouchers at on our gift vouchers page.
