Scenic Flights Christchurch
 

If you are on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand you should not leave without taking the time to take one of the scenic flights from Christchurch into the South Alps and back. These incredible mountains are a sight to behold from the ground, but it is only when you view them from the air that you get a chance to really take it their sheer beauty. These mountains were formed in part by shifts in the tectonic plates that lifted the whole island up out of the water and in part by the glaciers that were trapped here millions of years ago. When you take one of the scenic flights from Christchurch you will fly to Mount Cook which stands at 12,000 plus feet high. On a clear day you may see mountain climbers as they work their way to the top of this very popular peak. This peak is the tallest mountain on any of the islands that comprise New Zealand and is criss crossed with trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and 4 wheel drive safaris that take you through miles of incredible sub tropical rain forest. One of the most popular sights on any of the scenic flights from Christchurch is the two famous glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox each of which is about 7 miles long and purported to still be moving.

Because they are located in such a temperate climate they are among the most easily accessed glaciers in the world. While there is always snow on top of these glaciers there are rainforests below that allow you to see these glaciers by taking a walking tour as well as flying. If one of scenic flights from Christchurch on wets your appetite and you want to see more of Franz Josef or Fox there are companies that offer helicopter flights that take you up into the glaciers to designated landing sites that give you the chance to get out and walk in the snow and see the majestic beauty of the two glaciers and the surrounding mountains from elevations that provide incredible views. While scenic flights from Christchurch are by far the best way to see the South Alps you can also take the Tranz Alpine train across the east coast to the town of Greymouth.

The trip is 223 kilometers long and takes about 4 1/2 hours to complete. Most people prefer to take the train in the winter as the scenery you can see from the train is considered to look better when it has a blanket of snow over it. If you are vacationing in Christchurch, scenic flights are available daily to take you into the South Alps. There are several companies offering them, but if you want to fly in the pressurized comfort of one of the newest Cessna P210 twin engine aircraft you should book your flight with Air West Coast. They also offer a helicopter flight with a landing above on the glaciers as part of a package deal to provide you with the best possible chance to see these amazing mountains and glaciers while you are on vacation.