Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights
Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights
Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights
5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Experience a Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka with Southern Alps Air. WHY? Wanaka is located geographically further in relation to Milford Sound , so you will FLY FURTHER - the circular flight path is 1hr 30mins. SEE MORE glaciers, waterfalls, the Olivine Ice Plateau & Mt Aspiring up close + more. SAVE TIME - The drive from Wanaka to Milford Sound is 10hrs return. Enjoy the Milford flight & 2hr Mitre Peak Boat Cruise and you need only allow 4 hours return. Option of Heli Glacier Landing while at Milford Sound. ALSO Mt Cook & Mt Aspiring options or the amazing FLY-WALK-JETBOAT Experiences of Siberia Experience. Our experienced local team provide a friendly and professional service. During your flight, enjoy a personalized commentary and uninterrupted views from your window seat. Qualmark and Enviro endorsed locally owned and operated family business. Department of Conservation approved operator with an excellent safety record.
Wanaka, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
248 reviews
Excellent
240
Very good
4
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
KiwiPatC
Brisbane, Australia568 contributions
Jun 2021
After four days of bad weather which the planes could not depart, there was finally a break. Southern Aps Air were fantastic for phoning and keeping me informed as to the likelihood on departures each day. Today was a horrid low cloud and mist in Wanaka, but I was told to check in again around 11am and then told that whilst it was raining at Milford they were seeing if all four passengers that were booked today wanted to do the shorter (and cheaper) Mt Aspiring trip. So a midday departure it was. Ryan checked us all in at the airport then took us out to his plane for an unbelievable and informative trip. Headphones were provided so you could hear Ryan's communication with the radio tower as well as his very descriptive information of our flight. The weather was so good up there you could clearly see Mt Cook some 65km away (see photo). All seats and very large windows for viewing and photo taking. Highly recommend Southern Alps Air.
Written 10 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Pat for sharing your experience with us- we are thrilled that you loved Ryans commentary and the views of Milford. Isnt Mount Cook beautiful?!
We hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip, and we look forward to hopefully seeing you again in the future.
Regards
Adele and The Southern Alps Air team
Written 4 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
travelsaroundUSA
Cambridge, MA100 contributions
Jan 2020
We had booked the Milford Sound flight/boat from Wanaka, but the weather turned out to be poor, and the flights were cancelled for the day. Instead of flying in unsafe conditions, they refunded our money without hesitation. Even thought we didn't get to see Milford Sound, I felt good about this company not trying to fly if the conditions wouldn't be perfectly safe, even if it meant refunding a large amount of money to us. Hopefully I'll get back to NZ, and will definitely book with them again.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to share this!
It is always disappointing when we are unable to fly due to weather but the safety of our customers and pilots will always take precedence. We hope to see you back here in the future on a beautiful, sunny day!
Thanks again,
The team at Southern Alps Air.
Written 22 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian & Anne
Chesham, UK10 contributions
Mar 2020
We booked some weeks in advance for an afternoon flight on 2nd March – our first full day on the South Island. We could not believe how good the weather turned out to be – just the right conditions for our flight over to Milford Sound. We were slightly apprehensive about how well we’d cope in a small plane but we soon got used to it. The views out over the glaciers and Alpine lakes were truly amazing – something the like of which you see maybe once or twice in a life time. The cruise was good fun and added to the whole experience. Our pilot was relaxed and informative. We couldn’t really understand why people were taking coaches to Milford Sound when this really terrific alternative was on offer. Much to be recommended.
Written 20 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for reviewing your trip with Southern Alps Air! It sounds like you chose the most stunning day to fly. That's really lovely to hear you felt comfortable in a small plane. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your holiday! Thanks again.
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bella C
6 contributions
Jun 2020
Due to bad weather over on the coast our booked flight to Milford Sound was called off, but, happily, we were able to do the Mount Cook flight instead, which was a relief as the flight was a birthday surprise!
The trip exceeded all of our expectations. It was a perfect clear, sunny winter's day in Wanaka and we were rewarded with spectacular views of the mountains, lakes and glaciers. Our pilot was friendly and laid back, and we learned a lot of interesting information, even though most of the group live locally.
The flight can get pretty bumpy at certain altitudes so if you are a nervous flier or prone to motion sickness, then perhaps this isn't the activity for you.
However, Southern Alps Air were a delight to deal with, I would highly recommend this tour for a really special memory of your time in Wanaka.
The trip exceeded all of our expectations. It was a perfect clear, sunny winter's day in Wanaka and we were rewarded with spectacular views of the mountains, lakes and glaciers. Our pilot was friendly and laid back, and we learned a lot of interesting information, even though most of the group live locally.
The flight can get pretty bumpy at certain altitudes so if you are a nervous flier or prone to motion sickness, then perhaps this isn't the activity for you.
However, Southern Alps Air were a delight to deal with, I would highly recommend this tour for a really special memory of your time in Wanaka.
Written 16 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you enjoyed your flight, despite the change of plan (especially given it was a Birthday surprise!). Thank you so much for choosing to fly with us and we hope to one day be able to take you on that trip to Milford Sound.
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rob H
11 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We were originally booked for Tuesday but couldn’t fly because of the weather. They suggested we switch to Thursday as the forecast looked good. Our family group of six had an amazing trip on that day - the weather was perfect (as in postcard standard), the service was excellent (on the ground, in the air and on the cruise) and we felt safe at all times. It was a trip we will remember always and we have some outstanding photos and videos to remind us of the memories. Highly recommended, especially in great weather.
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! "Postcard standard" is such a great way to describe Milford on a beautiful day. We are so glad you had a comfortable and unforgettable experience!
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosie C
Auckland220 contributions
Jun 2020
I booked a flight with Southern Alps Air on the spur of the moment at the tourist office in Wanaka. The conditions were perfect. To fly close to Mt Aspiring, see braided rivers and lots of glaciers, and island in a lake in an island (unusual, yes!), and so many snowy peaks was fantastic.
Michael, the pilot, was excellent and full of interersting information as we flew. All 7 passengers had good views from the plane. It was wonderful to see places I'd walked from a different perspective.
I've done the trip to Milford Sound by road and also by plane from Queenstown many years ago but this trip from Wanaka was the best.
The cruise on Milford Sound was an added bonus and it was lovely to see a young fur seal and also Mollymawks flying at the entrance to Milford Sound.
I thoroughly recommend taking the flight with Southern Alps Air - an experience to remember. Thanks Anne and Michael.
Michael, the pilot, was excellent and full of interersting information as we flew. All 7 passengers had good views from the plane. It was wonderful to see places I'd walked from a different perspective.
I've done the trip to Milford Sound by road and also by plane from Queenstown many years ago but this trip from Wanaka was the best.
The cruise on Milford Sound was an added bonus and it was lovely to see a young fur seal and also Mollymawks flying at the entrance to Milford Sound.
I thoroughly recommend taking the flight with Southern Alps Air - an experience to remember. Thanks Anne and Michael.
Written 12 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this absolutely awesome review! Sounds like you chose the perfect day to fly. We would have to agree... flying from Wanaka is "the best"!! Thank you so much for supporting local.
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Toni-Wayne
Christchurch, New Zealand449 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Where do I start? Everything from start to finish was outstanding - the flight itself, the majestic mountains, the beautiful rivers, lakes and the awesomeness of the Milford cruise itself. Unbelievably remarkable.
I was a bit nervous about the flight itself but it was super gentle and our pilot was great. So professionally run and felt safe the entire time. I felt breathless from how amazing the views were.
So glad we splurged and did this. Bucket list experience ✔️
I was a bit nervous about the flight itself but it was super gentle and our pilot was great. So professionally run and felt safe the entire time. I felt breathless from how amazing the views were.
So glad we splurged and did this. Bucket list experience ✔️
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What an incredible review!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.
We absolutely love your description of the trip and can fully relate to that "breathless" feeling! Even our pilots who fly these mountains every day are blown away by the scenery. It really is magical!
It's an honour to be able to share these mountains with you & we are thrilled to hear you loved it.
Thanks for joining us :)
Written 23 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynette R
Masterton, New Zealand62 contributions
Jul 2020
This was a fantastic way to see the whole area and get a feel for the geography. Our pilot, Ryan, was great and gave us the right amount of information on the areas we could see.
The plane we went up in was so stable and made the flight enjoyable.
Definitely worth doing!
The plane we went up in was so stable and made the flight enjoyable.
Definitely worth doing!
Written 29 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your lovely review! Ryan will be thrilled to hear you enjoyed his commentary - he loves sharing the mountains with passengers such as yourself.
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hailz_777
Melbourne, Australia50 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Fantastic way to see the alps and Milford sound. Views were just amazing and got to see so much. Informative and talented pilots, our second pilot was particularly fantastic and clearly loved his job. Original flight was cancelled due to the weather and we stayed back in Wanaka an extra half day to make sure we didn't miss out on doing this flight. One of our highlights on our recent trip to NZ, highly recommend
Written 24 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello!
What a great review, thank you so much. Our pilots are very passionate about their jobs and love flying! We are so happy the weather played nice and you we able to go on the flight, thank you for flying with us.
All the best,
The team at Southern Alps Air
Written 8 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma H
Christchurch, New Zealand5 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We flew today 05 August and had such a memorable experience. Hands down has to be the best thing I've ever done in NZ. The crew at Southern Alps Air were really friendly and handled rescheduling our booking due to unfavourable flying weather very well. Highly recommend. Big thanks to the SAA team.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Big thanks to you too! What a lovely review. We are so thrilled to hear you enjoyed your experience with Southern Alps Air.
Written 12 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
have booked milford sound glacier Flight & Cruise. Don't know how to print tickets
Written 12 November 2019
Southern Alps Air
Wanaka, New Zealand
Hi Patsy, Thank you for booking a scenic flight with us. You don't need to bring a ticket as we have all of the information available to us electronically. Your check in time is 15 minutes prior to departure. Please phone us on the morning of your flight before leaving your accommodation for a weather check. If you are on the 8.45am departure call after 8am for up-to-date information. We look forward to sharing this expereince with you during your visit to the Wanaka region. Kind regards Anne Cooper Owner/Operator
Written 13 November 2019
We have two days in Wanaka, early February, which would be best flight time to book onto - morning or afternoon?
Written 30 November 2017
Hi Rosemary,
Our reccommendation would be to book your first available time slot, so that if the weather be inclement on your first try you have maximum flexiblity to roll to a following fine weather slot.
Written 1 December 2017
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