Nature

What a beautiful sunrise

Scenic Flights

The Grand Traverse

Price List

AdultChild
Lake Tekapo returning to Lake Tekapo
NZ$470

NZ$375

Book
Franz Josef returning to Franz Josef
NZ$470

NZ$375

Book
Glentanner returning to Glentanner
NZ$495

NZ$395

Enquire
Inter aiport options
(including Tekapo, Glentanner, Mt Cook & Pukaki)
NZ$530

NZ$420

Enquire

A child is aged 3 – 13 years inclusive

*Valid from 1st October 2023 to 30th September 2024.

Experience the Grand Traverse with Air Safaris

The Grand Traverse is the “flight of a lifetime”, exploring the incredible world heritage Aoraki Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. See 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 highlights of the Grand Traverse flight include:

  • New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers – including Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier
  • Beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, golden tussock lands, and the braided river systems of the Mackenzie basin
  • Remote High Country Sheep Stations, glacial valleys, and landforms
  • The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park – a magical world of permanent ice and snow
  • 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.

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    Pukaki Airport

    Lake Pukaki Airport is located on State Highway 8, three minutes from the town of Twizel. Air Safaris has a small base there and can pick up or drop off passengers before or after the Grand Traverse.

    Glentanner Park

    Glentanner Park Airport is located only 18km’s from Aoraki Mt Cook village. Air Safaris use Glentanner for inter airport pick up or drop offs before or after the Grand Traverse. This is especially convenient for tours operating to a tight schedule.

    Mount Cook Airport

    Mt Cook Airport is close to Aoraki Mt Cook village. Air Safaris use Mt Cook for inter airport pick up or drop offs before or after the Grand Traverse. This is especially convenient for tours operating to a tight schedule.

    Air Safaris Franz Josef Airport

    Situated in the heart of glacier country. Air Safaris owns and operates an airfield approximately 8km west of the Franz Josef township and a bookings and information office in the Franz Josef town centre.

    Air Safaris Lake Tekapo Airport

    Air Safaris main base and airport facility (since 1975) is located alongside the main highway 4km west of the Lake Tekapo township. Our airport has plenty of free parking, toilets, WiFi, coffee and has a great area for non fliers to sit and enjoy the view. A sales and information office is situated centrally within the small township.

    Lake Pukaki

    Lake Pukaki is the largest of the three glacial lakes in the Mackenzie basin. It’s fed from the Tasman Glacier via the braided Tasman River. On clear days the views across Lake Pukaki to Aoraki Mt Cook are stunning. It has a maximum depth of 70m and like Lake Tekapo and Lake Ohau has the distinctive turquoise blue colour created by finely ground glacial rocks called “rock flour”.

    Aoraki Mount Cook

    “Aoraki” – the cloud piercer. New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3754m (12,316 ft). Permanently covered in snow and ice, it was first climbed on Christmas day in 1894. Get up close to Aoraki Mt Cook from your very own window seat on an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    Mount Tasman

    Mt Tasman is New Zealand’s second highest mountain at 3497m (11,475ft). The Balfour icefall and glacier on Mt Tasman’s western flank is just one of the stunning views you’ll see from an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    Fox Glacier

    Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe is 13km long descending from 2600m down to the rain forest just 300m above the Tasman Sea. The massive Fox Neve snow field is a stunning highlight on the Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    Franz Josef Glacier

    The Franz Josef Glacier descends from the southern alps into the rain forest of the West Coast. Maori legend has it that the glacier was formed by “the tears of Hine Hukatere” when her lover Wawe was swept away in an avalanche. Viewing the glacier from above is a highlight of an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    Tasman Glacier

    29km long with ice up to 800m (2600ft) deep, the Tasman is New Zealand’s longest glacier. Moraine (rock and gravel scraped or fallen from the valley walls) covers the ice for much of its length. At its terminus is a glacial lake 150m deep often filled with giant floating ice bergs. Lake Tasman feeds the braided Tasman river and Lake Pukaki.

    Murchison Glacier

    At 16km’s in length, the Murchison Glacier is New Zealand’s second longest. It flows in parallel valleys the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers are separated by the Malte Brun range. This range is dominated by Mt Malte Brun 3170m (10,400 ft).

    Lake Tekapo

    Lake Tekapo covers the first part of your Air Safaris Grand Traverse. Glaciers grinding against rock produce a fine powder called “rock flour”. When washed into the lake this is what produces the stunning turquoise colour. Lake Tekapo is 120m deep and has an average temperature of 7 degrees C. In the summer months it is popular for boating, water sports and trout and salmon fishing.

    Lake Alexandrina

    Famous for its rainbow and brown trout fishing, this spring fed lake provides a striking contrast to the turquoise blue glacial waters of Lake Tekapo. Rowing boats are the only mode of transport on Alexandrina as sail and motor boats are prohibited.

    Lake Tekapo Village

    Nestled on the southern shoreline of Lake Tekapo, the village is home to 350 permanent residents. It is dominated to the west by Mt John. Lake Tekapo village is the home of star gazing in New Zealand. Having one of the clearest night skies in the world it is an “International Dark Sky Reserve.” The village hosts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The “Church of the Good Shepherd” on the lakefront is the most photographed place in the country.

    • Pukaki Airport

      Lake Pukaki Airport is located on State Highway 8, three minutes from the town of Twizel. Air Safaris has a small base there and can pick up or drop off passengers before or after the Grand Traverse.

    • Glentanner Park

      Glentanner Park Airport is located only 18km’s from Aoraki Mt Cook village. Air Safaris use Glentanner for inter airport pick up or drop offs before or after the Grand Traverse. This is especially convenient for tours operating to a tight schedule.

    • Mount Cook Airport

      Mt Cook Airport is close to Aoraki Mt Cook village. Air Safaris use Mt Cook for inter airport pick up or drop offs before or after the Grand Traverse. This is especially convenient for tours operating to a tight schedule.

    • Air Safaris Franz Josef Airport

      Situated in the heart of glacier country. Air Safaris owns and operates an airfield approximately 8km west of the Franz Josef township and a bookings and information office in the Franz Josef town centre.

    • Air Safaris Lake Tekapo Airport

      Air Safaris main base and airport facility (since 1975) is located alongside the main highway 4km west of the Lake Tekapo township. Our airport has plenty of free parking, toilets, WiFi, coffee and has a great area for non fliers to sit and enjoy the view. A sales and information office is situated centrally within the small township.

    • Lake Pukaki

      Lake Pukaki is the largest of the three glacial lakes in the Mackenzie basin. It’s fed from the Tasman Glacier via the braided Tasman River. On clear days the views across Lake Pukaki to Aoraki Mt Cook are stunning. It has a maximum depth of 70m and like Lake Tekapo and Lake Ohau has the distinctive turquoise blue colour created by finely ground glacial rocks called “rock flour”.

    • Aoraki Mount Cook

      “Aoraki” – the cloud piercer. New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3754m (12,316 ft). Permanently covered in snow and ice, it was first climbed on Christmas day in 1894. Get up close to Aoraki Mt Cook from your very own window seat on an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    • Mount Tasman

      Mt Tasman is New Zealand’s second highest mountain at 3497m (11,475ft). The Balfour icefall and glacier on Mt Tasman’s western flank is just one of the stunning views you’ll see from an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    • Fox Glacier

      Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe is 13km long descending from 2600m down to the rain forest just 300m above the Tasman Sea. The massive Fox Neve snow field is a stunning highlight on the Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    • Franz Josef Glacier

      The Franz Josef Glacier descends from the southern alps into the rain forest of the West Coast. Maori legend has it that the glacier was formed by “the tears of Hine Hukatere” when her lover Wawe was swept away in an avalanche. Viewing the glacier from above is a highlight of an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    • Tasman Glacier

      29km long with ice up to 800m (2600ft) deep, the Tasman is New Zealand’s longest glacier. Moraine (rock and gravel scraped or fallen from the valley walls) covers the ice for much of its length. At its terminus is a glacial lake 150m deep often filled with giant floating ice bergs. Lake Tasman feeds the braided Tasman river and Lake Pukaki.

    • Murchison Glacier

      At 16km’s in length, the Murchison Glacier is New Zealand’s second longest. It flows in parallel valleys the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers are separated by the Malte Brun range. This range is dominated by Mt Malte Brun 3170m (10,400 ft).

    • Lake Tekapo

      Lake Tekapo covers the first part of your Air Safaris Grand Traverse. Glaciers grinding against rock produce a fine powder called “rock flour”. When washed into the lake this is what produces the stunning turquoise colour. Lake Tekapo is 120m deep and has an average temperature of 7 degrees C. In the summer months it is popular for boating, water sports and trout and salmon fishing.

    • Lake Alexandrina

      Famous for its rainbow and brown trout fishing, this spring fed lake provides a striking contrast to the turquoise blue glacial waters of Lake Tekapo. Rowing boats are the only mode of transport on Alexandrina as sail and motor boats are prohibited.

    • Lake Tekapo Village

      Nestled on the southern shoreline of Lake Tekapo, the village is home to 350 permanent residents. It is dominated to the west by Mt John. Lake Tekapo village is the home of star gazing in New Zealand. Having one of the clearest night skies in the world it is an “International Dark Sky Reserve.” The village hosts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The “Church of the Good Shepherd” on the lakefront is the most photographed place in the country.

    Lake Tekapo

    Air Safaris Franz Josef Airport

    Situated in the heart of glacier country. Air Safaris owns and operates an airfield approximately 8km west of the Franz Josef township and a bookings and information office in the Franz Josef town centre.

    Air Safaris Lake Tekapo Airport

    Air Safaris main base and airport facility (since 1975) is located alongside the main highway 4km west of the Lake Tekapo township. Our airport has plenty of free parking, toilets, WiFi, coffee and has a great area for non fliers to sit and enjoy the view. A sales and information office is situated centrally within the small township.

    Glentanner Park

    Glentanner Park Airport is located only 18km’s from Aoraki Mt Cook village. Air Safaris use Glentanner for inter airport pick up or drop offs before or after the Grand Traverse. This is especially convenient for tours operating to a tight schedule.

    Mount Cook Airport

    Mt Cook Airport is close to Aoraki Mt Cook village. Air Safaris use Mt Cook for inter airport pick up or drop offs before or after the Grand Traverse. This is especially convenient for tours operating to a tight schedule.

    Franz Josef Glacier

    The Franz Josef Glacier descends from the southern alps into the rain forest of the West Coast. Maori legend has it that the glacier was formed by “the tears of Hine Hukatere” when her lover Wawe was swept away in an avalanche. Viewing the glacier from above is a highlight of an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    Tasman Glacier

    29km long with ice up to 800m (2600ft) deep, the Tasman is New Zealand’s longest glacier. Moraine (rock and gravel scraped or fallen from the valley walls) covers the ice for much of its length. At its terminus is a glacial lake 150m deep often filled with giant floating ice bergs. Lake Tasman feeds the braided Tasman river and Lake Pukaki.

    Murchison Glacier

    At 16km’s in length, the Murchison Glacier is New Zealand’s second longest. It flows in parallel valleys the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers are separated by the Malte Brun range. This range is dominated by Mt Malte Brun 3170m (10,400 ft).

    Lake Tekapo

    Lake Tekapo covers the first part of your Air Safaris Grand Traverse. Glaciers grinding against rock produce a fine powder called “rock flour”. When washed into the lake this is what produces the stunning turquoise colour. Lake Tekapo is 120m deep and has an average temperature of 7 degrees C. In the summer months it is popular for boating, water sports and trout and salmon fishing.

    Lake Alexandrina

    Famous for its rainbow and brown trout fishing, this spring fed lake provides a striking contrast to the turquoise blue glacial waters of Lake Tekapo. Rowing boats are the only mode of transport on Alexandrina as sail and motor boats are prohibited.

    Lake Tekapo Village

    Nestled on the southern shoreline of Lake Tekapo, the village is home to 350 permanent residents. It is dominated to the west by Mt John. Lake Tekapo village is the home of star gazing in New Zealand. Having one of the clearest night skies in the world it is an “International Dark Sky Reserve.” The village hosts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The “Church of the Good Shepherd” on the lakefront is the most photographed place in the country.

    Lake Pukaki

    Lake Pukaki is the largest of the three glacial lakes in the Mackenzie basin. It’s fed from the Tasman Glacier via the braided Tasman River. On clear days the views across Lake Pukaki to Aoraki Mt Cook are stunning. It has a maximum depth of 70m and like Lake Tekapo and Lake Ohau has the distinctive turquoise blue colour created by finely ground glacial rocks called “rock flour”.

    Aoraki Mount Cook

    “Aoraki” – the cloud piercer. New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3754m (12,316 ft). Permanently covered in snow and ice, it was first climbed on Christmas day in 1894. Get up close to Aoraki Mt Cook from your very own window seat on an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    Mount Tasman

    Mt Tasman is New Zealand’s second highest mountain at 3497m (11,475ft). The Balfour icefall and glacier on Mt Tasman’s western flank is just one of the stunning views you’ll see from an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    Fox Glacier

    Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe is 13km long descending from 2600m down to the rain forest just 300m above the Tasman Sea. The massive Fox Neve snow field is a stunning highlight on the Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    • Air Safaris Franz Josef Airport

      Situated in the heart of glacier country. Air Safaris owns and operates an airfield approximately 8km west of the Franz Josef township and a bookings and information office in the Franz Josef town centre.

    • Air Safaris Lake Tekapo Airport

      Air Safaris main base and airport facility (since 1975) is located alongside the main highway 4km west of the Lake Tekapo township. Our airport has plenty of free parking, toilets, WiFi, coffee and has a great area for non fliers to sit and enjoy the view. A sales and information office is situated centrally within the small township.

    • Glentanner Park

      Glentanner Park Airport is located only 18km’s from Aoraki Mt Cook village. Air Safaris use Glentanner for inter airport pick up or drop offs before or after the Grand Traverse. This is especially convenient for tours operating to a tight schedule.

    • Mount Cook Airport

      Mt Cook Airport is close to Aoraki Mt Cook village. Air Safaris use Mt Cook for inter airport pick up or drop offs before or after the Grand Traverse. This is especially convenient for tours operating to a tight schedule.

    • Franz Josef Glacier

      The Franz Josef Glacier descends from the southern alps into the rain forest of the West Coast. Maori legend has it that the glacier was formed by “the tears of Hine Hukatere” when her lover Wawe was swept away in an avalanche. Viewing the glacier from above is a highlight of an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    • Tasman Glacier

      29km long with ice up to 800m (2600ft) deep, the Tasman is New Zealand’s longest glacier. Moraine (rock and gravel scraped or fallen from the valley walls) covers the ice for much of its length. At its terminus is a glacial lake 150m deep often filled with giant floating ice bergs. Lake Tasman feeds the braided Tasman river and Lake Pukaki.

    • Murchison Glacier

      At 16km’s in length, the Murchison Glacier is New Zealand’s second longest. It flows in parallel valleys the Tasman and Murchison Glaciers are separated by the Malte Brun range. This range is dominated by Mt Malte Brun 3170m (10,400 ft).

    • Lake Tekapo

      Lake Tekapo covers the first part of your Air Safaris Grand Traverse. Glaciers grinding against rock produce a fine powder called “rock flour”. When washed into the lake this is what produces the stunning turquoise colour. Lake Tekapo is 120m deep and has an average temperature of 7 degrees C. In the summer months it is popular for boating, water sports and trout and salmon fishing.

    • Lake Alexandrina

      Famous for its rainbow and brown trout fishing, this spring fed lake provides a striking contrast to the turquoise blue glacial waters of Lake Tekapo. Rowing boats are the only mode of transport on Alexandrina as sail and motor boats are prohibited.

    • Lake Tekapo Village

      Nestled on the southern shoreline of Lake Tekapo, the village is home to 350 permanent residents. It is dominated to the west by Mt John. Lake Tekapo village is the home of star gazing in New Zealand. Having one of the clearest night skies in the world it is an “International Dark Sky Reserve.” The village hosts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The “Church of the Good Shepherd” on the lakefront is the most photographed place in the country.

    • Lake Pukaki

      Lake Pukaki is the largest of the three glacial lakes in the Mackenzie basin. It’s fed from the Tasman Glacier via the braided Tasman River. On clear days the views across Lake Pukaki to Aoraki Mt Cook are stunning. It has a maximum depth of 70m and like Lake Tekapo and Lake Ohau has the distinctive turquoise blue colour created by finely ground glacial rocks called “rock flour”.

    • Aoraki Mount Cook

      “Aoraki” – the cloud piercer. New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3754m (12,316 ft). Permanently covered in snow and ice, it was first climbed on Christmas day in 1894. Get up close to Aoraki Mt Cook from your very own window seat on an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    • Mount Tasman

      Mt Tasman is New Zealand’s second highest mountain at 3497m (11,475ft). The Balfour icefall and glacier on Mt Tasman’s western flank is just one of the stunning views you’ll see from an Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    • Fox Glacier

      Fox Glacier / Te Moeka o Tuawe is 13km long descending from 2600m down to the rain forest just 300m above the Tasman Sea. The massive Fox Neve snow field is a stunning highlight on the Air Safaris Grand Traverse.

    Franz Josef

    Grand Traverse
    Flight Maps

    Lake Tekapo
    Franz Josef

    Downloadable Flight Guides

    Air Safaris provide a comprehensive in-flight guide translated into a number of languages. Click on the image to download a copy.

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    P.O. Box 71, Lake Tekapo 7945
    New Zealand

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