Our premier flight-seeing experience
Explore New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery, from snowy mountain ranges and turquoise lakes, to epic glaciers and amazing ice fields flowing through West Coast rainforests, to the wild Tasman Sea! The Grand Traverse is the “flight of a lifetime”, exploring the incredible world heritage Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland National Parks.
Highlights of the Grand Traverse flight include:
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New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers – including Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier
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Beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussock lands, and the unique braided river systems of the Mackenzie basin
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Remote high country sheep stations, glacial valleys, and landforms.
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The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park – a magical world of permanent ice and snow
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The Westland Tai Poutini National Park with the magnificent Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers surrounded by rainforests, and the wild yet beautiful Tasman Sea.
Our aircraft are ideal for New Zealand’s conditions, with a window seat for every passenger and have wings-above to ensure clear views of the amazing scenery. Your friendly pilot will provide an informative and enjoyable commentary, and all passengers get a copy of our multi-language flight-guide.
The Grand Traverse is approximately 50 minutes of flying time, but please allow one hour in total.
Please advise us if you are over 130kg so we can make the required plans to avoid disappointment.
Grand Traverse from Lake Tekapo
Experience our magnificent “flight of a lifetime”, leaving from Lake Tekapo. Explore breathtaking scenery up close from your own window seat, including Aoraki Mt Cook, glaciers, braided rivers, and glacial lakes.
- 50 MINUTE (approx) SCENIC PLANE FLIGHT
- FLY FROM LAKE TEKAPO
- ADULTS $470pp CHILDREN (3-13) $375pp
Grand Traverse from Franz Josef
Enjoy the “flight of a lifetime”, on the only plane flight from Franz Josef on the West Coast. Experience incredible scenery up close from your own window seat, including the wild Tasman Sea, lush rainforest, glaciers, Aoraki Mt Cook, and glacial lakes.
- 50 MINUTE (approx) SCENIC PLANE FLIGHT
- FLY FROM FRANZ JOSEF
- ADULTS $470pp CHILDREN (3-13) $375pp
Our Recommendations
Helicopter flights are great, especially if you have never experienced snow before! If you’re not sure whether you would prefer an aeroplane or helicopter flight here are our recommendations:
- If you want to see the most, with the best views, and the best value for money, then the Grand Traverse aeroplane flight is for you.
- If you want to land on one of our alpine landing sites and experience the snow (weather permitting), then the helicopter flight is for you.
- If you want to experience what it is like to be in a helicopter, then the helicopter flight is for you!
We are more than happy to talk with you in person to discuss what option might best suit your needs.
Please note there is a normally a maximum weight restriction of 130kg per person for the helicopter flight.
Tekapo Highlights, local area experience
Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of being in a helicopter but always thought it was too expensive? This is just the flight for you! Enjoy a magical tour of Lake Tekapo with beautiful lake and mountain views.
- 15 MINUTE SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT
- FLY FROM LAKE TEKAPO
- ADULTS $275pp Children (3-13) $195pp
Mackenzie Explorer, includes Alpine Landing
Join us for an awesome experience showing off the very best of the Mackenzie! This flight includes an alpine landing high on one of our local sheep stations to enjoy stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the mountains.
- 30 MINUTE SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT
- FLY FROM LAKE TEKAPO
- ADULTS $375pp CHILDREN (3-13) $300pp
Mount Cook Alpine Grandeur – includes Snow Landing
Explore New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook, and see the Tasman and Murchison glaciers! This epic flight includes a snow landing on the Liebig Dome (7,700 feet) with spectacular alpine views.
- 45 MINUTE SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT
- FLY FROM LAKE TEKAPO
- ADULTS $595pp CHILDREN (3-13) $475pp
Mount Cook Franz & Fox Magic – includes Snow Landing
Experience an amazing flight exploring Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook, and the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. This spectacular flight includes a snow landing on the Liebig Dome (7,700 feet).
- 60 MINUTE SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT
- FLY FROM LAKE TEKAPO
- ADULTS $810pp CHILDREN (3-13) $650pp
A varying fleet for all sizes of individuals or groups
Air Safaris operate a large, modern, and high standard fleet of piston and turbo prop engine aircraft. The fleet of aircraft are capable of carrying from 7 to 13 passengers each. All aircraft operated by Air Safaris are owned and maintained by the company.
Each aircraft type has been selected for its reliability, passenger comfort and great viewing opportunities. Each aircraft is configured so every seat has its own window!
