Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier Grand Traverse Aeroplane Flight

Soar Above the Southern Alps: The Ultimate Franz Josef Glacier Flight

If you want to experience the true majesty of the South Island, a Franz Josef Glacier Flight is an absolute necessity. Known as the “Grand Traverse,” this premier 50-minute journey covers 200 kilometers of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine scenery. Because you are flying over two World Heritage National Parks, you will witness a landscape that ground tours simply cannot reach.

Unmatched Aerial Perspectives

To begin, your adventure provides incredible views of the mighty Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. These ancient rivers of ice spill down from high mountains directly into coastal rainforests. Furthermore, every passenger is guaranteed a window seat on aircraft designed for sightseeing. Consequently, the high-wing design ensures you have an unobstructed view of the wonders below. As you glide through the air, your friendly pilot will also provide an informative and enjoyable commentary.

Iconic Highlights of the Grand Traverse

During the flight, you will explore a magical world of permanent ice and snow. Specifically, the tour features several world-class landmarks:

• Aoraki Mount Cook: Fly past the highest peak in New Zealand.
• Tasman Glacier: Look down upon the country’s largest expanse of ice.
• Mackenzie Basin: Marvel at turquoise glacial lakes and golden tussock lands.
• Braided Rivers: View unique landforms and remote high-country sheep stations.

A Journey Between Two Worlds

One of the most striking features of this Franz Josef Glacier Flight is the contrast between regions. Specifically, you will see how glaciers descend into temperate rainforests on the West Coast while the other side features the rugged, snowy terrain of Mount Cook National Park. Because this 200-kilometer loop captures the “big picture” of the Southern Alps, it is the most efficient way to see the region. Ultimately, you can experience the scale of these giants in less than an hour.

Location Details

Mount Cook National Park