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Visitors will be able to explore Kā Roimata-a-Hinehukatere (Franz Josef Glacier), Te Moeka-o-Tuawe (Fox Glacier) and Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (the Southern Alps) with the West Coast’s newest helicopter company, Vantage Helicopters.

The business, which is part of the Ngāi Tahu Tourism group along with Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters in Queenstown, has launched three scenic flight options ranging from 25 to 45 minutes, each including a snow landing.
Pat West, Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s General Manager Aviation, says, “We timed the launch of these scenic flights in advance of the busy summer season. With so many visitors in the region we’re pleased to offer them the opportunity to fly over such iconic and spectacular scenery.”

The premier scenic flight encompasses views over Kā Roimata-a-Hinehukatere, Te Moeka-o-Tuawe and New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook. Other flight options feature the two glaciers.

“Our flights include the opportunity to land on snow, so our manuhiri (visitors) are able to see these locations from new heights and then get up close to the beautiful landscape. The geography of the region is unique, given the proximity of the Tasman Sea to the West Coast rainforest and the towering Southern Alps,” Mr West says.

Vantage Helicopters also provides transfer flights onto Kā Roimata-a-Hinehukatere for Franz Josef Glacier Guides, another Ngāi Tahu Tourism business.

Vantage Helicopters has a modern fleet of Airbus Squirrel helicopters and a team of highly experienced pilots and ground crew with extensive knowledge of the unique local mountain environment.

Ngāi Tahu Tourism has 14 businesses and is a subsidiary of Ngāi Tahu Holdings, which is governed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.