Grand Traverse Scenic Plane Flights

Explore New Zealand's Majestic Glaciers and Peaks from Above

Experience one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking aerial adventures with Grand Traverse Scenic Plane Flights, departing from Lake Tekapo and Franz Josef. These incredible flights reveal the grandeur of the Southern Alps, the soaring heights of Aoraki/Mount Cook, and the glittering stretch of the Tasman Glacier — New Zealand’s largest glacier.

Departing from Lake Tekapo, you’ll glide over the lake’s vivid turquoise waters, gaining a unique perspective of its striking colours and the surrounding alpine landscape. As you ascend, the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps stretch dramatically across the horizon, offering endless awe-inspiring views.

Scenic Wonders from Franz Josef

Taking off from Franz Josef, the Grand Traverse flight showcases lush rainforests that give way to the icy landscapes of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. These breathtaking views reveal intricate glacial formations, deep crevasses, and striking ice caves shaped by time and nature.

The journey also treats you to the unforgettable sight of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. From the air, its rugged ridgelines and glistening summit paint a perfect picture of the South Island’s rugged beauty.

Aerial view of Mt Tasman and the Hochstetter Icefall covered in deep alpine snow

Close aerial shot of Mt Cook’s icefalls and crevassed ridgeline under blue skies

Expansive aerial view of Tasman Glacier and the Burnett Mountains with glacial moraine

Passenger taking photo of Mt Cook from inside an Air Safaris scenic flight

Aerial image of braided rivers flowing into the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo

Snow-covered Southern Alps with Canterbury coastline in the distance during scenic flight

Southern Alps peaks rising above a thick cloud inversion on a sunny day

Aerial close-up of glacial crevasses and blue ice on a South Island glacier

Aerial view of Tasman Valley and multiple glaciers surrounded by towering peaks

Aerial shot of Aoraki/Mt Cook’s snow-covered summit and rugged alpine peaks

Aerial view of the Fox Glacier névé with crevasses and surrounding snow-covered peaks

Upper section of Franz Josef Glacier seen from a scenic plane flight over the Southern Alps

Sunset over Franz Josef Glacier névé captured from aircraft window during scenic flight

Aerial view of the Godley Valley with braided rivers and alpine lakes near Mt Cook

Overhead view of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Tekapo with Southern Alps in the distance

Scenic flight aircraft cruising above glacier fields in New Zealand’s Southern Alps

Aerial view of Mt Cook summit with lenticular cloud and wing of plane in foreground

Passenger view through aircraft window of snow-covered Mt Cook peak

Aerial view of Mount Tasman and the Fox Glacier Névé during a Grand Traverse scenic flight over the Southern Alps.

Tasman Glacier and Beyond

Another highlight of the Grand Traverse Scenic Plane Flights is the panoramic view of the Tasman Glacier, a 27-kilometre river of ancient ice. Seeing its deep crevasses and sparkling icefalls from above is an awe-inspiring reminder of nature’s sheer power.

Whether you depart from Lake Tekapo or Franz Josef, Grand Traverse Scenic Plane Flights offer an unforgettable journey over New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes. It's the ultimate aerial experience for travellers seeking a truly iconic view of Aotearoa’s wilderness.