Creating lasting impressions, awe-inspiring experiences and serving hot chocolates in the snow
A Central Otago Must-Do Activity! Whether you're staying in Cromwell, Alexandra, Queenstown, Wanaka or beyond, take to the sky and see the best of Central Otago from the vantage point from above - a scenic helicopter tour gives you a great appreciation for the new-age gold that vineyards and orchards provide the region, as well as hear stories of the days-gone-by gold rush of the 1850s and 60s.
A Central Otago Must-Do Activity! Whether you're staying in Cromwell, Alexandra, Queenstown, Wanaka or beyond, take to the sky and see the best of Central Otago from the vantage point from above - a scenic helicopter tour gives you a great appreciation for the new-age gold that vineyards and orchards provide the region, as well as hear stories of the days-gone-by gold rush of the 1850s and 60s.
It may be the silky smooth Pinot Noir that impresses on the ground, but take to the sky and prepare for some serious oohing and ahhing during this flight.
The Cromwell Basin flight offers a glimpse into the area’s rich goldmining history, both present day and days gone by, and showcases the basin’s breathtaking Central Otago landscape and award-winning vineyards, including a remote alpine landing on the Pisa or Old Woman Range.
The Cromwell Basin flight offers a glimpse into the area’s rich goldmining history, both present day and days gone by, and showcases the basin’s breathtaking Central Otago landscape and award-winning vineyards, including a remote alpine landing on the Pisa or Old Woman Range.
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What you will see:
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Cromwell Basin Scenic Flight
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Awe at the grandeur of the snow-capped rugged mountain ranges that cradle the basin on all sides to create a sheltered micro-climate for the many award-winning vineyards and orchards that have put this region on the world map.
What you will see:
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Queenstown / Wanaka Helicopter Charter Flight
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What you will see:
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Otago Central Rail Trail & Lord Of The Rings Flight
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See the Otago Central Rail Trail from a bird's eye view! Take off from our base at Cromwell and take in the immediate highlights: Cromwell town, Highlands Motorsport Park, Lake Dunstan, the meeting of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers.
See the Cromwell Basin from the air as you track along Lake Dunstan to the Bendigo subregion - an area rich in gold mining, wine growing and a LOTR filming site: the Great East Road which Arwen travelled with Frodo to the safety of Rivendell, fleeing the Nazgul. After flying over the Bendigo wine sub-region, cross over the Dunstan Mountains and pick up a section of the 150km Otago Central Rail Trail from Omakau (also a LOTR filming site) and follow some of the best parts of the trail through tunnels and over viaducts. En route you will discover an untamed, natural environment, Otago’s harsh and daring past, and look in awe at the early engineering feats of the pioneers. From the comfort of the helicopter you will enjoy the scenery, tunnels and bridges that once were the secret preserve of railway workers. This flight also presents a great insight into the Maniototo and Manuherikia regions as you fly across the plains to the Poolburn Dam. The Poolburn Dam Reservoir was used as a filming location for Peter Jackson's Lord Of The Rings movie triology: the surrounding area was used extensively to portrait the land of Rohan. Returning from Poolburn Dam, your flight path takes you over picturesque Alexandra township and past its iconic ‘Rock Clock’. If time allows, stop off at the historic Chatto Creek Tavern, established in 1886. Their signature blue cod, whitebait and ribeye steak meals are definitely something worth writing home about! (optional add-on) Follow the Clutha River upstream and through the Cromwell Gorge and see the engineering marvel that is the Clyde Dam, NZ’s third largest hydro electric dam, from the air. |
What you will see:
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Mt Aspiring Flight
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Take in the breath-taking scenery of the Mt Aspiring National Park - a wonderful mixture of remote wilderness, high mountains and beautiful river valleys. Take off from our base at Cromwell and take in the immediate highlights: Cromwell town, Highlands Motorsport Park, Lake Dunstan, the meeting of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers.
Climb up and over the Pisa Range en route to Mt Aspiring, often referred to as the ‘Matterhorn of the South’. Take in the beauty of the southern end of Lake Wanaka as you veer towards the popular Treble Cone Ski Field in the Harris Mountains which lead you into the Mt Aspiring National Park. Watch Mt Aspiring rise higher and higher as you get closer to its 3033m (9951ft) peak. Marvel at the Lower Volta Glacier which sits directly under the northern side of Mt Aspiring, and the Bonar Glacier on the southern side. The extensive valleys of the Mt Aspiring National Park have been carved by ancient glaciers over thousands of years ago. Its lush wilderness is a popular destination for hikers and nature-lovers alike.
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Exclusive Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Charter
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Included in this package:
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The classic Milford Sound excursion: sit back and enjoy the scenic route to Milford Sound through the valleys of the picturesque Fiordland National Park. Marvel at the steep mountains, the lush native forest, uncountable waterfalls thundering down the steep rock faces.
Arrive at your destination in style and comfort, and embark on an unforgettable close-up encounter with nature, history and dolphins on a Milford Sound boat cruise. Join a Southern Discoveries Discover More Cruise and get closer, for longer on this all-inclusive nature cruise. Enjoy being part of a smaller group to ensure an intimate encounter with this natural marvel. Perfect for those looking to discover more of Milford Sound, it includes a visit to the Milford Discovery Centre & Underwater Observatory and a delicious Picnic Lunch. Depart Cromwell at 10.30am, and return by 4.30pm. Other times by arrangement.
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Milford Sound Fly-Over
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The classic Milford Sound excursion:
Sit back and enjoy the scenic route to Milford Sound through the valleys of the picturesque Fiordland National Park. Marvel at the steep mountains, the lush native forest, uncountable waterfalls thundering down the steep rock faces. Enjoy unobstructed views, safety and comfort in our MD600N helicopter - one of the safest and quietest helicopters in the world. Large bubble windows ensure excellent visibility from all seats and seating can be configured for a range of options, from sightseeing to VIP arrangements. Noise-cancelling Bose headsets ensure you are in contact with your pilot for informative commentary and other passengers throughout the flight through the Fiordland National Park.
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