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Southern Alps Air run two of Wanaka's best day trips; the Siberia Experience and a scenic flight to Milford Sound. The Siberia Experience is one of a kind. Fly into a beautiful alpine wilderness valley, hike for 2-3 hours from one gorgeous forested river valley to another, then be met by jetboat for an exhilarating ride. The Milford Scenic Flight takes you past Mt Aspiring and down the West Coast to land at Milford Sound where you join a two hour cruise exploring the sound before flying home again. The flight to Milford is as spectacular as the Sound itself. Other trips operated by Southern Alps Air include flights to Mt Cook, flights around Mt Aspiring and its glaciers and the Blue Pools Nature Experience in the Makarora Valley.
Wanaka airport is approx 15 minutes (10kms) drive from Wanaka town centre. The airport is located on SH6 between Wanaka and Luggate. The Southern Alps Air departure lounge and office is located in the Blue Building directly ahead of you when you come in the entrance.
Makarora is located beside SH6 between Wanaka (1 hour’s drive) and Fox Glacier (2 1/2 hrs drive). Once you have reached Makarora Valley follow the signs to Makarora West and you will find the Southern Alps Air /Siberia Experience check-in desk inside Makarora Tourist Centre & Café. The airstrip is directly opposite and runs parallel to the highway.
CHILD POLICY Family Friendly
CANCELLATION 24 hours 100% | cancellation due to weather or mechanical reasons Full Refund
SEASON Open year round.
Southern Alps Air run two of Wanaka’s best day trips; the Siberia Experience and a scenic flight to Milford Sound. The Siberia Experience is one of a kind. Fly into a beautiful alpine wilderness valley, hike for 2-3 hours from one gorgeous forested river valley to another, then be met by jetboat for an exhilarating ride. The Milford Scenic Flight takes you past Mt Aspiring and down the West Coast to land at Milford Sound where you join a two hour cruise exploring the sound before flying home again. The flight to Milford is as spectacular as the Sound itself. Other trips operated by Southern Alps Air include flights to Mt Cook, flights around Mt Aspiring and its glaciers and the Blue Pools Nature Experience in the Makarora Valley.
Southern Alps Air was one of the first scenic flight companies to be established in the Wanaka Region and is still locally owned and operated. All passengers enjoy window seats and informative in-flight commentary. Pilots are friendly and professional with passenger safety and enjoyment being their highest priority. Southern Alps Air is an approved CAA operator, Qualmark & Enviro endorsed and Department of Conservation approved.
This scenic flight traverses two of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks, the spectacular mountains peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park and World Heritage Fiordland National Park. This region is known to Maori as Te Wahipounamu, meaning ‘the place of greenstone’.
Your flight passes by majestic Mount Aspiring and its pristine glaciers, icefalls and alpine lakes, before crossing to the West Coast with its rainforests and wild deserted beaches and coastline. After about 30 minutes you reach the entrance to Milford Sound and fly its full length before landing and taking the short stroll to your cruise boat.
Your scenic cruise (a smaller friendly boat) through the Sound lasts for 2 hours. As you reach the sea seals, penguins and dolphins can often be spotted at play. The cruise includes an informative commentary and serves complimentary tea and coffee. The return flight to Wanaka takes in more scenic highlights including the Dart River Valley, Glenorchy and Lord of the Rings locations. A superb half-day adventure.
Departs flexible | Duration 4 hours
Other options include Milford Brief Landing or Fly-Over, Mt Cook & Glaciers, Mt Aspiring or others by request. Courtesy transport is available by request.
Free Tea & Coffee provided on Milford Sound Boat – no food available on board.
Wanaka – 15 minutes
