air safaris

This is a great highlight to experience. I would recommend the full Monty including standing on glacier. Well worth the cost.

We had booked the flight in advance. When we arrived the weather was terrible so we couldn't got that day. The manager was very helpful and accommodating. When I went back late the next day when the weather had improved to say we were off the next day so wouldn't be able to use the flight he informed me that a flight was going immediately so off we went. The views are spectacular and the plane allows for excellent viewing. Well worthwhile.

We took the helecopter-tour with a short stop at the clacier. Welcoming polit, sunshine all over and breathtaking viewsof the mountains, the clacier, the snow.. A very good experience

We decided on very short notice to take a flight over the glaciers in the afternoon. Air safaris very promptly had us aboard a plane and in the air. We were traveling as three and there was no need to wait for further passengers to fill the flight before take off so we had the plane to ourselves. The alpine sights from the plane were outstanding; icefields, alpine club hut perched precariously on a ledge, sweeping glaciers from top to snout and the stunning shades of turquoise highlighted by the clarity of the snow and ice. The plane weaved among the mountains for great views and we were also able to move from our seats from one side of the plane to the other to view sights. I had a fantastic flight and would thoroughly recommend this professional company to anyone.

I went on an afternoon flight with Tony, the highly experience pilot at Air Safaris based in Franz Josef village and even though I have climbed in the NZ alps being up there so close to the mountain faces and to the glaciers and neves was astounding. Tony took us over spectacular spots and we saw with such clarity big ice fields and mountain faces and the glaciers and their pathways downwards to the Tasman Sea. We could look into crevasses and see fabulous colors in the ice. We saw all the big mountains in the area and even across to Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Even if finances are tight this trip is worth every single penny andy more!! I also appreciated the efficiency with which our last minute booking was handled. Well done Air Safaris, Franz Josef!

Just four people aboard the single-prop plane, you don't have to wait for a full plane before Air Safaris take off. Everybody has a window seat with clear view out. Before you realise it you are airborne and enjoying the views of the surrounding countryside and then the snow covered peaks. The pilot, Mark, provided an interesting commentary, ensuring you saw all the famous peaks. Incredible to see the Glaciers Franz Josef and Fox etc. from above. A very smooth journey with spectacular scenery - definitely be highlight of this area in NZ. The aerodrome is very short drive from Franz Joseph centre.

Such a spectacular flight. Everyone has a window seat and the views are awesome. You get a long flight over all the mountains and glaciers. Very professional crew. A must do

We took the whole family, admittedly a bit nervous at first. But Tony, the pilot was simply fantastic. He explained everything and, as the weather was uncertain, he took his time to see the developments and decide if we can fly at all. It cleared up, we flew, and we felt safe the whole time. The take off was extremely smooth, so the whole flight (we took the 30 min option) and, of course the landing. AMAZING, what you can see in those 30min: the riverbed, the beach with the ocean, the lakes, the forests, and, clearly so, both the Fox and the Franz Josef Glaciers. Beautiful, high enough to see the big picture, close enough to see the details. Tony would explain everything while we were taking pictures and videos, everybody at a window. This was our highlight! Thanks Tony!

Can't believe it has taken me a year to get around to getting on an Air Safaris flight. Absolute magic. Flew from Glentanner Station and did the 50 minute Grand Traverse. Was cloudy on the West Coast but still saw Franz Josef & Fox glaciers. Not to mention.... Mt Cook itself :) A must do when in the MacKenzie/Mt Cook region. Fun friendly pilots as well :)

I was reluctant in leaving my footprints on the glaciers. Plus, I had a marvelous experience with fixed wing in Denali (Alaska), so I chose fixed wing over helicopter at Franz Josef. Air Safari delivered much more than they advertised. The flight was long to see the farms, town, coastlines, all the glaciers, important mountain peaks, from low to really high overview...a full command views of the whole thing. The high overview is not possible with helio...at times we cound see the tiny helicopters whirling way below us. View of Mt Cook, from up high, is most awesome sight. Above all, the most warm and friendly service from desk staff to the pilot. They were so flexible and accommodative in making sure we have the best experience and stunning photographs.

I was very impressed with this company. They were not sure if the skies were clear enough for our enjoyment as the route up he Franz Joseph clouded in around 0830. However, the company refused payment and ran us out to the aircraft to try the Fox Glacier route saying that if this route was not open there would be no charge. Fortunately this valley was clear of cloud and we were able to gain access to the high peaks through this route. Above the low clouds the skies were clear and bright blue. Our flight lasted about an hour and we had magnificent views over the mountains and glaciers. The pilot took us close to a number of the peaks and gave plenty of time for photography. For the first flight of the day the trip starts at the company’s office on the main street of Franz Joseph. A minibus runs you to the airport just a few minutes away. The pilot gives a short safety briefing at the aircraft before takeoff. Visibility from the plane is excellent. The aircraft has some heating so the temperature remained fine despite the increase in altitude. Sunglasses are needed to combat the glare reflecting off the snowfields. A short video of the highlights of the flight can be seen at http://youtu.be/f8Yi_YMgKlM

We booked the Grand Traverse flight which took in both glaciers and is about 50 minutes long. We were lucky that on our last day the weather cleared and we were able to go up. The views up there are breathtaking. If you suffer travel sickness make sure you are well medicated as it can get quite bumpy over the mountain ridges ( I loved it but my poor husband,despite his meds, was ill in the latter part of the flight as it did get very 'bumpy' at one point so not for the nervous flier).The pilot was brilliant and gave plenty of opportunities for photos. Everyone has a window seat. The pilot gave a very well informed commentary throughout the flight. This trip is well worth the cost and I thoroughly recommend it as the thing to do in FJ is the weather is good.

We took this tour because they were offering a special on the 20 minute tour And boy was it worth the money! The pilot was very informative and we got some great photos of the glaciers, the coast and the mountains. The only thing that would have made it better was to get to land on the glacier.

Flights are weather-dependent: if everything is covered by clouds, you don't fly. We were fortunate to have a break in the weather for our flight and got to see lots of glaciers, Mt. Cook and other mountains in the two national parks that meet in this area, the coast, rivers, the whole bit. It was spectacular. The pilot was knowledgeable and very entertaining. The plane was comfortable. We've done flights over glaciers in Alaska, and this plane was better than what we had there because everyone had a window seat and the pilot made sure both sides of the plane got to see everything. This is stunning scenery and well worth the cost of the flight. We chose to take an airplane rather than helicopter because the plane can go higher and you see more of the countryside. A note on logistics--the Air Safaris office is in town. A small bus takes you from the office to the tiny airfield and then back again after your flight. You pay when you return, as the cost is dependent on how much you've been able to see. Highly recommended.

The flight leaves from Franz Joseph and takes 50 minutes. In a 6 seater plane the views are indescribable and one is left spellbound by the beauty of it all. The trip is expensive, more so than the helicopter flights that land on the glacier, but is much longer and gives a true representation of the beauty of the area. We were helped by a clear blue sky and the weather is very important. However the organisation was very fair and although we had booked and could have been taken in some cloud they suggested we return when conditions were better. If you need to cancel something else to be able to afford it, do so.