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12 Amazing Destinations You Can Only Access by Float Plane or Helicopter

It might cost you a pretty penny to see these places, but it’s worth it.

float plane
Updated Oct. 1, 2024
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Are you looking for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience? If you hunger to see places that few folks ever will, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you’re seeking adventure under the Northern Lights in Alaska or total luxury on an island in the middle of the ocean, we have you covered.

Leave your financial stress behind and check out these 12 incredible destinations you could only reach by helicopter or float plane.

Minaret Station, New Zealand

Blue Planet Studio/Adobe New Zealand

At the top of our list is Minaret Station. Located on the shore of Lake Wanaka in stunning New Zealand, it boasts the kind of beauty you may recall seeing in the “The Lord of the Rings” film series: endless, wild, and pristine.

Fly in on a private helicopter and stay at the rustic yet luxe Alpine Lodge, where you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating, as well as world-class cuisine. Don’t worry, there is Wi-Fi and modern amenities, too.

Cirque de Mafate, Réunion Island

karlosxii/Adobe Cirque de Mafate

Nestled in Réunion Island is Cirque de Mafate, an inactive volcano that has collapsed. It awaits hiking enthusiasts with an affinity for life off the beaten path.

In this overseas department of France, you could get to know the descendants of formerly enslaved people who escaped to the area in the 1800s. You could also soak in waterfalls and mountain views and enjoy the Creole cuisine at this World Heritage site.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile

f11photo/Adobe Easter Island

Located off the coast of Chile is Easter Island, also known by its indigenous name, Rapa Nui.

The island is mostly vacant today, but mysterious moai — giant rock carvings made by Polynesian residents centuries ago to honor their ancestors — dot the island and lure in visitors from around the world.

There are a handful of resorts on the island to accommodate curious travelers looking to enjoy the natural splendor of this famed island.

Sheldon Chalet, Alaska

ricktravel/Adobe Denali

If you’re itching to travel to remote places, put Sheldon Chalet in Alaska on your must-see list.

This mountain lodge is built on a protruding ridge — known as a nunatak — in the shadow of Denali, the highest mountain peak in North America. You could take in stunning, snowy mountain views by day and the Northern Lights by night at this lodge.

Just 10 miles away from the summit of Denali, this place is perfect for hiking, dog-sledding, fishing, and more. There’s no Wi-Fi out here, so prepare for a true getaway in this frozen paradise.

Cayo District, Belize

John/Adobe Cayo District

If a jungle setting is more your thing, you would enjoy the Blancaneaux Lodge in the Cayo District of Belize. Owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola, this gorgeous set of villas is nestled in the mountains, flanked by rainforest.

You could unwind at a waterfall spa or venture out into the jungle, where you could see remains of the Mayan civilization.

Thanda Island, Tanzania

vladk213/Adobe beach in Tanzania

Those who long to travel the world shouldn’t miss Tanzania, a country in East Africa famous for its wildlife and wilderness.

Moreover, you could reach Thanda Island, an island hosting a luxurious resort only 18 miles off the coast of Tanzania.

Spot dolphins and whale sharks in the water, snorkel stunning coral reefs, enjoy plenty of beach and water sports, and even have a gourmet dinner on the beach in the evening — pure bliss.

Nimmo Bay, British Columbia

Gerry/Adobe British Columbia

Wild, wonderful, and lush, Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort in British Columbia was one of the first eco-lodges ever established. Here, guests can spot bears, whales, and more in this mountain paradise and its lush accommodations.

The wining and dining here is nothing short of perfection, too, and the spa is sure to amaze.

Kandolhu Maldives, North Ari Atoll, the Maldives

siraphol/Adobe Maldives

Whether you’re a fan of solo travel or prefer romantic getaways for two, the small island of Kandolhu in the Maldives is a bucket-list destination.

This remote island that hosts a resort is located in the Indian Ocean. Its location means you could spend your vacation in a villa surrounded by endless sea views.

The dreamy locale is ideal for snorkelers and divers, but those seeking a lazy stay on an island with fine dining and spa treatments could find what they need.

Orpheus Island Resort, Australia

BRIAN_KINNEY/Adobe reef with fish

Speaking of diving, underwater enthusiasts can’t miss a trip to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The Orpheus Island Resort is a great place to stay while exploring it.

This island gem is located in waters designated as a World Heritage site. It’s surrounded by a national park, which protects more than 1,100 species of fish that call the area home.

Enjoy your days by the water and your nights having world-class cocktails and cuisine in this idyllic slice of paradise.

Niihau, Hawaii

BRBN~LVR/Adobe Monk seal on Niihau

Arguably one of the most popular destinations globally, Hawaii is a dream vacation for travelers of all stripes. However, If you want to get off the beaten path, you could head over to the remote island of Niihau.

Nicknamed the “forbidden island,” this private sanctuary is off the coast of Kauai. It is occupied by the Sinclair family (who own it) and the area's indigenous people. Here you could spot wildlife, enjoy pristine beaches and waters, or simply marvel at the natural splendor around you.

Mombo Camp, Botswana

jtplatt/Adobe Elephant

Going on an African safari is certainly a bucket-list trip for even the most seasoned traveler. So, get out your best travel credit card, book a flight and head to the remote Mombo Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana.

Here, you could stay in pure luxury while having a front-row seat to stunning wildlife like elephants, leopards, hyenas, and rhinos. When it’s time to relax, dive into the plunge pools while gazing up at the starry sky above you. Truly, this is a one-of-a-kind destination.

North Island, Seychelles

kbarzycki/Adobe Seychelles

Our list of remote destinations accessible only by float plane or helicopter wraps up with the North Island in Seychelles, off the eastern coast of Africa and north of Madagascar.

This island paradise is where Prince William and Kate Middleton went for their honeymoon, which might give you an idea of what you could expect here.

This true island paradise has all the bells and whistles, including delicious dining, plenty of watersports, pristine nature, and abundant wildlife.

Bottom line

MexChriss/Adobe Woman in helicopter

There is no shortage of stunning remote places only accessible by helicopter or float plane. Each destination has its own enchantments, but they might all share their pristine natures.

Just know that none of these places is cheap to visit — they’re actually quite pricey to get to. However, if you are looking for an adventure to remember, they might be worth the cost.

And if you want to put one of these locations on your bucket list for the future, you could start working on boosting your bank account with these money moves.

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Cat Lafuente

Cat Lafuente is a Florida-based writer and editor with extensive experience in digital and print content spaces. Her own personal finance journey — particularly consolidating debt and paying it off, in turn boosting her credit score and becoming a homeowner — inspired her to join the FinanceBuzz team; she hopes she can help others do the same.