Scenic flights in New Zealand

Created: 24 January 2020 06:45
Rating:

New Zealand's landscapes are already some of the most awe-inspiring worldwide at ground level. But take to the skies on one of the amazing scenic flights around the country, adding an out of this world dimension to the breathtaking NZ scenery for an unforgettable experience.

Here are some of the most scenic flights around New Zealand that should be on your bucket list.

A Milford Sound Cruise is already likely to be on your itinerary as it's one of the highlights of any New Zealand tour or holiday, and for good reason. The scenery here is so jaw-dropping there's a chance you will wet your eyes upon first sight! But for an even more extraordinary experience of this stunning region with its steep mountains, deep fiords, ancient rainforests and incredible waterfalls, take to the sky on a scenic flight to Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, and you will be rewarded with unimaginable views that will remain imprinted in your memory for the rest of your life.

2. Taupo Floatplane and Tongariro National Park

The central North Island of New Zealand features the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park which provide an incredible array of activities for the active traveler, most famous of all the epic full day Alpine trek which is the Tongariro Crossing. For a unique way to experience the beauty of these moon like landscapes, float plane scenic flights depart from beautiful Lake Taupo with the exciting take off and landing on the lake itself.

Options are also available to fly over the active marine volcano of White Island, which lies just each off the shores of the Bay of Plenty, for a look from above into the active crater and remains of old sulphur mines of New Zealand's most active and dangerous volcano.

3. Franz Josef Glacier Flights

There is no better way to discover the breath-taking beauty of this unique region than from a helicopter's view. With mesmerizing views of Franz Josef Glacier and its crevasses and rugged seracs, New Zealand's highest snow-capped peaks, and an alpine snow landing to cap it off, a Franz Josef Heli-Flight is an unmissable New Zealand experience.

4. Mt Cook Heli-Flights

If dramatic alpine scenery is what you are looking for, your destination for a scenic flight must be the magnificent Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, including aerial views of the largest glaciers, glacial lakes and the towering mountain peaks of hte impressive Southern Alps.

Many flight options include a snow landing with the might Mt Cook in front of you, and alternative options are also available which cross the "Divide", soaring above the Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.

5. Abel Tasman National Park and Tasman

Golden sandy beaches, countless idyllic bays, green and turquoise waters and lush rainforests, the views from above of Abel Tasman National Park are so inviting, you wishe

There are also options to head over Golden Bay and Farewell Spit, taking in the sights of the rugged West Coast with a beach landing.
You can also fly a little further south for photo opportunities on Mt Olympus, one of the Lord of the Rings film sites.

6. Wanaka

The alpine terrain of the remote Mt Aspiring National Park is phenomenal from the bird's eye view of a helicopter, and wilderness exploration flights take in Mt Aspiring and its neighbouring peaks.

Combo flights combining hiking, jetboating and a scenic flight with snow landing are available for the ultimate experiene in Mt Aspiring National Park.

7. Queenstown

Quenstown offers it all, and scenic flights are available in every direction, whether towards Mt Cook, Milford Sound, Mt Aspiring National Park or above and around Lake Wakatipu. You can also fly in whichever aircraft you prefer : whether from a scenic helicopter, fixed-wing flight, hot air balloon or flight charter.

And Queenstown wouldn't be Queenstown if you were not able to combine a scenic flight with one of the countless adventure activities on offer. Jetboating, rafting, skiiing, mountainbiking are all options to include on full day excursions.

Alternatively, for a more relaxing experience, you can also opt to have a picnic on a mountain peak, or experience a unique heli-wine tour including wine tasting at world-class wineries.