Departs Lake Tekapo, 50 Minutes

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

★ 4.9 138 reviews

from $313 per person

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Duration: 50 minutes
Meeting point: Lake Tekapo Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Air Safaris

Overview

This 50-minute scenic flight with Air Safaris leaves from Tekapo Aerodrome on State Highway 8 and covers a huge arc of the South Island's high country in a single loop. You take off over the turquoise glacial lakes around Lake Tekapo, climb past Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier, then cross the divide to the West Coast for views of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers spilling down toward rainforest. A local guide provides informative commentary, and a flight information guide is included.

The route matters because several of these landmarks are hard or impossible to reach from the ground. The Tasman, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are practically inaccessible on foot, which is a fair part of why the flight earns its keep. The flight features a window seat for unobstructed viewing below.

It suits travellers based around Lake Tekapo who want both national parks, Mount Cook and the glaciers covered in one flight. Arrive at the aerodrome to check in; there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. Flights depend on workable weather, so the operator suggests booking for your first available day in Lake Tekapo to keep options open.

From$313 per person

Duration50 minutes

Rating4.9 from 138 reviews

What's Included

Included

50-minute scenic flight
Informative commentary from a local guide
Flight information guide

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Run byAir Safaris

Itinerary

Check in at Tekapo AerodromeArrive at the Air Safaris base on State Highway 8 at least 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided.
Meet the pilot and briefingYou meet the local team and receive a flight information guide.
Take off over glacial lakesThe flight lifts off from Tekapo and passes turquoise glacial lakes, golden lands and unique rivers.
Aoraki Mount Cook and Tasman GlacierThe route continues over New Zealand's highest mountain and its largest glacier system, with pilot commentary naming what you see.
Cross to the West CoastYou head across to the remote Westland side to view the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers running down into rainforest.
Return and landingThe loop finishes back at Tekapo Aerodrome 50 minutes after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight goes, from weather luck to where you sit.

A ski plane on gravel tarmac beside turquoise Lake Tekapo at dawn, tussock around, Mount Cook under pink alpenglow.

Window seat. A window seat is included for unobstructed viewing, so photography is not a scramble. The pilot frequently made turns so everyone could get a shot.
Weather flexibility. All flights depend on favourable weather, and booking for your first available day in Lake Tekapo is recommended so you have flexibility to fly on a better day or time. One departure time was rearranged on the day to suit changing skies.
Commentary on board. A local guide gives informative commentary during the flight, and reviewers repeatedly praised the explanations as helpful and clear. A flight information guide is also included.
Arrival and check-in. Check in at the Air Safaris base at Tekapo Aerodrome on State Highway 8 at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. There is no hotel transfer, so allow for your own transport to the aerodrome.
Weight limit. The flight has a weight limit of 130 kilograms due to safety reasons. If this could affect anyone in your party, contact the operator before booking.
Camera ready. Bring a camera or phone ready to shoot through the window, since the scenery comes thick and fast. One reviewer reported hardly any bumps in good weather and came away with beautiful photos.

From$313 per person

Rating4.9 from 138 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The main risk is weather. Cloud can sit high on the mountains, and a full refund applies if the operator cancels the flight due to weather conditions. One reviewer found a rerouted flight through cloud actually delivered a striking view of Mount Cook alone. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need your own way to Tekapo Aerodrome. The 130 kilogram weight limit for the flight also rules some travellers out. One reviewer experienced less-than-ideal visibility and still enjoyed the flight, but expectations should be set for the sky you are given on the day.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The booking covers the 50-minute scenic flight, informative commentary from a local guide, and a flight information guide. The flight features a window seat for unobstructed viewing. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where Does The Flight Depart From?

From the Air Safaris base at Tekapo Aerodrome, on State Highway 8 at Lake Tekapo. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in. You need to make your own way there, as no transfers are provided.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

All flights depend on favourable weather. If the operator cancels because of conditions, you receive a full refund. Booking for your first available day in Lake Tekapo is recommended so you have flexibility to fly on a better day or time.

Can I Cancel Or Change My Booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cancels your flight due to weather conditions, a full refund is also provided.

Is There A Weight Limit?

Yes, the flight has a weight limit of 130 kilograms due to safety reasons. If anyone in your group is close to that limit, contact the operator before booking to confirm arrangements.

Will I See Fox And Franz Josef Glaciers?

The planned route crosses to the West Coast and passes over both the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, plus Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier. All flights are subject to favourable weather conditions. One reviewer reported seeing all three glaciers from above in clear conditions.