Mount Cook Scenic Flights from Lake Tekapo – Grand Traverse & Helicopter Tours | Air Safaris
Updated 26 th June 2026
Choose the Best Air Safaris Scenic Flight for Your Adventure
Discover two unforgettable ways to experience Aoraki / Mount Cook and the Southern Alps from Lake Tekapo with Air Safaris. Choose the iconic Grand Traverse fixed-wing scenic flight for panoramic views across New Zealand’s highest mountains, the Tasman Glacier, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, or enjoy one of Air Safaris’ spectacular helicopter tours featuring alpine snow landings and close-up views of this remarkable World Heritage landscape.
Family-owned and operating since 1970, Air Safaris has earned a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most experienced scenic flight operators. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime scenic flight, a glacier landing, or an unforgettable aerial photography experience, there’s an Air Safaris adventure to suit every traveller.
Compare flight durations, aircraft types, snow landings and highlights below to find the perfect Mount Cook scenic flight from Lake Tekapo.
Operating since 1970, Air Safaris is one of New Zealand’s longest-established scenic flight operators, renowned for its experienced pilots, friendly service and spectacular alpine flight experiences.
Experience the Majestic Beauty of the Southern Alps from Above
Which Air Safaris Flight Is Right For You?
The Grand Traverse
Best for first-time visitors, photographers, and anyone wanting to experience Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier on Air Safaris’ signature fixed-wing scenic flight.
Mackenzie Explorer
Perfect if you’re short on time and would like a helicopter flight with an alpine landing overlooking Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin.
Mount Cook Alpine Grandeur
Ideal for visitors wanting to fly close to Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier and surrounding alpine peaks, with an alpine or snow landing depending on the season.
Mount Cook, Franz Josef & Fox Magic
The ultimate helicopter adventure for visitors wanting to experience Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier in a single unforgettable flight, complete with a spectacular snow landing.
Air Safaris Mount Cook Scenic Flight Options:
The Grand Traverse – Tekapo’s Signature Scenic Flight
Price: $495 per person – Child $395 pp
Departs: 9:00 am, 10:00am, 11:30 am, 2:00 pm & 3:30 pm
Duration: 50 minutes
The Grand Traverse is Air Safaris’ signature scenic flight and one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine aviation experiences. Departing from Lake Tekapo, this spectacular 50 minute fixed-wing flight showcases Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, giving you an unforgettable perspective of two World Heritage National Parks.
Highlights of this magical world of permanent ice and snow include beautiful glacial lakes and valleys, braided river systems, remote high country sheep stations and New Zealand’s 
highest mountains and largest glaciers.
Get up close to the face of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook standing at a magnificent 3,754 metres and enjoy the magnificence of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers as they spill down to the rainforests of the West Coast.
The Grand Traverse is approximately 50 minutes of flying time and every passenger is guaranteed a window seat. Your friendly pilot will provide an enjoyable and informative commentary with an in-flight guide that is translated into a number of different languages.
“The flight of a lifetime, Simply stunning!”
Air Safaris Lake Tekapo Helicopter Experiences
If you’re looking for a closer alpine experience, Air Safaris also offers a selection of spectacular helicopter flights from Lake Tekapo. From scenic alpine landings to snow landings beside Aoraki / Mount Cook and the West Coast glaciers, these unforgettable flights provide a unique perspective of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.
Air Safaris - Mackenzie Explorer (Includes Alpine Landing)
Price: $395 per person Child $315 pp
Departs: 9:00 am, 10:00am, 3:00 pm & 4:00 pm
Duration: 30 minutes
Join us for an awesome experience showing off the very best of the Mackenzie with an alpine landing high on one of our local Sheep Stations to enjoy stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the mountains.
One of our most popular helicopter flights, the “Mackenzie Explorer” is a great experience summer or winter.
Highlights include:
- Seeing the turquoise blue water of beautiful Lake Tekapo and the local rivers that fed into the lake.
- Flying around Lake Tekapo Village
Mt John Observatory- Mt Hay, Glenmore & Godley Peaks High Country Sheep Stations – see the family homesteads and higher up hill country where the merino sheep roam
- Experience a wonderful alpine landing at 5500? (snow only in winter months) to get the chance to get out and take in panoramic views of the lakes and mountains. We pride ourselves on the unique experience of enjoying the silence and tranquility of the mountains by shutting down the helicopter once we arrive at our landing site (subject to weather conditions).
- Lake Alexandrina with it’s fresh spring fed water contrasting starkly with glacial fed Lake Tekapo
- Ancient glacial deposits including massive “erractics” left behind as ice melted during the last ice-age
Air Safaris - Mount Cook, Franz Josef & Fox Magic (Includes Snow Landing)
Price: $850 per person Child $680 pp Infant $395
Departs: 3:00 pm
Duration: 60 minutes
This flight by helicopter is a totally unique experience taking you from Tekapo, winding through our remote alpine valleys all the way right up close to mighty Aoraki / Mount Cook at over 3724 meters.
Learn all about our high country areas before crossing into the Mount Cook National Park for some amazing views of our highest peaks and longest glaciers.
You will traverse over the Southern Alps and take in views of the Franz and Fox glaciers, before crossing back east for your snow landing.
Included in the flight is a snow landing on Liebig Dome (7700 ft) to enjoy a panorama view of Aoraki Mount Cook and surrounding mountains.
Highlights include:
- Seeing the turquoise blue water of beautiful Lake Tekapo and the local rivers that feed into the lake.
- Mt John Observatory.
Air Safaris - Mount Cook Alpine Grandeur (Includes Snow Landing)
Price: $625 per person Child $500 pp Infant $295
Departs: 9:00 am, 10:00am, 3:00 pm & 4:00 pm
Duration: 45 minutes
This flight by helicopter is a totally unique experience taking you from Tekapo, winding through our remote alpine valleys all the way right up close to mighty Aoraki / Mount Cook at over 12000 ft.
Learn all about our high country areas before crossing into the Mount Cook National Park for some amazing views of our highest peaks and longest glaciers.
Included in the flight is an alpine landing (snow only during winter months) on Mount Joseph to enjoy a panorama view of Lake Tekapo and surrounding mountains.
Highlights of the Alpine Grandeur include:
Fly beside Aoraki / Mount Cook- Tasman Glacier & Hochstetter Icefall
- Tasman Terminal Lake & icebergs
- Alpine landing
- Lake Tekapo & Mackenzie Basin
FAQ: Air Safaris Tekapo & Mount Cook Scenic Flights
What is the difference between the Grand Traverse scenic flight and the helicopter tours?
The Grand Traverse is Air Safaris’ signature 50-minute fixed-wing scenic flight, offering panoramic views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. The helicopter tours provide a closer alpine experience and include alpine or snow landings, allowing you to step out and enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery.
What happens if poor weather affects my scenic flight?
Scenic flights are weather dependent for your safety and enjoyment. If conditions are unsuitable, Air Safaris will normally offer an alternative departure time, reschedule your flight or provide a refund in accordance with their booking terms and conditions.
What are the available scenic flight options with Air Safaris in Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo?
Air Safaris offers four core options: The Grand Traverse (fixed-wing scenic loop), Mackenzie Explorer (helicopter with alpine landing), Mount Cook Franz Josef & Fox Magic (heli with snow landing), and Mount Cook Alpine Grandeur (heli with snow/alpine landing). Each showcases Aoraki/Mount Cook, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the Mackenzie Basin.
How long is the ‘Grand Traverse’ scenic flight and what does it include?
The Grand Traverse is about 50 minutes and covers roughly 200 km. Expect soaring views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, braided rivers, high-country stations, and vivid glacial lakes. Commentary and window seats maximise the experience from take-off to landing.
What can I expect from the ‘Mackenzie Explorer’ heli flight?
Mackenzie Explorer is a 30-minute helicopter flight featuring an alpine landing on local high country terrain. You’ll take in Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters, Mt John Observatory, and surrounding stations, with time to step out for photos and silence in the mountains when conditions allow.
Are there helicopter flights that include snow landings and what do they offer?
Yes. Mount Cook Franz Josef & Fox Magic and Mount Cook Alpine Grandeur include snow or alpine landings when conditions permit. You’ll step onto the snow to enjoy panoramic glacier and summit views, capturing unique photos and an immersive feel for the Southern Alps’ scale and serenity.
What makes Air Safaris’ scenic flights a motivational way to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty?
These flights deliver sweeping perspectives you can’t get from the road: Aoraki/Mount Cook’s summit, cascading icefalls, turquoise lakes, and the spine of the Southern Alps. With expert pilots, window seats, and occasional landings, the experience is both exhilarating and deeply memorable.
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