Spotlight on New Zealand Scenic Flights
For the ultimate holiday experience you can't go past a New Zealand scenic flight.
Because with its stunning natural diversity and pristine landscapes, one of the best ways to view this country is by air. Luckily, we’ve put in a bit of legwork when it comes to scenic flying - so here's our creme de la creme for your perusal.
If you want to see spectacular beaches take a half day tour from the Bay of Islands with Salt Air. You’ll fly over the clear blue waters and golden sandy bays of the upper North island. Marvel at the tropical rainforest, remote islands and giant sand dunes. See ninety mile beach, New Zealand's longest stretch of sand, as well as the Cape Reinga lighthouse - the northernmost point of New Zealand.
If you want to see active volcanoes choose the Volcanic Explorer flight on Mountain Air within the Tongariro National Park. You’ll see all three of the parks’ volcanoes - Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and the active Mt Ruapehu. View the barren landscape, home to several filming locations from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. See the renowned Blue and Emerald lakes as well as the dramatic red crater, the Tongariro Alpine crossing and the Chateau Tongariro Hotel.
If you want to see snow capped mountains and glaciers you can't go past the Mt Cook Ski Plane, Alpine Combo. See Mount Cook up close as you discover one of the most remarkable regions in New Zealand. Land on top of the Tasman Glacier and fly over the Hochstetter Icefall, the Tasman Terminal Lake and the Grand Plateau. See icebergs bobbing on the Blue Glacier Lake and take in the icy braided rivers weaving their way through the alpine plains.
If you want to see lush rainforest choose Air Safaris in Franz Josef. Yes, you’ll see glaciers on this one too - but you’ll also be privy to some of the most breath-taking areas of rainforest in the world including the Westland Tai Poutini National park, high country sheep farms and rugged alpine scrub.
If you want to see rivers and lakes go with Southern Alps Air - from Wanaka to Milford. See the rivers, lakes and cascading waterfalls of both the Mount Aspiring World Heritage National park and Fiordland National Park. View Lord of the Rings filming locations, hanging valleys and New Zealand's second tallest mountain, Mt Aspiring.
