U-FLY Wanaka Trial Flight Experience

Approx. 80 Kilometres flying distance towards the River Valley

Learn to fly in our dual control aircraft with our experienced instructors whilst enjoying a stunning scenic flight out over Lake Wanaka and it’s islands up into Mount Aspiring National Park.

Our flight path on this flight heads to the mouth of the Matukituki Valley – the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park – then on to pass over Lake Wanaka’s four islands, which are all beautiful sanctuaries for endangered flightless birds.

As you fly the plane you will enjoy views across both Lake Wanaka and over the mountains to stunning Lake Hawea. This region, a paradise for water sports lovers, truly comes to life when seen from the air. As your flight passes out over Lake Hawea as well as stunning mountain ranges you will see the other worldly circles made by crop irrigation and the valleys crowded with trees and rivers.

No previous experience is necessary as you will be with an experienced instructor and can take the controls as much or as little as you like. There is no pressure and you’ll learn the basics of flying a plane in a relaxed enjoyable atmosphere.

Enjoy one of the most scenic regions in the world from a new angle.

Approx. 130 Kilometres flying distance into the glaciers of the Southern Alps

The 60 Minute flight is our longest trial flight at over an hour of flying, and 130kms covered out over the glacier ridge and the heart of the Southern Alps.

After a briefing with your qualified instructor, we take off and climb up to 3500 meters typically heading west up the majestic Matukituki Valley and over Mount Aspiring National Park. We’ll will fly over picturesque Glendhu Bay, Rocky Mountain, and the spectacular ridgeline of Treble Cone and it’s ski fields on the way. You’ll see glaciers in their glistening glory and fly through a magical alpine wonderland only seen by a privileged few. Our turn around point is right under the much loved Mount Aspiring, where waterfalls cascade into valleys of untouched beauty, literally the heart of the Southern Alps.

On our return flight, we typically fly low level down the Minaret Burn valley following the stunning braided river to the clear blue of Lake Wanaka. Our journey home also takes us for a quick flying visit past the wilderness of Lake Hawea.
As with all of our trial flights, no previous experience is necessary to try these out, as you will be with an experienced instructor throughout the flight in a dual-control aircraft. You can take the plane’s controls as much or as little as you like and there is absolutely no pressure as you learn the basics of flying a plane in a relaxed enjoyable atmosphere.

Policy for Lateness/Cancellations: Clients must check in 30 minutes before their flight time. Failure to do so may lead to abbreviated or cancelled flights with no refunds at our discretion.

We are dedicated to delivering the best flight experience, however, unexpected events like bad weather, technical problems, or other operational issues can cause flight delays and cancellations. Client safety is our utmost priority. Flight times are estimations and not guaranteed.

Delays and cancellations due to Passenger’s reason: Please notify any changes or cancellations at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time. There will be no charge for flights cancelled more than 48 hours in advance, and prepaid fares are refundable. However, flights cancelled within 48 hours of departure time, or in case of a 'no show', will be charged in full.

Delays and cancellations due to Operator’s reason: The scheduled times of flights are not guaranteed and do not form part of your contract of carriage with us. We will communicate any changes to the flight schedule. If a delay or cancellation occurs before the scheduled departure time, resulting in a change of three or more hours, we will re-book you on the next available flight at no additional cost. Alternatively, you may be entitled to a refund.

U-Fly Wanaka operates in Southwest New Zealand, where the weather can change rapidly. We operate within strict safety guidelines and will cancel trips due to hazardous weather conditions. In case of cancellation due to reasons beyond our control (bad weather, natural disasters, technical problems, operational air traffic control issues, industrial action by a third party, security issues), no compensation will be given. There is no charge in case of cancellation due to bad weather.

Full payment is incurred if customers 'no show', cancel or reschedule their flights within 48 hours of departure.

Flight Time: Flight time includes all stages from engine start to engine stop, such as pre-start checks, taxiing, take-off, airborne time, landing, and taxiing back to the hangar until the engine shut down.

Children Flying: Children are allowed to fly as long as they are at least 10 years old and 1.40 Metres (4.5 feet) tall. There is no minimum age limit for a child as a pilot.

Maximum Weight: The maximum weight limit for an individual passenger is 125kg. We reserve the right to refuse boarding if a passenger exceeds our maximum loading for flights.

Children on Board: Infants and children under 4 years old are not recommended to bring on board. A baby may be carried on an adult's lap in a rear seat, secured with the infant lap belt attached to the adult seat belt. Including the infant/child on the adult’s lap, the aircraft can accommodate at most 3 passengers (excluding the baby and the flight instructor), provided the total passenger weight is within the limit of the aircraft.