FAQ's

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.

A courtesy coach is available to pick up and drop off passengers from selected locations in the Queenstown area. Click here to view our pick up locations

Yes, we have free parking for our passengers.  We are located at 35 Lucas Place, Frankton (near to Queenstown Airport).

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.

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.

15yrs (Proof of age required). You must be 15 years or older to operate your own snowmobile. This is subject to ability and the guide’s discretion. Children aged 6-14yrs 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 rider 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.

Approx. 15 minutes each way.  We fly past the sky-piercing Remarkables Mountain range before flying towards our base on the snow.

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 haven’t brought their gear then please contact us.

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.

Yes, there will be approximately three stops. Our guides know all the locations for the best vistas.

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.

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.

The Queenstown Snowmobile tour is classed as an adventure activity and carries a degree of risk. As such, you need to be aware that we cannot absolutely agree your safety. Queenstown Snowmobiles are the provider of the adventure activity and have been assessed to meet or exceed the Health and Safety at Work (Adventure Activity) regulations 2016. 

This tour 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.

The following factors can increase the possibility of injury whilst participating on a tour and could impact tour safety. 

• Changing weather 
• Pre-existing medical conditions 
• Ability 
• Refusal to follow instructions 
• Impairment 

Queenstown Snowmobiles reserves the right to cancel tours under any of these situations. For your safety, you are required to listen to and follow the instructions of your guides at all times. 

It is important to us that you understand the risks of participating in this activity. Please let our team know of any concerns you may have or if you require additional information. 

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.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Email: [email protected] or Telephone: +64 3 442 3016

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

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 proceeds but there is no snowmobiling - the cost per person is $495 per adult and $345 per child.

• If the snowmobiling activity lasts less than 30 minutes - the cost per person is $800 per adult and $560 per child.

• If the snowmobiling activity is more than 30 minutes - there will be no refund given.

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.

If you cancel within 24 hours from departure you will not be given a refund. If you cancel before 24 hours from departure you will be given a full refund.

Our pilot will potentially be available to take photos of you either at the beginning or the end of the trip.

Yes, there is one toilet at the Queenstown Snowmobiles base on the Garvie Plateau.  We also have bathrooms at our check in area at Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters.

Yes, and what a perfect gift a Queenstown Snowmobile trip would make.  Spoil someone special or reward extraordinary effort.

Just email [email protected] or phone +64 3 442 3016 and one of our friendly team members will help you get it all sorted.