The Ledge - Dramatic and Close to Queenstown
Located on the slopes of Cecil Peak Station, a high-country property above Lake Wakatipu, The Ledge is one of Queenstown’s most dramatic heli elopement locations. Just a short flight from the township, it delivers breathtaking alpine views without needing to travel far.
From the air, you’ll see the lake’s blue sweep opening up beneath you, then rise above rugged peaks until your helicopter lands on the exposed cliff edge. It’s a location that feels wild yet accessible, perfect for couples who want incredible views and minimal flight time.
Planner insight: This is the spot for couples who love the feeling of being on top of the world but still want the convenience of being back in Queenstown for lakeside photos or a private dinner soon after.
Earnslaw Burn - Cinematic and Untamed
If The Ledge is drama, Earnslaw Burn is cinema. With its glacier-fed waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs, this location feels straight out of a movie – and it actually is, having appeared in The Hobbit.
Accessible only by helicopter, this secluded alpine valley sits beneath the mighty Mount Earnslaw glacier. The sound of rushing waterfalls fills the air, and light dances across the rock faces in every direction.
Planner insight: Earnslaw Burn is for couples who crave a sense of adventure, that feeling of being completely surrounded by nature’s power and beauty. It’s less polished than The Ledge, but far more raw and emotional.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | The Ledge (Cecil Peak) | Earnslaw Burn |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Time from Queenstown | Approx. 5–7 minutes | Approx. 15–20 minutes |
| Landscape | Cliff edge overlooking Lake Wakatipu | Glacier valley with waterfalls, most spectacular after rainfall or spring snowmelt |
| Vibe | Polished, accessible, dramatic | Wild, cinematic, untamed |
| Weather Sensitivity | Low, often flyable | Moderate, weather dependent |
| Best Light | 11 am to 4 pm, bright balanced light with soft tones over Lake Wakatipu | Late morning to early afternoon, when the sun reaches the valley floor and the waterfalls sparkle |
| Best Time of Year | All year except June, when weather can be unpredictable | September to April, especially after rainfall when waterfalls are abundant |
Can’t Choose? Have Both - Double Landing Heli Elopement
For couples who can’t decide between alpine cliffs and glacier waterfalls, there’s no need to. NZDW offers double-landing heli elopements, giving you two unforgettable experiences in one flight.
Start your ceremony high above Lake Wakatipu on The Ledge, then lift off and fly deeper into the mountains to exchange private vows under the waterfalls of Earnslaw Burn. It’s the ultimate Queenstown elopement adventure, a full showcase of what makes this region world-famous.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Choosing your heli elopement location comes down to the feeling you want on the day.
Choose The Ledge if you love clean lines, big sky, and timeless alpine views.
Choose Earnslaw Burn if you’re drawn to wild landscapes, waterfalls, and a sense of discovery.
Choose Both if you want a day that tells a complete story, from high ridges to deep valleys.
Plan Your Queenstown Heli Elopement with New Zealand Dream Weddings
With over nearly 30 years of experience planning heli elopement services in Queenstown, New Zealand Dream Weddings takes care of everything, from flight logistics and private land permissions to photography, celebrants, and marriage licences.
If you’re still exploring whether Queenstown is right for you, read our earlier guide: Eloping in Queenstown.
Then, when you’re ready, let’s start planning your own mountain-top moment, your perfectly stress-free heli elopement day in New Zealand.