Date: January 19th, 2021, Posted by admin
This article is taken from Stuff website. The Siberia Experience by Brook Sabin.
Published Nov 15 2020. You can read the original article here.
View the Siberia Experience trip details here
“Welcome to Siberia” our pilot said with a smile, as he pulled off the throttle, and our plane bumped along the grass runway.
Just moments earlier, there had been no time for talking. Pilot Ryan Cooper was carefully manoeuvring our little yellow plane into a narrow ice-carved valley, doing tight turns just a few hundred metres from the mountains.
This is a very different type of flying than most of us are used to. Our tight descent into Siberia Valley is a “hope we make it” moment for first-timers in a small plane. But for people like Ryan, it’s just another day at the office. His office happens to be one of the most beautiful in New Zealand.
Although, not everyone agrees. Siberia Valley is surrounded by Mt Dreadful, and Mt Difficulty – so whoever named this place clearly wasn’t having a great day. However, as anyone who has been to the real Siberia will attest, the vast snow-covered landscape is nothing short of magnificent in fine weather. And that’s what we’ve struck today, in Aotearoa’s little slice of untouched wilderness.
Our journey started in the tiny village of Makarora, at the head of Lake Wanaka. As we check-in for our flight, a little yellow plane bounces around the grass and comes to a stop next to the road.
The plane – a Cessna 185 Skywagon – is affectionally known around town as ‘Buttercup’ and is specially designed to carry five adults into and out of rough airstrips. It was recently upgraded with some flash avionics, despite being more than 40 years old. But Chief Pilot Paul Cooper tells me it’s ideal for the job, and planes like this one are “like a good axe – they just keep doing the job.”
The trip we’re doing today is known as the “Siberia Experience”. Southern Alps Air will fly us into the valley, before a three-hour walk to a jet boat pickup point, where Wilkin River Jets will take us on a high-speed journey back to civilisation.
As we load into Buttercup, and bump down a grass runway, my cheeks hurt from smiling. This is the kind of trip foreigners come from around the world to experience – and we are so lucky to have it easily accessible in our backyard.
We race down the runway, leaping into the air in no time. We make an almost immediate turn for the Wilkin Valley, carved by a glacier over million of years.
It’s hard to know where to look; we fly over several glaciated valleys framed by snowy peaks, and turn a tight corner to reveal an emerald lake nestled among the mountains. Ryan manoeuvres the plane into a tight, conical-shaped valley surrounded by peaks, telling us he can turn the plane on a dime. As soon as he’s finished speaking, the plane banks steeply.
We track back down the valley, slowly descending toward Siberia. We do one quick flyover of the strip for a check of the wind direction then enter a tight circuit. The last time I flew like this was in Papua New Guinea, and I feel like I’m back there. For our final turn, Ryan needs to position the plane near the treeline, while descending and reducing speed. It’s impressive watching, as he flicks levers and switches as if Buttercup is an extension of his body.
Before my eyes have a chance to adjust to the quickly changing scenery, a little grass airstrip comes into view, and the plane bumps down with several light thuds – what a flight.
On the ground, Ryan walks us to the Wilkin River, which we must cross, and points us in the direction of the walking track that will eventually lead us to the jet boat. With that, he and Buttercup launch back into the sky and leave us, surrounded by mountains and silence, in Siberia.
As we cross the river, my partner Radha warns me the water is cold. She, more than anyone, knows I was born with quite possibly the most sensitive thermostat in the country. The water is straight from the glaciers, and as my feet begin to numb, I have a rush of blood to the voice box and rattle off a few too many four-letter words.
We head to the Department of Conservation’s Siberia Hut, where eager trampers can stay the night gazing at the mountains from every window. It’s about 21 degrees, and Mt Dreadful should really be renamed Mt Magnificent in this weather.
After a quick stop at a waterfall, which we saw from the plane and vowed to visit, we start the “two to three” hour walk to our jet boat pickup point. We begin by gently ascending into a beech forest, before the track becomes steeper, at times walking beside sheer drops into the valley below.
At each turn as we get higher, more snowy peaks and roaring waterfalls come into view – the result of heavy rain a few days ago.
After two and a half hours of walking, we hear the thunder of a jet boat arriving to take us back to our starting point.
Wilkin River Jets is one of the oldest jet boat companies in New Zealand; it was established in the 1960s to help transport deer hunters, and today runs sightseeing trips. We jump aboard the boat, and rocket down the braided river, just centimetres above rocks and beside trees. After a slow walk, the pace is a welcome blast of adrenaline.
We stop often, and our driver Alec Watson turns the boat around, so we can look back at the magnificent mountains we’ve just left. We also go on the hunt for little emerald lagoons that are home to inquisitive trout.
After a 30 minute boat ride, we’re back where we started. It’s hard to believe in the past four hours we’ve flown around mountains, walked along bluffs, and jet boated back to reality. Forget Russia, Aotearoa’s slice of Siberia is all you need.
More information:
Posted in: Southern Alps Air Blog
Date: December 18th, 2020, Posted by admin
For a limited time only Southern Alps Air is offering an exclusive $99 Local Scenic Spectacular flight. This is your chance to grab an amazing price for an amazing flight.
Departing from Wanaka Airport, passengers are immediately immersed in the 360* degree panoramic landscapes that our region is famous for. Expect to see an amazing scenic landscape, including Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, the majestic Southern Alps and beyond.
This your chance to experience southern New Zealand scenery where it’s viewed best – from the air. Book direct by calling or emailing us and we’ll get you sorted right away – no booking fee!
Your flight will include:
Minimum numbers apply.
Posted in: Scenic Flights, Specials, Wanaka & Mt Aspiring
Date: July 15th, 2020, Posted by admin
There’s no denying a trip to Milford Sound is a ‘must do’ if you’re embarking on a journey to New Zealand. Often described as the 8th wonder of the world, there’s no shortage of reasons as to why you should see it. Here’s what to expect once you’ve booked your trip from Wanaka to Milford Sound.
That’s right – Milford Sound is off the grid! You’ll be whisked away on a small airplane, cut off from the pulls of social media – free to fully immerse yourself in the Southern Alps and Milford Sound. Don’t worry, you can still use your phone throughout your flight and cruise as a camera.
When passengers fly from Wanaka to Milford Sound with Southern Alps Air, we can almost always guarantee they will return with their jaws on the ground, having genuinely been blown away by the entire experience. The sheer scale of landscape and the untouched mountains are nothing short of spectacular.
Flying to Milford Sound from Wanaka is an epic adventure, and a longer one if you fly with Southern Alps Air. As Wanaka’s only fixed-wing scenic flight operator, you can expect your flight to be 25 minutes longer than if you choose to fly from Queenstown. That’s a win in our books!
Milford Sound experiences extremely high rainfall and on average has 6,813millimetres (19 feet) worth of rain, yearly. This means when you’re in Milford Sound, you’ll see some of the most spectacular, powerful waterfalls booming from the mountain side alongside thriving flora and fauna. Once you touch down in Milford Sound and board your cruise, there’s a high chance you’ll see seals lazing on rocks and if you’re extra lucky you may encounter a pod of dolphins.
We can’t tell you enough, the trip to Milford Sound is truly magical. Southern Alps Air has been operating for 40+ years, and for over two decades have been flying the same journey into Milford Sound. Yet our pilots are still completely in awe of what they get to see every day. You’ll completely understand once you’ve seen it for yourself!
Posted in: Southern Alps Air Blog
Date: October 28th, 2019, Posted by admin
Come on Kiwis, this is an amazing offer – visitors come from all over the world to fly to our fantastic Milford Sound and some say it is the best thing they have ever done. Now it’s your turn – explore your own backyard and see ‘The 8th Wonder of the World for yourself.
There are so many highlights on the circular flight path from Wanaka you will be in awe of the beauty that New Zealand has to offer!! The flight is 30 minutes longer than flights departing from Queenstown and there are many glaciers and the spectacular Mt Aspiring that are not on the flight path departing from other destinations.
If you don’t have the time to stay for the cruise we offer a brief landing or overfly option for Milford Sound. The flight route is the same only you don’t stay for the cruise.
Fly to Milford Sound through two of New Zealand’s most picturesque national parks. View alpine lakes nestled amongst soaring snow-capped mountain peaks and pristine glaciers, with vast rainforest and cascading waterfalls visible from every seat!
Posted in: Featured, Milford Sound, Scenic Flights, Specials
Date: September 1st, 2019, Posted by admin
This Milford Sound scenic flight offers all of the views and highlights of the Milford Sound & Glaciers flights but without the scenic boat cruise.
After viewing the full length of Milford Sound from the air you will also experience a brief landing at Milford Sound. Here you can take in the views from the ground and appreciate the vast scale of the landscape. There is also the option for a short bush walk.
There has never been a better time to visit Milford Sound and appreciate this incredible area of New Zealand. Every kiwi should see Milford Sound at least once in their lifetime!
By departing / returning to Wanaka you will see over 100 glaciers and Mt Aspiring from your window seat. Plus you get an additional 30 minute flight time. Call us today or Book Now!
We Provide:
window seats with beautiful views, informative commentary and friendly customer service.
Please Bring:
Warm jacket, camera
Duration:
Flight time 1.5hrs. Allow 2.5hrs return to Wanaka.
Posted in: Featured, Milford Sound, Scenic Flights, Specials
Date: October 27th, 2018, Posted by admin
This is an incredible price for a Milford Sound fly-cruise-fly from Wanaka package. By departing/returning to Wanaka you will fly further and see more!
The flight time is 30 mins longer, plus you will see over 100 glaciers and get amazing views of Mt Aspiring (named the Matterhorn of the South)!
Short on time? Then check out our Milford Flyover Trip here.
Your scenic flight to Milford Sound departs from Wanaka Airport and takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage area of Te Wahipounamu. This includes two of New Zealand’s most picturesque National Parks – the Mt Aspiring & Fiordland National Parks. The landscapes are unspoilt, remote and best viewed from the air!
View remote alpine lakes nestled amongst soaring snowcapped mountain peaks and pristine glaciers, with vast rainforest and cascading waterfalls visible from every seat!
Once landed safely into Milford Sound landing strip you will jump on your Milford cruise. We choose a smaller, more intimate vessel for our Milford Fly-Cruise-Fly tour as it makes experiencing the sheer mile high cliffs and waterfalls even more special. Complimentary tea and coffee is also provided.
You will cruise the 16km length of the Sound and out to the Tasman Sea (weather dependent). This allows you to appreciate the scale and grandeur of Milford Sound and its waterfalls. It also gives you lots of opportunity to spot our native wildlife. Seals & penguins often make an appearance and some lucky guests may also spot dolphins in the sheltered waters.
Once your cruise arrives back at the wharf your pilot will be ready to escort you back to your plane for your return scenic flight to Wanaka. Return via the spectacular Dart Valley and over the famous township of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu. This location was used extensively in the Lord of the Rings movies with the mountains of the Dart / Rees Valleys forming the backdrop to Isengard.
Then fly over the striking blue water of Queenstown’s Shotover River. Gold was discovered here in 1862 and the river became one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world.
Finally, you will return to Wanaka and land back at the airport with photos and memories that are yours to treasure.
Posted in: Featured, Milford Sound, Scenic Flights, Specials
Date: June 28th, 2018, Posted by admin
View Mount Aspiring (Tititea) and the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, part of Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Maori named Mount Aspiring (Tititea), which means ‘steep peak of glistening white’. At 3030 metres high, Mount Aspiring is often called the ‘Matterhorn of the South’.
Posted in: Scenic Flights, Specials
Date: October 27th, 2017, Posted by admin
Experience a true New Zealand wilderness adventure. Fly, Walk, and Jet boat, the best way to spend a day exploring New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine environment. Siberia Experience, the ultimate adventure where unexpected delights of Nature await at every turn. Natural, pristine, ancient, extraordinary – everywhere you look there is more and more….
Fly amongst the towering mountains of Mt Aspiring World Heritage National Park to the remote and spectacular Siberia Valley.
Land amongst the towering mountains beside the crystal clear Siberia Stream.
Walk amongst the towering mountains of Mt Aspiring World Heritage National Park to the beautiful Wilkin Valley.
Jetboat amongst the towering mountains on the clear, pure waters of the Wilkin and Makarora Rivers.
Posted in: Scenic Flights, Siberia Experience
Date: October 28th, 2016, Posted by admin
This epic flight takes in the rugged and dramatic scenery of three of New Zealand’s most spectacular national parks, all located within the South Westland World Heritage Area. The flight includes numerous sights such as the Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, Tasman Glacier, Bonar and Volta Glaciers, as well as Mount Cook (Aoraki), Mount Aspiring (Tititea) and Milford Sound (Piopiotahi).
Tour Highlights
Posted in: Milford Sound, Scenic Flights
Date: October 28th, 2016, Posted by admin
Take a breathtaking flight around Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Fly over countless crystal clear lakes and snow clad mountains on your way to view the world famous Fox, Franz and Tasman glaciers deep in the heart of the Southern Alps.
Posted in: Scenic Flights, Specials
Date: October 28th, 2016, Posted by admin
Explore one of New Zealand’s unique, untouched backcountry rivers in a personal way. Get up close with the Makarora River and surrounding picturesque valley wrapped in New Zealand native bush.
This area is rich in the history of early pioneers including loggers floating logs all the way to the East Coast. Flax millers and farmers were based in the area. Maori using the valley as a route to and from the West Coast to collect food and Pounamu.
Posted in: Siberia Experience
Date: October 28th, 2016, Posted by admin
30 minute scenic flight encompassing views of glaciers, Mt Aspiring, waterfalls, river valleys, Mt Awful, Mt Dreadful Mt Castor and Mt Pollux – all over 7000 feet and up to 10,000 feet. Jumboland, Wonderland, Wilkin Valley and many more highlights including the remote Siberia Valley – the circular flight path returns you to Makarora to continue on your adventure. Window seats for all
From here relax and enjoy the views on the short drive by courtesy transport to the beginning of the 2.5 hour walk. The walk is on a well formed track through native beech forest which leads you to cross the first of 4 swing bridges and the clear and pure waters of the ‘Blue Pools’ – pristine, beautiful pools in the Blue River to linger at and enjoy while spotting fish. The Blue Pools are world renowned and voted by visitors to NZ as a “must do”. From here the track winds through native forest amongst the mountains of the Southern Alps near the banks of the Makarora River. Interesting and picturesque this is a very ancient setting only recently made easily accessible by the Department of Conservation forming a track through to link with the Young Valley track. Birdlife, nature and natural quiet are the most noticeable of experiences encountered during your relaxing walk on relatively flat terrain in this special part of the Mt Aspiring World Heritage National Park.
The track leads you to the meeting point at the mouth of the Young River where the jet boat will be waiting to whisk you off on a 1 hour scenic and spectacular journey through the Makarora Valley on the glacially fed waters of the clear, blue Makarora River. Feel the wind in your hair during your jet boat safari and be intrigued by the changing landscape as you journey to the mouth of the Makarora River and to the head waters of Lake Wanaka before returning to Makarora Village where your adventure began.
Experience a true New Zealand wilderness adventure. Fly, Walk, and Jet boat through New Zealand’s most spectacular Alpine environment on an adventure like no other.
Posted in: Scenic Flights, Siberia Experience
Local Scenic
Mt Aspiring
Mt Cook
Glacier Flight & Cruise
Milford Flyover
Scenic Epic
Siberia Experience
Blue Pools Experience
Jetboat Makarora
