Air Safaris
Air Safaris
5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
We offer some of New Zealand’s best flightseeing experiences so you can go further and see more. Enjoy spectacular alpine scenery, from Aoraki Mt Cook and snowy mountain ranges to turquoise lakes, epic glaciers, and amazing ice fields flowing through West Coast rainforests to the Tasman Sea! Choose from fixed wing or helicopter flights with our experienced local pilots. Every seat is a window seat for incredible views, and our pilots offer entertaining commentary with multi-language brochure supplied. Fly from Tekapo, Glentanner Park/Mt Cook, or Franz Josef. We also offer wedding and engagement packages, and flights to Milford Sound. We’re a family-owned business offering friendly, personal service since 1970! Contact our friendly team for bookings or more information
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
374 reviews
Excellent
354
Very good
15
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
2
jandc8491
Wilmington, DE1,245 contributions
Mar 2020
My wife and I were on an organized tour of New Zealand. On our drive to Twizel, we were given a chance to take a scenic flight which I immediately accepted. Six of the group went on the flight from Lake Tekapo Airport. We flew on a Gippsland GA8 Airvan, a single-engine plane. Pilot Justin gave us a pre-flight safety briefing, and then narrated the scenery below us. We saw nearby lakes and then flew up and over the "divide". We saw the Murchison Glacier, the Fox Glacier, the Franz Josef Glacier, Mt. Tasman, Mt. Cook, and other sights. The weather was good. There were a few clouds which we flew through and above. The scenery was breathtaking. The plane ride was not inexpensive; it cost 395 NZD, but it was well worth the price for the experience and the opportunity to see both sides of the south island at one time.
Written 4 April 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.
Anita O
Mannheim, Germany991 contributions
Nov 2019
We had left glacier country without having had the chance to go on a helicopter flight. The weather had been too bad. But we were full of hope that we might be able to make up for the missed opportunity at Lake Tekapo, and we did...
It was a sunny day but as winds were gusty and there was heavy rainfall in Franz Joseph and Fox glacier region the agency advised us to wait for the 2 pm flight for final decision. Conditions had in fact slightly improved by that time and as none of the four couples waiting for good news minded the fact that the standard tour might have to be shortened and some turbulence could occur we took off with our pilot Justin - in one of their airplanes.
It was fantastic! We all had window seats and an unobstructed view of the turquoise Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, the Mackenzie Basin with the various river beds, dark glacier lakes, snow- and ice-covered mountain ranges. We got as far as Mount Cook and close to Fox Glacier but had to skip Franz Josef as presumed before. Justin did a good job and it seemed that all passengers' expectations had been met when we touched ground again. A hike to a glacier viewpoint and a walk through the fields of lupines along the lake is nice but looking at nature's beauty from high above cannot be topped...
It was a sunny day but as winds were gusty and there was heavy rainfall in Franz Joseph and Fox glacier region the agency advised us to wait for the 2 pm flight for final decision. Conditions had in fact slightly improved by that time and as none of the four couples waiting for good news minded the fact that the standard tour might have to be shortened and some turbulence could occur we took off with our pilot Justin - in one of their airplanes.
It was fantastic! We all had window seats and an unobstructed view of the turquoise Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, the Mackenzie Basin with the various river beds, dark glacier lakes, snow- and ice-covered mountain ranges. We got as far as Mount Cook and close to Fox Glacier but had to skip Franz Josef as presumed before. Justin did a good job and it seemed that all passengers' expectations had been met when we touched ground again. A hike to a glacier viewpoint and a walk through the fields of lupines along the lake is nice but looking at nature's beauty from high above cannot be topped...
Written 11 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.
Choon87
Singapore, Singapore54 contributions
Dec 2019
Booked a helicoptor flight, which was delayed due to lack passengers. They made us call them every 30mins to check on the status (would prefer if they had called us to update the flight status). Flights take off from a nearby airport. The staff was nonetheless, friendly and engaging. The pilot pointed out several landmarks. We enjoyed the flight to the snow mountains. There were 2 couples in our flight, and better management of who gets the "front passenger" seat will be great as it's the best seat.
Written 4 January 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.
Caroline D
Melbourne, Australia390 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
This company has fantastic customer service, I had to cancel my initial booking for 3 people for various reasons. I called on the Fri when I arrived in Lake Tekapo to see if there was space for 1 person on a flight Fri arvo or Sat as there is a minimum of 4 for the helicopter flights. There was nothing on Fri but the Pilot Tim said he would look into it and call me by 9.30 the next morning if anything came up. I received a call and I was on a flight sat morning. They have a shuttle to pick you up in town and take you to the airport which I great. I did the 45min light which included a snow landing at 8000ft. Tim was amazing and explained our surroundings without constantly talking which gave us time to take in the views around it. Landing at 8000ft I expected it to be freezing but I wasn’t that cold. It was a clear day so Mt Cook was clearly visible in front of us. We were up there for 15-20mins just walking around. Such a great experience and I am really glad they were able to fit me on a flight.
Written 20 February 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.
Kelly W
Timaru, New Zealand29 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
We were very lucky to have spectacular weather for our flight. Three couples were in good hands with pilot Tim. This was a once in a lifetime trip with views of Lake Tekapo, several glaciers, the West Coast and an unforgettable up close view of Aoraki. If you are a kiwi looking for places to go in our beautiful country, you will be very happy with this trip.
Written 31 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.
Jem
4 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Wow! What an incredible experience, 100% would recommend. Woke up to glorious weather in Lake Tekapo, and with the forecast not looking great for our travels to Mount Cook Village the following day we made a last minute impulse purchase, booked online at 9am and on the aircraft at 12pm- very straight forward! Our pilot, Amit, was very friendly and talked us through all the landmarks we could see on our flight. The views were amazing and we took away some great memories (and photos!)
Written 9 February 2024
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.
Lauren B
Auckland17 contributions
Aug 2020
We decided at the last minute to book a flight with Air Safaris after missing out on a flight from Queenstown to Milford sound due to bad weather.
We had the most wonderful flight and I would highly recommend this experience to everyone . Our route took us over lake tekapo and lake Pukaki up into the southern Alps where we had perfect views while we circled Mount Cook and saw all the major glaciers .
Our pilot Richard was exceptionally good and very knowledgeable , pointing out all the sights . At one point we could see both westv and east coasts at once.
Everyone has a window seat and this is a great flight for photography. I urge anyone in the area to take this opportunity.
We had the most wonderful flight and I would highly recommend this experience to everyone . Our route took us over lake tekapo and lake Pukaki up into the southern Alps where we had perfect views while we circled Mount Cook and saw all the major glaciers .
Our pilot Richard was exceptionally good and very knowledgeable , pointing out all the sights . At one point we could see both westv and east coasts at once.
Everyone has a window seat and this is a great flight for photography. I urge anyone in the area to take this opportunity.
Written 10 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.
Greg
Sunshine Coast, Australia22 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The scenic flight from Tekapo was the highlight of our 4 week trip around the South Island. After poor weather caused a 2 hour delay we were so pleased when given the go ahead and not disappointed from the moment we left until we landed. The staff at the booking office gave us great service and then keeps us informed of the delays. Our pilot Amit Dhiman was excellent and gave us a continued commentary on what was coming and history of the area. I’m just glad I put a new memory card in the camera and had lots of battery life on my iPhone as they both got a serious work out. Well worth adding to your plans - you won’t be disappointed.
Written 29 November 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.
rnjn
singapore302 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
So this has been by far the best flying experience in New Zealand. The people who run the show are lovely and very warm. We did an extended flight and our captain took special care to fly by each sight twice to both side of the aircraft everything. Tye rout and views were stunning and the description given by yeh captain was spot on.
Highly recommendable to any visitor to South island . Book your flight as soon as you can as they do fill up fast.
Highly recommendable to any visitor to South island . Book your flight as soon as you can as they do fill up fast.
Written 6 February 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.
Kenneth L
20 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
I think the staff was very caring. The pilot, Justin, constantly checked on the passengers during flight to make sure that we are alight. We felt assured and safe. His narration during the flight was clear and he ensured that all passengers have a good view of the lakes and mountains during the flight. Will book a flight with Air Safaris if I ever come back to NZ again.
Written 28 October 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.
Hi there! We’ll be arriving at Lake Tekapo at ~4pm on 6 Dec and leave at ~1pm on the next day. For the first day we’ll go to the Mt John star gazing tour at night (time not yet confirmed, hopefully it won’t be in midnight haha) and I’m interested in the 45min helicopter “Mt Cook alpine grandeur”. Would you recommend us to take helicopter tour in the afternoon on the first day or in the morning of the 2nd day?
I will stay in Designer Cabin which is very close to the church of the good shepherd and is there any pick up-drop off service to our accommodation?
Thanks! :)
Written 26 May 2018
We were advised to take the flight at first opportunity in case weather gets worse later. We did the plane flight over mt cook, fox and Franz Josef glaciers which was excellent. Only booked day before and there was plenty of space. Weather v hot so I expected it to be full. We drove to the airport not far from lake tekapo.
Mr John had nice little cafe overlooking lake...spectacular views.
Our other chance to do a flight was near Franz Josef when we went up west coast, but wrathervwas poor there, so we were glad we did it earlier
Written 26 May 2018
Good morning and thank you for your inquiry. When you book on our website the prices for the new season (October onwards) will be displayed to you when you select your preferred day and flight time. If it is not what you are expecting you can simply leave the site without booking. I hope this helps and we look forward to flying you around our stunning backyard. Regards, the team at Air Safaris
Written 21 July 2016
We are headed to Lake Tekapo in January and would like to book a flight. Is it best to book once we arrive in case of weather?
Written 14 December 2015
Hi Jamie,
Booking is advised as especially in the busier months some time slots can fill up. As mentioned in some of the other responses here we do not charge until on the day and any cancellations due weather are free of charge. We advise checking in with us when you arrive in town to check the conditions for your flight time.
If you wish to make a booking or have any other questions please feel free to check out our website where you will find a booking form and also our direct contact details.
We look forward to having you join us on a flight!
Kind regards,
Sarah
Air Safaris
Written 22 December 2015
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