Mt Aspiring & Glaciers

Mt Aspiring & Glaciers

Experience our Mt Aspiring Scenic Flight – The Matterhorn of the South!

View Mt Aspiring (Tititea) and the glaciers of the Mount Aspiring National Park on this 50 min scenic flight. We believe that this trip should be on the bucket list of every visitor to Wanaka as it is an incredible experience & great price for a 50 min scenic fixed wing flight.

Mt Aspiring Scenic Flight Highlights

  • Birds eye views of Lake Wanaka and Hawea Townships
  • Treble Cone ski field
  • Scenic Matukituki Valley
  • View the Bonar and Voltar glaciers
  • Fly past the peak of 3030m Mt Aspiring – the Matterhorn of the South
  • World Heritage Mount Aspiring National Park
  • Incredible, close up views of the Southern Alps

For those with a thirst for more adventure – our legendary Scenic Epic Trip combines Mt Aspiring, Mt Cook & Milford Sound for an unforgettable 3 hour tour.

Full Mt Aspiring Scenic Flight Information

Your flight begins at Wanaka airport – just a 10 min drive from Wanaka Town Centre. Beforehand we will have asked you to complete a weather check on the morning of your flight.

wanaka scenic flight at wanaka airport with southern alps air
Greet your plane at the tarmac


Southern Alps Air operates its own hangar & booking office at Wanaka airport. Our friendly team will get you checked in and brief you on the flight details. Then you will meet your SAA pilot who is an expert in flying this region. Everyone gets a window seat at Southern Alps Air and our aircraft fleet is comfortable and well maintained.

Take off with a birds eye view of Lake Wanaka and the township. You will also see neighbouring Lake Hawea, all bordered by the mighty Southern Alps mountain range. Your pilot will point out locations of interest as you fly towards the Mt Aspiring National Park.

southern alps air birds eye view of lake wanaka and mountains on flight to milford sound
A birds eye view of beautiful Lake Wanaka

You will pass the Treble Cone Ski area on the way up the scenic Matukituki Valley which is bordered by native beech forest. Plus, you will be surrounded by World Heritage scenery with views of mountain peaks and waterfalls. As you fly closer to Mt Aspiring, its glaciers come into view and the scenery becomes even more spectacular.

Scenic Flight around Mt Aspiring in Wanaka, New Zealand. With Southern Alps Air

Finally return to Wanaka after a 50 minute scenic flight that has shown you the best of Mt Aspiring National Park. When you fly with Southern Alps Air everyone gets a window seat, personal pilot commentary and a scenic flight that has been voted 5* and a “must do Wanaka activity”.

Mt Aspiring National Park

Mt Aspiring is at 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, Mt Aspiring is often called the ‘Matterhorn of the South’ due to it’s pyramidal, photogenic peak.

You will have the opportunity for photos and views in every direction, while appreciating the scale and grandeur of this region. In addition, you will also be able to see both the Bonar and Voltar glaciers – which are snow covered throughout the year.

Mt Aspiring Scenic Flight FAQ’s

How far is Mt Aspiring from Wanaka?

Mt Aspiring (Tititea) is approximately 47.5km from Wanaka (as the crow flies). Our Mt Aspiring scenic flight is 50 mins in duration and takes you up the Matukituki Valley and into the World Heritage scenery of the Mount Aspiring National Park.

How tall is Mt Aspiring?

Mt Aspiring is 3033m, which makes it New Zealand’s highest mountain outside of the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

Why is Mt Aspiring called “The Matterhorn of the South”?

Mt Aspiring is often referred to as the Matterhorn of the South because of its distinctive, pyramidal peak which is similar to that of The Matterhorn in the European Alps. It sharp ridges makes it a technical climb and it was first ascended in 1909.

Mt Aspiring & Glaciers
50mins
$385
$290

Current Prices Valid to 30 April 2024
Prices are per person & includes GST
Child Age is 5-15yrs
Infants 0-4yrs Travel Free (1 infant per adult)
Window Seats & Glacier Views on All Flights
Minimum numbers apply
Frequently Asked Questions »