Aspiring Helicopters — Snow & Glacier Flights from Wanaka
Updated: 14 th November 2025
Aspiring Helicopters — Snow & Glacier Flights from Wanaka
Experience the untouched beauty of Mt Aspiring National Park with Aspiring Helicopters, a family-owned operator specialising in snow and glacier landings. Take off from the Matukituki Valley and enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery, blue ice formations, remote landings, and panoramic views across one of New Zealand’s most spectacular mountain regions.
Discover Mt Aspiring National Park with Scenic Flights from Wānaka
Discover the Wonders of Mt Aspiring National Park with Aspiring Helicopters
Situated at the gateway to the breathtaking Mt Aspiring National Park, Aspiring Helicopters offers unrivalled access to the crown jewel of the Southern Alps — the majestic Mt Aspiring. This is a landscape carved by millennia, where hanging and valley glaciers, shimmering blue ice, rugged crevasses, and deep river valleys create a dramatic alpine world seen by only a fortunate few.
Since 1995, this trusted family-owned operator has delivered personalised, unforgettable experiences high above the Southern Alps. Based near Lake Wanaka, their highly skilled New Zealand-born pilots combine exceptional mountain flying expertise with warm, engaging commentary — guiding you across one of the most awe-inspiring wilderness regions in the country.
Aspiring Helicopters - Snow Landing Scenic Flight
Price: $225 per person (Minimum two persons) – child $135 pp
Duration: 20 minutes
Includes: One remote alpine landing
Take a short yet unforgettable journey above the lush green valleys and dramatic mountain terrain of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Fly past glaciers, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks to the edge of New Zealand’s third-largest national park.
Enjoy a snow landing to marvel at the panoramic views of Mount Aspiring and its surrounding glaciers. Perfect for experiencing the beauty of the Southern Alps in a quick but exhilarating adventure.
Note: Subject to suitable conditions.
Aspiring Helicopters Glaciers Landing.
Price: $450 per person – child $270 pp
Duration: 35 minutes
Includes: One glacier landing
Step onto an ancient glacier formed over millennia on this breathtaking scenic flight.
Depart from Cattle Flat Station and soar through glacial-carved valleys to Isobel Glacier, perched at 7,000 feet.
Enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the pristine alpine environment as you take in the natural wonder of Mount Aspiring National Park.
This tour offers an unparalleled close-up experience of the Southern Alps and their icy treasures.
Mount Aspiring Snow and Glacier Scenic Flight.
Price: $595 per person – child $357 pp
Duration: 60 minutes
Includes: Two alpine landings (Snow landings in winter)
Discover why this is the premier scenic flight from Wanaka.
Take off from the Matukituki Valley and ascend above the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps.
Fly around Mount Aspiring, the highest peak outside the Mount Cook region, and witness the grandeur of her blue ice and crevasses.
Explore the Bonar, Volta, and Therma glaciers up close, capturing stunning photos along the way.
This extended flight includes two alpine landings, offering photo opportunities in remote high-altitude locations with views of glacial lakes and sweeping mountain vistas.
Aspiring Helicopters - Scenic Flight to Milford Sound.
Price: $1495 per person – child $897 pp
Duration: Three hours
Includes: Four landings
Embark on the ultimate Southern Alps adventure with a scenic flight from Wanaka to the iconic Milford Sound.
Along the way, land at four incredible locations: Lake Lochnagar, Milford Sound, a remote West Coast beach, and an alpine peak.
Fly across the Harris and Darran Mountain Ranges, marvel at the rugged Earnslaw Glacier, and traverse glacial valleys carved over thousands of years.
Witness the breathtaking waterfalls of Milford Sound and the wild beauty of the West Coast.
Return via the pristine Olivine Ice Plateau and the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, with views of the turquoise braided rivers of the Matukituki Valley to close out the experience.
Wanaka Scenic Flight Charters - Choose your flight itinerary, Your Way.
With so many stunning geographical features to choose from, southern New Zealand offers the opportunity to cover a vast range of landscapes within a short timeframe. With Aspiring Helicopters Wanaka Flight Charters, why not create your own personal itinerary taking in the locations and phenomena you would like to see and experience. Our helpful and knowledgeable team will be more than happy to assist you to create a personalised Wanaka Scenic Flight Charter tailored to suit your needs. We are open to suggestions and welcome your ENQUIRIES. [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions – Aspiring Helicopters Lake Wanaka Scenic Flights
What makes a scenic helicopter flight over Lake Wanaka an unforgettable experience?
A scenic helicopter flight over Lake Wanaka is unforgettable thanks to its dramatic alpine views and diverse terrain. You’ll soar above turquoise lakes, glacier-carved valleys, ice fields, and towering peaks deep within Mount Aspiring National Park. With experienced local pilots providing insightful commentary, every flight feels personal, immersive, and spectacular from lift-off to landing.
How can I ensure my helicopter flight is safe and enjoyable?
To enjoy a safe and memorable experience, book with a trusted operator like Aspiring Helicopters, known for highly experienced pilots and well-maintained aircraft. Arrive early for the safety briefing, follow all instructions, and wear appropriate clothing for alpine conditions. If you have any concerns or special requirements, simply speak with your pilot—they’re dedicated to making your flight comfortable and enjoyable.
What scenic flight options are available from Lake Wanaka?
Lake Wanaka offers a wide selection of scenic helicopter flights, from short snow-landing experiences to glacier landings, extended Mount Aspiring tours, and multi-landing adventures to Milford Sound. You can choose the duration and style that suits your interests, whether you’re after a quick alpine escape or a once-in-a-lifetime Southern Alps journey.
What should I consider when choosing a scenic flight in terms of duration and cost?
Flight durations range from approximately 20 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the route and number of landings. Prices start around NZD $225 for shorter alpine flights and go up to NZD $1495 for extended Milford Sound adventures. Consider how much time you have, the scenery you’re most excited to see, and whether you want one or multiple remote landings for photos.
Can I customise a scenic helicopter tour to visit specific locations?
Yes. Aspiring Helicopters offers bespoke flight charters where you can tailor your itinerary to include glaciers, alpine lakes, remote valleys, or any special location you want to experience from above. The team will help design a personalised route, ensuring your custom flight captures the views and moments you’re most excited about.
Return to Lake Wanaka Page