Scenic Flight: Panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Southern Alps, and the West Coast.Glacier Overflight: Fly over the Tasman Glacier, Fox Glacier, and Franz Josef Glacier.Alpine Landing: Step out at a remote alpine location to take in the surrounding beauty.Diverse Landscapes: Experience the transition from the Mackenzie Basin to the lush rainforests and rugged coastline of the West Coast.

1-hour scenic flight departing from Lake Tekapo.Alpine landing for exploration and photography.Expert commentary from an experienced pilot.

Duration: 1 hour.Landing Site: Includes one alpine landing.Minimum Numbers: Minimum passenger numbers may apply.Booking Details: Flights can be combined with other experiences; please enquire for pricing and availability.Weather Conditions: All flights are weather-dependent; please confirm availability when booking.Passenger Conduct: Passengers must conduct themselves in a manner that does not endanger any person or property and comply with instructions from pilots and ground crew.Health and Safety: We prioritise the health and safety of guests, employees, and the environment, operating under a CAA-approved SMS using international best practices.

Cancellation & Refund

More than 24 hours before departure: Full Refund.**Within 24 hours of the tour starting: No refundTo reschedule, contact us at least 48 hours in advance—free of charge.Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.*Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Overview

Ultimate East to West Glacier Scenic Flight

South Island

Mackenzie Helicopters Limited

from

NZ$945

per person

Group taking a selfie on the snow with Franz Josef Glacier and rugged peaks behind

Experiences

Helicopter Scenic Flights

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

South Island

Start: Tekapo

Location: Lake Tekapo

Travel Time: 1 hour

Journey Through New Zealand’s Frozen Landscapes

Experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacular aerial journeys as you travel east to west across the spine of the Southern Alps. This scenic flight reveals dramatic transitions, from braided rivers and rugged mountain ranges to vast glaciers flowing toward the Tasman Sea. The scale and contrast are simply breathtaking.

Designed for travellers who appreciate perspective and comfort, this is a seamless, immersive experience. Every moment is unhurried and thoughtfully delivered. All you need to do is sit back and take in the view.

Helicopter flying over the rugged Hochstetter Glacier Icefall near Aoraki Mount Cook

Helicopter landing on snowy slopes with Mount Cook National Park in the distance

View from a helicopter cockpit flying toward Aoraki Mount Cook and Tasman Glacier

Sunset light on Aoraki Mount Cook looking south towards Lake Pukaki in New Zealand

Sunset light hitting snow-covered Southern Alps peaks during a scenic flight

Aerial view of the snow-covered Tasman Glacier stretching through the Southern Alps

Aerial view of the Godley Valley with braided river and snow-capped peaks from a helicopter in New Zealand's Southern Alps

Helicopter flying above the dramatic ice formations of Hochstetter Glacier near Aoraki Mount Cook

Helicopter flying over the dramatic Hochstetter Icefall near Mount Cook

Aerial Adventures Over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

Crossing the Main Divide, the scenery transforms dramatically as the rugged alpine peaks give way to the lush, untamed beauty of the West Coast. Here, rainforest meets ocean, creating a stunning contrast between deep green valleys and the shimmering blue of the Tasman Sea.

Witness the awe-inspiring Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, cascading down towards the rainforest in spectacular icy splendour. Feel the thrill of an alpine landing and step out into this pristine environment, surrounded by silence and grandeur. This extraordinary flight captures the very essence of New Zealand’s natural wonders – wild, breathtaking, and unforgettable.

Scenic Flight: Panoramic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Southern Alps, and the West Coast.
Glacier Overflight: Fly over the Tasman Glacier, Fox Glacier, and Franz Josef Glacier.
Alpine Landing: Step out at a remote alpine location to take in the surrounding beauty.
Diverse Landscapes: Experience the transition from the Mackenzie Basin to the lush rainforests and rugged coastline of the West Coast.

1-hour scenic flight departing from Lake Tekapo.
Alpine landing for exploration and photography.
Expert commentary from an experienced pilot.

Duration: 1 hour.
Landing Site: Includes one alpine landing.
Minimum Numbers: Minimum passenger numbers may apply.
Booking Details: Flights can be combined with other experiences; please enquire for pricing and availability.
Weather Conditions: All flights are weather-dependent; please confirm availability when booking.
Passenger Conduct: Passengers must conduct themselves in a manner that does not endanger any person or property and comply with instructions from pilots and ground crew.
Health and Safety: We prioritise the health and safety of guests, employees, and the environment, operating under a CAA-approved SMS using international best practices.