To appreciate the beauty and scale of the Mackenzie region, there is nothing better than seeing it from the air. Air Safaris have been flying aircraft in and around the Mount Cook and Westland National Parks since 1970. Over that period, Air Safaris has grown from a single aircraft operation to operating New Zealand’s largest privately owned fleet of modern flight-seeing aircraft. 40 years later, Air Safaris continues to offer the respected ‘Grand Traverse’ flight from both Lake Tekapo and Franz Josef bases.

The Grand Traverse is a magnificent flight encompassing 200 km of New Zealand’s most memorable and spectacular scenery. With approximately 50 minutes flying time, The Grand Traverse reveals golden tussock lands, turquoise glacier lakes amongst New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers. Every passenger has a window seat, and all aircraft have ‘wings above’ to ensure optimum viewing below.

Throughout the year, view for yourself the dazzling scenery of fresh snow on the Southern Alps, in glacial valleys and a more visible ice-carved landscape. Pilots provide an informative in-flight commentary and are dedicated to providing an excellent passenger experience every time. The company takes great pride in the quality of the operation and the experience it provides.