The 5 Best Air Tours in Mackenzie District, South Island

Exclusive to the Southern Hemisphere, Aoraki Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters is the only company to offer glacier landing flights in both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Experience the natural quiet of the Tasman Glacier and absorb the ever changing glacial landscape of the New Zealand Southern Alps. Aoraki Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters have been sharing the breathtaking scenery of the Southern Alps with travelers for 60 years. With snow present all year round, this impressive alpine environment creates an unforgettable adventure for people of all ages. Flights depart from Aoraki Mt Cook Airport, only a 5 minute drive from Aoraki Mt Cook Village. With our company base location within the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park it allows us to guarantee captivating scenery from the moment you board your flight. Experience the Ultimate Alpine Adventure with a Helicopter / Ski Plane Combo. For group bookings of 8 or more, fly half of your trip in a Helicopter and the other in a Ski Plane. Ideal for families and large group bookings. This Ultimate Alpine Adventure Combo is available in our entire range of scenic flight options at no additional cost. For climbers and skiers interested in transfers to the various hut locations within the Aoraki Mt Cook and Westland National Parks, we have both Ski Planes and Helicopters available for charter.

This premier Aoraki / Mount Cook flightseeing experience, 'The Grand Traverse' encompasses two World Heritage National Parks in a tour of 200kms amongst New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers. From the golden tussock lands, turquoise glacier lakes and huge glacial valleys of the Mackenzie Basin around Aoraki Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and the Tasman Glacier to the coastal plains of Westland and the dramatic icefalls of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Every passenger has a window seat and all aircraft have wings-above to ensure optimum viewing below. Pilots provide a full and informative commentary with multi language commentary brochures supplied. We also offer exciting helicopter flights from Tekapo with alpine landing and an incredible Combo Flightseeing Experience featuring the MacKenzie Explorer heli-flight plus Grand Traverse fixed wing. The best of both worlds!

Red Cat Biplane Flights and Aviation Adventures operate a Grumman Ag-Cat biplane that takes two passengers in addition to the pilot. For a fun open-cockpit experience where you get to dress up in leather jackets, flying helmet and goggles, we offer flights starting from $245.00 per person. Bring a camera! Both our biplane and Cessna 172 also fly to the Glenmary, Tasman, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. Prices start from just $195.00 per person (with a minimum of three people). For a fun, friendly and personal flight to view some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery, check out our website and reviews!

Discover New Zealand's big mountain country & largest glacier at Mt Cook National Park - enjoy heli-hiking, snowshoeing or ice climbing adventures on the mighty Tasman Glacier with professional guides. We provide the highest level of safety. All of our guides are certified to guide you on the glacier through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association.

Soar over the Southern Alps, take in breathtaking views and walk a trail of High Country history on the Glentanner High Country Heli Hike. This guided tour grants exclusive access to private land on family-owned Glentanner Station, one of New Zealand’s most historic and iconic stations in one of the country’s most magnificent settings. The tour begins with an exhilarating helicopter flight to a high point on Glentanner Station. From the landing spot, the tour continues on foot with a walk down a picturesque farm track. The track descends gradually along alpine tarns and beneath towering peaks. Your guide will ensure plenty of stops for photography and will share stories of the station’s history, geological features, flora and fauna and present-day operations. The walk also includes a break at an historic private hut with a scrummy morning or afternoon tea provided. A reasonable level of mobility is required for the walk but a return flight from the landing site can also be arranged.