Lake Tekapo: 50-Minute Mount Cook and Beyond Scenic Flight

About This Experience

Air Safaris runs this 50-minute scenic flight from the aerodrome at Lake Tekapo, so you see Aoraki/Mount Cook without driving on to Mount Cook Village. The route covers about 200 km over two World Heritage national parks, passing turquoise glacial lakes, golden high country and braided rivers on the way to Aoraki/Mount Cook, at 3,724 m New Zealand's highest mountain, and the Tasman Glacier, about 23 km long.

From the Mount Cook side the flight crosses the Southern Alps to the remote West Coast, where the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers run down into rainforest, so the Tasman, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers all appear on the one flight. Every passenger gets a window seat for a clear view below, and the listing mentions no landing, so you stay aboard for the full 50 minutes.

A local guide gives commentary as you fly, pointing out the peaks, glaciers and lakes, and a flight information guide is available in several languages. The listing names English, Korean, German, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese. Bring a camera, since the window seat gives you a clear line to the ice below. Check in at the Air Safaris base at Tekapo Aerodrome on State Highway 8 at least 15 minutes before your departure time.

All flights depend on favorable weather, and the operator recommends booking for your first available day in Lake Tekapo so there is room to move the flight if needed. If the operator cancels for weather you get a full refund, and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. There is a weight limit of 130 kg (286.6 lb) per person for safety reasons, and hotel pickup is not included.

Highlights

• Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier from the air
• Across the Southern Alps to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers on the West Coast
• Turquoise glacial lakes, golden high country and braided rivers below
• About 200 km of flying over two World Heritage national parks
• Starts and finishes at Lake Tekapo, with no drive to Mount Cook Village

What's Included

• ✓ 50-minute scenic flight from Tekapo Aerodrome
• ✓ A window seat for every passenger
• ✓ Informative commentary from a local guide
• ✓ Flight information guide in several languages
• ✓ Full refund if the operator cancels for weather

Not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• A landing (none is listed; this is a scenic flight throughout)

What to Bring

• Camera or phone
• Sunglasses
• Your booking confirmation

Good to Know & Caveats

• All flights are subject to favorable weather. Book for your first available day in Lake Tekapo to leave room to rebook.
• Weight limit of 130 kg (286.6 lb) per person, for safety reasons.
• Arrive to check in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure.
• Languages listed: English, Korean, German, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Meeting Point

Air Safaris Tekapo, Tekapo Aerodrome, State Highway 8, Lake Tekapo 7945. Check in at least 15 minutes before departure; hotel pickup is not included.