The Southern Alps Air Siberia day trip is an absolutely sensational “best of New Zealand".
It begins with a short flight through the mountains to a grass landing strip, but this was not just a delivery run. They take the scenic route right up the main valley to fly closely past mountain peaks, glacial lakes and valleys, with stunning views up close everywhere.
Then, the landing on the grass, and shoes off for a walk across a freezing, shallow river (bring crocs, or borrow there’s).
The walk was fairly easy – about 3 hours, with a bit of elevation, but nothing too steep, then back down the mountain to the river, and a jet boat pick up.
Everything about this was perfect from start to finish, the flight, the views, the walk and the jet boat.
And service was superb. We had great weather, but flights had been called off for days before. Instead of just writing them off Southern Alps Air was working with as many of those people as possible to put them on additional flights which flew all morning.
A superb experience.
