Lake Heron Air
Mt Somers & High Country, Canterbury
About
We love to fly! Philip's been backcountry flying for over 35 years and a visit to Lake Heron isn't complete without a scenic tour of the station's back blocks - or beyond.....
We're in the heart of the South Island and we are surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Our local flights offer views over some of New Zealand's most rugged alpine scenery. Within short flying times are the beaches of the West Coast, the high peaks of the Mt Cook region or the wilderness of South Westland.
We operate a Cessna 185 for our scenic flights and aircraft charters. Our base and airstrip are a 2 minute drive from Lake Heron Cottage. Chose from one of the following flight options, or alternatively, contact us to arrange a tailor-made flight seeing tour.
Merino Country, Lord of the Rings
A 45 minute flight featuring the mountainous high country merino stations of the Upper Rakaia and Rangitata Valleys, including the glaciated peaks of the Arrowsmith Range and Mt Sunday, the site of Edoras in Lord of the Rings.
Upper Rakaia, Gardens of Eden and Allah
A 60 minute journey over the Arrowsmith Range and the evocatively named ice fields of the Gardens of Eden and Allah. This is heartland wilderness country on a grand scale and the names of the features - The Warrior, Red Lion, Battle-axe Col, Sentinel Peak, Angel Col - indicate the resistance they put up to early explorers.
Aoraki/Mt Cook, Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers
A 75 minute flight along the Main Divide to view our most famous West Coast Glaciers and NZ’s highest peaks. The return overflight covers the large braided East Coast River valleys and Edoras.
Stay at our lovingly restored Lake Heron Cottage, retaining much of the original character, to provide luxury high country accommodation for guests. The cottage is fully equipped with kitchen, laundry, open fire, heaters, separate bathroom and toilet, barbeque, large outdoor area and a bath under the stars.
We can accommodate up to 6 guests in 3 bedrooms. Two bedrooms have queen beds. The third bedroom has 2 bunk beds. Electric blankets and feather duvets ensure a wonderfully cosy night’s sleep. Your party has exclusive use of the cottage for your stay.
Photos
Practical Info
Price
Merino Country, Lord of the Rings - $325 per person* Upper Rakaia, Gardens of Eden and Allah - $395 per person* Aoraki/Mt Cook, Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers - $475 per person*
*Prices are based on a minimum of 3 people.
Hours
Various
Facilities
Getting here
Lake Heron Station is located in the heart of the Canterbury high country; two hours' drive from Christchurch International Airport. Directions from Christchurch Airport On leaving the airport, travel along the main exit road to the major intersection at Russley Rd. Turn right and travel along Russley Rd to the first set of lights (3.4 km) Turn right at these lights onto Yaldhust Rd and SHW 73. Travel along this highway for 22kms to the turn-off signposted to Hororata. Turn left at this turn-off and travel along Bealey Rd to Hororata (26 km) In Hororata, turn left at the first roundabout – signposted to Rakaia Gorge. Travel along this road for 22 km. At the intersection with SHW 72, turn left and travel towards Mt Hutt. Remain on SHW 72 for 39 km to the signposted town of Mt Somers. Turn right at Mt Somers. Continue along the road signed to Lakes Clearwater and Heron for 24 km to the turn-off to Lake Heron. At this point, the tarseal road ends. Turn right onto Hakatere-Heron Rd. Travel along Hakatere-Heron Rd for 25 km to Lake Heron Station at the northern end of Lake Heron. At this point, the road ends, and you enter the farmyard area. Take the right track to the homestead.