Southern Alps Scenic Flight

Overview

On a good day, the Southern Alps mountain range stretches as far as the eye can see in all its rugged beauty. The best way to see it, of course, is from the air. Southern Alps Air, Wanaka's only locally owned and operated scenic flight company, offers a range of flight options from glacier flight and cruise combos to fly-walk-and-jet-boat experiences.

We suggest booking the Mount Aspiring flight, which gives you breathtaking views of Mount Aspiring, Lake Wanaka, the Bonar and Voltar glaciers, Matukituki Valley, Treble Cone ski field and the Alps. Maori people called Mount Aspiring 'Tititea', meaning steep peak of glistening white — and, well, that's exactly what you'll see. At 3030 metres high, this 'Matterhorn of the South' is breathtaking, to say the least.

Price wise, you can expect to pay around $300 per person for flights. It sounds expensive but, trust us, the views are worth every penny.