Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Cruise: This scenic flight offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The landscape changes dramatically encompassing views of spectacular Alpine Highlights in Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. Views. See impressive 3030m high Mt Aspiring, pristine glaciers, rainforest, alpine lakes and rivers while waterfalls cascade amongst this rugged mountain landscape that is the Southern Alps. Your flight path takes you the full length of Milford Sound before landing to board your cruise boat. Wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins are often viewed during the cruise. Return highlights include the Milford Track, Sutherland Falls (NZ’s highest), The Dart River Valley and Lord of the Rings Locations. Flight time 1.5 hours return, allow 4 hours.
Wanaka River Journeys Glacier Jet: The Matukituki River; fed by glaciers and surrounded by the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park is one of New Zealand's most powerful and pristine jet boating rivers. Wanaka River Journeys travel this fast flowing river past Lord of the Rings locations, watched over by Mount Aspiring and glaciers. Along the way your guide will share stories of the past, of how these ancient lands were carved by ice and of the first people to come here. Experience the exhilaration of speed in just centimeters of water and spinning turns in deep pools. Also enjoy a 40 minute wilderness walk through native beech forest or an optional helicopter pick-up from the jet boat for a flight into the second largest glacial area in New Zealand.
Lake Dunstan Artisan Lifestyle Tour: Visit local artisans, wineries and orchards in the Southern Lakes region. Lake Dunstan is New Zealands newest lake filled in 1993 to generate hydro-electric power. It fills a glacial valley surrounded by mountain ranges. The climate is dry and sunny with great extremes of hot and cold throughout the year. All this provides perfect inspiration for the many artists who live and work around its edges. We are invited into the homes and workplaces of these special people to watch them at work and to view their crafts. From wood to canvas, clay to photographic paper, the artistic creations are beautiful. We also visit wineries, vineyards and orchards too, sampling their wares. Lunch is also a work of art. Full Day.
Fly Fishing: Wanaka is the perfect place to base yourself for your fishing holiday. From here we have access to the gin clear high country rivers and lakes of the Southern Alps. If weather does not permit we have access to the rivers and dams of the rain sheltered areas of Central Otago. In all of these rivers, lakes and dams you will have the opportunity to see and catch fish of an average weight of between 3-4lbs. All rivers are accessed by 4WD vehicle (helicopter fly in options are available). Some walking is involved during the day and we have fishing to suit most levels of fitness. Included in this day is courtesy transportation, lite refreshments, experienced guide & tutor, equipment if required.
Trails of Middle Earth: Visit 18 Lord of the Rings Filming Locations. Visit the scene from the Flight to the Ford. The River Anduin and river that Aragorn fell into in the Two Towers. The Pillars of the Kings is not far beyond and even without Isildur and Anarion standing guard. Stand in Gladden Fields where Isildur loses ring and life barely two years after cutting it from Saurons Hand. Walk up a beautiful mountain stream to the Ford of Bruinen to see where the Nazgul were challenged to come and claim him! Recall the scenes from The Two Towers as the refugees depart Edoras on the way to the safety of Helms Deep. See Aragorns cliff, Legolas leap and look out. Handle Narsil, Hadhafang, Sting, Gimlis Helm, Evenstar, Aragorn Ring and a real elven cloak with an elven mallorn leaf brooch. Full day tour.
Siberia Wilderness Experience: Fly, Walk and Jetboat in Mount Aspiring National Park. This wilderness adventure is in Mount Aspiring World Heritage National Park and the Wilkin River, which is fed by the glaciers of this beautiful National Park. A ride on the Cessna 185 high winged plane gives you the opportunity to view Mt Aspiring, sometimes referred to, as the Matterhorn of the South Mount Aspiring is 3030 metres high as well as huge vistas of land that looked the same as they did when man first arrived. See glaciers, ice, snow, mountain lakes, hanging valleys, vast rain forests, and dramatic unspoiled beauty. Landing in the Siberia Valley you begin a lovely walk through native beech forest to the wilderness of the Wilkin Valley. Rendezvous with the Jetboat to experience the ultimate in shallow water jet boating, skimming along in just inches of water completes this wilderness experience.
Mt Cook, Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers: Wanaka is a fabulous location to get up in the air. A breathtaking scenic flight following the Southern Alps right to New Zealand's highest Peak of 3753 metres. Experience magnificent views of the world famous Fox, Franz and Tasman Glaciers. Take in dramatically contrasting scenery from farm land to the natural wild wilderness of the Southern Alps. You will view huge chunks of the Mount Cook, Westland and Mount Aspiring World Heritage National Parks. Snow, Ice, rivers, valleys, rainforest, rugged mountains - awesome! Approx 1hr 30
Wine Tour: Central Otago wines are winning awards all over the world. Come and see what all the fuss is about and sample the wines for yourself. With over twenty vineyards and wineries to choose from and your own driver-guide doing the driving and navigating, all you need to worry about is how many bottles you can pack!! Lunch is also a delight for the palate. Combined with dry semi desert climate, cloudless days and soaring mountains, the scenery also commands your attention. Full day tour.
Rob Roy Glacier Day Hike: Just one hour from Wanaka is the beautiful Mt Aspiring National Park. Within the park is the Rob Roy Glacier - the 'Jewel of Mt Aspiring Park". It is a massive glacier beginning high above on Rob Roy Peak - 2,606 metres, clinging to the ever-steepening mountainside as it descends into the Rob Roy Valley. Thousands of years ago, massive ice movements caused the carving of the Matukituki Valley, which leads back from Mt Aspiring towards Wanaka. In other parts of the world, it may take several days or weeks to trek to places as beautiful as Rob Roy Glacier; however, you can experience this within one day. Cross a swing bridge, trek through a rainforest of moss, ferns and shrubs, and further on, alpine flowers. A stunning 150metre waterfall awaits, with views of the Rob Roy Glacier. Take a picnic, good level of fitness required.
Mt Aspiring & Glacier Heliflight with Mountain Landing: See the glory of Mt Aspiring. Departing over Lake Wanaka we fly up the long remote Minaret Burn valley, over high country farm land, past glaciated hanging valleys, before making a high altitude mountain landing near Mount Aspiring. Known as the 'Matterhorn of the South', this mountain has attracted and inspired climbers, hikers and photographers for years, and is now one of New Zealand's most sought after peaks. After a short walk around, we fly on to see, close up, a number of great blue ice hanging glaciers, ice and water falls, sheer rock faces, mountain tarns, and native beech forest before returning via the wide braided Matukituki Valley, past Treble Cone Skifield, Glendhu Bay and the resort town of Wanaka to the Airport. Flight time: Approx 45 minutes. Extended flight (to 1hr) also available.
Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Cruise:
