Canterbury & Mt Cook Helicopter Flight: A Detailed Review

Taking to the skies for a sightseeing flight is almost always a special way to get a different viewpoint, especially over landscapes like the Canterbury region and Mount Cook in New Zealand. I mean, we’re talking towering peaks, expansive plains, and rivers that look like silver ribbons when you are way up high. It’s one thing to see pictures, yet another thing entirely to witness this from the bubble of a helicopter. So, if you are considering the Canterbury Mount Aoraki/Mount Cook sightseeing helicopter flight, this review is crafted to provide a detailed insight to assist with the planning of your adventure.

The Thrill of Taking Off Over Canterbury Plains

The very beginning of any helicopter tour starts the moment you lift off the ground, I think it does. Yet, on the Canterbury Mount Cook flight, the start is, maybe, even more spectacular. As the helicopter gets some air, the vast Canterbury Plains come right into view. I mean, this area is agricultural land and patchwork of greens and golds spreading as far as the eye can see, so it’s really awesome.

The perspective, naturally, shifts so you feel the sheer immensity of the landscape that is unfolding beneath. The feeling is, almost, like being in a movie scene as you gain altitude and see for miles and miles. The experience gives you a new sense of the land’s scale. You begin to appreciate how vital the plains are to New Zealand, it is.

During my adventure, I listened to the pilot through the headset and he shared cool facts about the farming methods in the area, it really added to the trip. Hearing how local farmers are innovating with their crops gave me a much better idea about the land I was looking at, you see. It’s one thing to just look at pretty scenery, but quite another to learn about the processes that happen below.

Mount Cook’s Majestic Glaciers Seen from Above

Let’s face it, Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki, is, definitely, the star of the show on this sightseeing trip. So, soaring close to this behemoth is a totally surreal thing. The helicopter makes its way into the mountains, so, as you approach the Southern Alps, you will get this immediate sense of their powerful beauty.

What really strikes you, is that, its how raw the environment feels up there. You are surrounded by ice formations, glaciers, and peaks so untouched it makes one consider nature’s awesome force. The glaciers, which appear almost static from below, become alive with details from above, this is clear. Crevasses, meltwater streams and moraines, become the focal points that bring the glaciers personality right to your view.

A particular highlight of the journey for me was hovering over the Tasman Glacier. It is, perhaps, New Zealand’s largest glacier, that also features a terminal lake dotted with icebergs. To witness these icebergs float serenely in this glacier, it really provides a stark illustration of glacial retreat and, the evidence of the changing climate that, is, more or less, an issue. The icy blue colour of the glacial ice against the stark grey of the rock and the deeper blue lake created a scene of, such, stark contrasts.

The pilot took great care in sharing background about the geology of the region too, this is really amazing. Understanding how the mountains had formed over millions of years, made me have even more respect for the landscape. The experience felt so, much, more enriching because I got to learn during my sight-seeing.

Landing on a Glacier: A Cool Stop to Remember

You know, there are some helicopter flights that give you the treat to land on a glacier, too it’s really cool! It is a unique selling point of some tour options that allow you to step out onto an amazing, ancient river of ice. Trust me when I say, standing on a glacier gives you a very humbling feeling.

When the helicopter touched down gently, I was, a little, hesitant but as I stepped onto the ice, I realized how solid and safe it felt underfoot. The air is fresh and crisp, and there’s that, too, special silence that you only find in isolated places.

Walking around on the glacier, I was, clearly, mesmerised by the landscapes. I saw the sunlight reflected by the surface of the glacier, turning everything in to the glittering sparkle, which, is amazing. It really is such a place that will stop you in your tracks and make you to just appreciate its serene, quiet and unspoilt wonder.

It is essential, to remember that the amount of time that is allowed on the glacier landing might be short, in that case, that really tells you to enjoy every single minute. Take many of your photographs as you can, listen closely for all the echoing sounds and breathe the crispest and freshest glacier air.

The Expertise and Safety Aspects That Will Really Set You at Ease

Taking any kind of scenic tour is fantastic, still, the expertise of the pilot is, very, key. The pilot makes the sightseeing tour more special. These people have, generally, tons of experience that is spent flying the local skies and are, so, skilled at giving you knowledge along the way.

During my ride, the pilot shared information not only about the natural world and geology of that region, he told us stories about some historic explorations. I suppose hearing that adds to the understanding and depth to your trip, you will learn.

Another important factor to feel at ease is to know you are flying in the safest ways and hands. Reliable helicopter tour firms put safety in the forefront, you see. The helicopters have proper, routine maintenance, that goes a bit without saying, also all tours commence along with safety orientations that clearly outlines protocol for riders.

While selecting your helicopter adventure, read all the fine print on safety records from all companies, this, perhaps, will guide to the better decisions for yourself. Understanding all safety processes gives everyone on that board to embrace some awe-inspiring scenery, also feel good while soaring so, high in all that glory.

Booking Advice to Maximize the Helicopter Tour to Its Full Potential

Planning out your scenic flight is, also, key in getting that ultimate value and experience too, or at least planning will assist in reaching some maximum joy! Booking ahead early on provides peace of mind, as especially, the top-rated tours usually have really big demands.

Check conditions pertaining cancellations and the re-schedules because climates are, really, shifting in these mountainous surroundings. Pack correctly to expect variable environments – think layers consisting jackets, sunglasses and hats.

Do bring cameras as to document all scenes, still do just be certain the equipment is secure and easy so you can take pictures freely with hands. If there are any, any specific passions that are connected along the ride, say bird views or taking photos, or historic stuff ensure all of the crew understand so they make this, very, amazing.

Checking all consumer ratings may give very important details which assists people when setting desires for journeys also knowing you might anticipate regarding consumer satisfaction. I mean all details contributes that amazing memorable time with all of your helicopter experiences.