Tekapo Departure, 50 Minutes

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

★ 4.9 139 reviews

from $317 per person

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Duration: 1 hour
Meeting point: Lake Tekapo Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Air Safaris

Overview

This 50-minute flight with Air Safaris leaves from Tekapo Aerodrome on State Highway 8 and crosses two national parks on one route. From takeoff you track over turquoise glacial lakes and golden lands toward Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier, then swing across to the West Coast for Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers before returning. The route covers roughly 200 kilometers of mountain scenery, and every passenger gets a window seat.

Commentary from a local guide runs throughout, pointing out peaks, glaciers and rivers as they pass, and a flight information guide is available on board. Reviews repeatedly single out the pilots for the way they bank the aircraft so both sides of the cabin get a clear view, with one traveller noting the turns also gave everyone a fair shot at photos.

Reviewers described seeing the Tasman, Fox and Franz Josef glaciers from above as something that is close to impossible from the ground. It is a scenic flight only, and it runs entirely in English.

From$317 per person

Duration1 hour

Rating4.9 from 139 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 Air Safaris on State Highway 8, Tekapo Aerodrome, at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.
BoardingMeet the flight team at the aerodrome and board the aircraft for the scenic flight.
Takeoff over the lakesDepart from the local airport and fly over turquoise glacial lakes, golden lands and unique rivers.
Aoraki Mount Cook and Tasman GlacierFly past New Zealand's highest mountains and over the Tasman Glacier with pilot commentary throughout.
Cross to the West CoastHead across to the remote West Coast to see the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers running down toward rainforest.
Return to Lake TekapoTrack back across the mountains and land at Tekapo Aerodrome, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight actually goes.

An aerial view of the summit ridge and icefalls of Aoraki / Mount Cook, cloud wisps in the valleys, an aircraft wingtip visible.

Weather flexibility. All flights depend on favourable weather, and the operator suggests booking for your first available day in Lake Tekapo for maximum flexibility. A full refund applies if the operator cancels for weather.
Arrive early. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure, and build in a small buffer for the drive to the aerodrome. One reviewer was called and asked to come earlier than scheduled because the forecast was worsening.
Window seats. Reviewers said the pilot frequently made turns so both sides of the aircraft could see each landmark and take photos.
It is loud. One reviewer found the flight very loud without a headset, since headsets were provided only for the pilot and co-pilot.
No hotel transport. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so travellers make their own way to the aerodrome on State Highway 8. Anyone staying outside Lake Tekapo should allow driving time.
Photography. Reviewers took photos through the windows on clear days and described the views of Mount Cook and the glaciers as the highlight. Mid-flight turns help both sides of the cabin get a shot, so have a camera ready rather than waiting for the far side.

From$317 per person

Rating4.9 from 139 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The flight is entirely weather dependent, and the operator will cancel and refund in full if conditions are unsuitable; on the day, departure times can shift, as several reviewers experienced. Heavier passengers should tell Air Safaris when booking, as weight limits apply for safety reasons. The cabin is loud without passenger headsets, a gripe raised by one reviewer. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The 50-minute scenic flight, informative commentary from a local guide, and a flight information guide. A window seat is included for every passenger. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where Does The Flight Depart From?

From Air Safaris at Tekapo Aerodrome, State Highway 8, Lake Tekapo. Check in at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Transport to the aerodrome is not provided.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

All flights are subject to favourable weather conditions. If the operator cancels because of weather, a full refund is provided. Booking for your first available day in Lake Tekapo is recommended so you have maximum flexibility to rebook or fly earlier.

Can I Cancel The Flight Myself?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is There A Weight Limit?

Yes, a per-passenger weight limit applies for safety, so heavier passengers should tell Air Safaris when booking. This is flagged before booking.

What Should I Bring?

Bring a camera, since every seat is a window seat and reviewers said the pilot turns the aircraft so both sides can photograph the glaciers. Other items to bring are not specified.