Experience unforgettable scenic flights from Wanaka with Southern Alps Air — Wanaka’s locally owned fixed-wing flight company operating since 1975.
Discover breathtaking aerial views of Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Mount Aspiring, glaciers, alpine lakes, and remote wilderness areas across New Zealand’s South Island.
With panoramic window seats, experienced local pilots, and personalised service, Southern Alps Air offers some of the most spectacular scenic flights from Wanaka, including glacier flights, fly-cruise experiences, and wilderness adventure packages.
Milford Sound Scenic Flights from Wanaka
Experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic journeys with a scenic flight from Wanaka to Milford Sound.
Fly above glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls, Fiordland wilderness, and rugged mountain ranges before arriving at the spectacular Milford Sound.
Guests can choose from:
- Scenic flyover experiences
- Milford Sound fly-cruise packages
- Brief landing options
- Air, land, and water combinations
This is one of the South Island’s most unforgettable scenic flight experiences.
Milford Sound Fly-Cruise Experiences
Enjoy uninterrupted aerial views of glaciers, Mount Aspiring, Fiordland, waterfalls, and dramatic alpine landscapes before arriving in Milford Sound for a scenic nature cruise.
Experience Milford Sound by air and water while learning about the region from experienced local pilots and cruise operators.
This popular experience includes:
- Scenic flight from Wanaka
- Informative pilot commentary
- Milford Sound nature cruise
- Stunning aerial photography opportunities
- Panoramic alpine and glacier views
Allow approximately four hours for this unforgettable South Island adventure.
Scenic Flyovers & Brief Landing Flights
Short on time? Southern Alps Air also offers scenic flyovers and return flights to Milford Sound with optional brief landing experiences.
These flights allow guests to enjoy breathtaking views of Fiordland, glaciers, snow-covered peaks, and remote wilderness areas while returning to Wanaka within approximately 90 minutes to two hours.
Mount Cook & Southern Alps Flightseeing
Take a spectacular scenic flight following the Southern Alps to Aoraki Mount Cook — New Zealand’s highest mountain.
View:
- Fox Glacier
- Franz Josef Glacier
- Tasman Glacier
- Alpine lakes and valleys
- Snow-covered mountain ranges
This scenic flight showcases some of New Zealand’s most dramatic alpine landscapes from above.
Mount Aspiring National Park Scenic Flights
Explore the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park and view the stunning landscapes surrounding Mount Aspiring Tititea.
Known as the “Matterhorn of the South”, Mount Aspiring rises to 3,030 metres and is surrounded by glaciers, rugged peaks, native forest, waterfalls, and pristine alpine wilderness.
Southern Alps Air scenic flights provide incredible close-up views of:
- Volta Glacier
- Icefalls and alpine valleys
- Remote wilderness landscapes
- Snow and glacier formations
- Fiordland and Southern Alps scenery
Fly-Walk-Jetboat Wilderness Adventures
Southern Alps Air also offers unique fly-walk-jetboat adventure packages through remote wilderness areas in Mount Aspiring National Park.
Siberia Experience
Enjoy an unforgettable combination of:
- Scenic flight
- Guided wilderness walk
- Jet boat adventure
This incredible experience takes guests deep into the Siberia Valley where visitors experience untouched New Zealand wilderness, mountain scenery, native forest, rivers, and remote landscapes.
Siberia Experience Extended
The extended experience includes a longer scenic flight with additional aerial views of Mount Aspiring, glaciers, and the Southern Alps before continuing with the walk and jet boat adventure.
Scenic Epic – Grand Triangle Flight
The Scenic Epic combines Milford Sound, Mount Cook, and Mount Aspiring into one unforgettable scenic flight experience.
Enjoy spectacular aerial views of glaciers, alpine lakes, snow-covered peaks, Fiordland wilderness, and New Zealand’s most famous mountain landscapes.
This is one of the most comprehensive scenic flights available from Wanaka.
Why Fly with Southern Alps Air?
- Scenic flights departing from Wanaka
- Milford Sound fly-cruise experiences
- Mount Cook and glacier scenic flights
- Panoramic window seats for every passenger
- Experienced local pilots and commentary
- Locally owned and operated since 1975
- Fixed-wing aircraft for smooth alpine flying
- Fly-walk-jetboat adventure packages
- Qualmark endorsed scenic flight operator
- Incredible aerial views of New Zealand’s South Island
Southern Alps Air combines decades of aviation experience with personalised service and unforgettable alpine scenery.
Explore Wanaka & New Zealand’s Southern Alps
Southern Alps Air showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes in New Zealand including Fiordland, Mount Aspiring National Park, Aoraki Mount Cook, Milford Sound, glaciers, alpine lakes, and remote wilderness regions.
Flights depart from Wanaka — one of the South Island’s premier adventure and tourism destinations.
Planning your Wanaka adventure? Explore more accommodation, activities, restaurants, and travel inspiration in our Otago Travel Guide.
South West New Zealand World Heritage Area
Southern Alps Air scenic flights explore parts of Te Wahipounamu — South West New Zealand World Heritage Area — one of the world’s most significant wilderness regions.
This internationally recognised area includes:
- Fiordland National Park
- Mount Aspiring National Park
- Westland Tai Poutini National Park
- Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
These remarkable landscapes protect ancient forests, glaciers, mountains, and ecosystems found nowhere else in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do Southern Alps Air scenic flights depart from?
Flights depart from Wanaka Airport in Otago, New Zealand.
Do you offer scenic flights to Milford Sound?
Yes. Southern Alps Air offers scenic flights, fly-cruise experiences, and return scenic flights to Milford Sound from Wanaka.
Are all seats window seats?
Yes. Every passenger enjoys panoramic window views during the flight.
How long are the scenic flights?
Flight durations vary depending on the experience chosen, ranging from approximately 90 minutes to full half-day adventures.
Do you offer glacier scenic flights?
Yes. Flights include views of glaciers such as Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, Volta Glacier, and Tasman Glacier.
What is the Siberia Experience?
The Siberia Experience combines a scenic flight, wilderness walk, and jet boat adventure through Mount Aspiring National Park.
Are the flights suitable for photography?
Absolutely. Southern Alps Air scenic flights provide incredible aerial photography opportunities across Fiordland, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, and the Southern Alps.
👉 Check availability and book direct with Southern Alps Air for unforgettable scenic flights from Wanaka.
