True South Flights partners with Helicopter Line to offer a variety of incredible South Island scenic helicopter flights, with landing options on and near the glaciers around Mt Cook
On this trip, we will fly you up the main spine of the Southern Alps from Queenstown to Glentanner or Franz Josef airport in one of our fixed wing aircraft, giving you views of the beautiful Wanaka township and Lake Wanaka. Along the way, many small and large glaciers can be seen with their rivers feeding into turquoise blue glacial lakes.
As we head to Glentanner, views to the east include Mt Cook and the MacKenzie Country, soaring over canals that link up to Lake Benmore, a man-made lake that feeds the Waitaki River hydropower scheme.
If you are taking the Franz Josef Glacier landing option, we will descend on the western side of Aoraki / Mount Cook to Franz Josef Airport, with great views of the Tasman Sea and lush vegetation that adorn the West Coast. Your tour pilot will give an interesting and informative commentary and answer any questions while you enjoy your spectacular “flight-seeing” experience.
After landing, you will be escorted to our helicopter partners who will provide you with a safety briefing and details of your flight and landing options. Then you will embark on a 30-minute round trip of Mt Cook, and the helicopter will land on the snowfields at the head of one of the glaciers, where you can disembark. You will have plenty of time to take in the magnificent view of the surrounding area, play in the snow and take some incredible photos. Finally, you will be flown back to the helicopter base where we will be waiting to take you back on a scenic flight to Queenstown. The trip is flexible so if you need a little time to rest post your helicopter ride, do let our pilot know.
On the way back, we will try to take a different path so you can see as much of the landscape and as many of the sights as possible. The weather conditions do play a part in our decision on flight routes and destinations, however we promise that no matter which route we take you on, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the spectacular scenery.
Our scenic flights and Queentown helicopter tours can be customised, so several other flight durations and options are available. Please contact our friendly desk staff to discuss, and we can tailor a flight and helicopter combination to meet your needs and budget.
This tour leaves on demand so we can arrive at a suitable time, depending on your requirements and weather conditions.
This package includes:
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the glaciers in the Southern Alps with our half-day tour that includes a flight and helicopter ride. Organised in partnership with the Helicopter Line.
Extend the flight to take in an overflight of Mount Aspiring, the Snowball glaciers and the Olivine ice plateau for an additional $299 per person.
New Zealand’s South Island has some of the most picturesque destinations in the world. Take in the breathtaking beauty of our fjords, glaciers and mountains by booking a scenic flight with True South Flights.
Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Queenstown to Mt. Cook, starting with a thrilling 1-hour fixed-wing flight over the Southern Alps. Upon landing at Mt. Cook Airport, you’ll have up to 5 hours to explore this pristine alpine region.
Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the glaciers in the Southern Alps with our half-day tour that includes a flight and helicopter ride. Organised in partnership with the Helicopter Line.
Experience Mt. Cook’s magical scenery on this incredible Scenic Flight tour. After admiring Mt. Cardrona & Wanaka from the air, breeze across the heart of the Southern Alps & around NZ’s tallest mountain, Mt. Cook.
Similar to the Franz Josef Heli Hike, this 1-hour fixed-wing flight followed by a helicopter ride takes you to the eastern side of Mount Cook to hike and experience the Tasman Glacier. Organised in partnership with Alpine Guides.
A 1-hour fixed-wing flight followed by a helicopter ride to hike and experience the Franz Josef Glacier, ice caves and other natural features of the South Island glaciers. Organised in partnership with Franz Josef Glacier Guides.
