Southern Alps Air
Wanaka & Makarora
Siberia Experience Fly, Walk & Jetboat
Southern Alps Air run two of Wanaka's best day trips; the Siberia Experience and a scenic flight to Milford Sound. The Siberia Experience is one of a kind. Fly into a beautiful alpine wilderness valley, hike for 2-3 hours from one gorgeous forested river valley to another, then be met by jetboat for an exhilarating ride. The Milford Scenic Flight takes you past Mt Aspiring and down the West Coast to land at Milford Sound where you join a two hour cruise exploring the sound before flying home again. The flight to Milford is as spectacular as the Sound itself. Other trips operated by Southern Alps Air include flights to Mt Cook, flights around Mt Aspiring and its glaciers and the Blue Pools Nature Experience in the Makarora Valley.
Southern Alps Air was one of the first scenic flight companies to be established in the Wanaka Region and is still locally owned and operated. All passengers enjoy window seats and informative in-flight commentary. Pilots are friendly and professional with passenger safety and enjoyment being their highest priority. Southern Alps Air is an approved CAA operator, Qualmark & Enviro endorsed and Department of Conservation approved.
Siberia Experience
The original since 1975 and still the best! Four hours of unique New Zealand wilderness adventure in the vast Mount Aspiring National Park.
Your scenic flight departs from Makarora, and you fly for around 25 minutes through magnificent alpine river valleys to land beside the remote Siberia river. Your hiking trail follows the Siberia river before climbing to a low pass overlooking the magnificent Wilkin river valley, a good spot for lunch or a sandwich. You descend to the Wilkin River and then walk along an easy trail to the point where your jet boat meets you for an exhilarating ride back out to Makarora and "civilisation". Allow 4-5 hours for the whole trip.
The forest on the walk is beautiful with mossy logs, small side streams, glimpses of waterfalls and snowy peaks high above you. You will likely see fantails and may be lucky enough to spot Kaka or wood pigeons.
Departs flexible | Duration 4 hours
Ask about the New Blue Pools Nature Experience with a longer flight, jetboat and an easier walk
Additional Information
Please bring food, water, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, a weatherproof jacket, sandles to wear to paddle across Siberia Stream (or borrow from us).
Price: $455
Directions
Wanaka airport is approx 15 minutes (10kms) drive from Wanaka town centre. The airport is located on SH6 between Wanaka and Luggate. The Southern Alps Air departure lounge and office is located in the Blue Building directly ahead of you when you come in the entrance.
Makarora is located beside SH6 between Wanaka (1 hour's drive) and Fox Glacier (2 1/2 hrs drive). Once you have reached Makarora Valley follow the signs to Makarora West and you will find the Southern Alps Air /Siberia Experience check-in desk inside Makarora Tourist Centre & Café. The airstrip is directly opposite and runs parallel to the highway.
Terms
CHILD POLICY Family Friendly
CANCELLATION 24 hours 100% | cancellation due to weather or mechanical reasons Full Refund
SEASON Open year round.
- Paul & Anne Cooper
- T + 64 3 443 4385 / FP: 0800 345 666
- W www.southernalpsair.co.nz
- E
Wanaka Airport, 12 Lloyd Dunn Avenue, Wanaka
Local Area
Wanaka - 15 minutes