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Flying with

True South Flights

Helicopter Glacier Landing

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.

About the Tour

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.

Departure Times

This tour leaves on demand so we can arrive at a suitable time, depending on your requirements and weather conditions.

Helicopter Glacier Landing

Inclusions

This package includes:

  • Direct flight from Queenstown to Glentanner or Franz Josef, and return to Queenstown
  • Helicopter flight with glacier landing
  • Ground time applicable to helicopter option
  • Courtesy transport between your accommodation and Queenstown Airport

Helicopter Glacier Landing Flight Details

Helicopter Glacier Landing

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.

Flight Time: 2hr 45 mins

Trip Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins

Adult:

$1399

Child:

$1150

Mt. Aspiring and Glaciers

Extend the flight to take in an overflight of Mount Aspiring, the Snowball glaciers and the Olivine ice plateau for an additional $149 per person.

  • Adult: $149
  • Child: $149

Other South Island Flights

Expedition Aoraki Mt. Cook

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 4-5 hours to explore this pristine alpine region.

 

Flight Time: 2 hrs

Trip Duration: 7 hrs

Adult:

$785

Child:

$635

Helicopter Glacier Landing

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.

Flight Time: 2hr 45 mins

Trip Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins

Adult:

$1399

Child:

$1150

Mt Cook Scenic Flights

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.

Flight Time: 2 hrs

Trip Duration: 3 hrs

Adult:

$730

Child:

$500

Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

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.

Flight Time: 2 hrs

Trip Duration: 7 hrs

Adult:

$1599

Child:

$1399

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike Tours

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.

Flight Time: 2 hrs

Trip Duration: 7.5 hrs

Adult:

$1599

Child:

$1399

Mt Cook Heliski

A day trip for heli-skiers and heli-boarders to experience some of the most unbelievable runs in New Zealand and the sheer beauty of the Southern Alps.

Flight Time: 1.5 hrs

Trip Duration: 8 hrs

Adult:

$2245

Child:

$2245

Ski The Tasman

Ideal for both novice and experienced skiing enthusiasts, the Tasman Glacier offers the longest runs in Aotearoa. Plus, on our tour, you get the chance to experience some stunning landscapes and panoramic views of the Mount Cook region.

Flight Time: 1.5 hrs

Trip Duration: 8 hrs

Adult:

$2045

Child:

$2045

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