FLIGHT TRAINING
Visiting Pilot
Fly New Zealand’s Iconic Landscapes on Your Trip to Wānaka
If you hold an overseas pilot licence and want to experience the thrill of flying in New Zealand, Learn To Fly NZ offers tailored mountain flying experiences with our highly qualified local instructors.
Take the controls and discover some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world – from Milford and Doubtful Sounds to Aoraki/Mt Cook, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, and the alpine passes surrounding Queenstown and Wānaka.
Our team’s local knowledge ensures a safe, relaxed, and unforgettable adventure.
Visiting pilot in new zealand?
The Ultimate Flying Environment
Based at Wānaka Airport, we operate within one of the most spectacular and diverse flying environments in the world. Within minutes of take-off, you’ll be soaring over pristine alpine lakes, navigating mountain valleys, and exploring the raw beauty of the Southern Alps from a pilot’s perspective.
Why Fly with Learn To Fly NZ?
We’re proud to be part of the Wanaka Helicopters Group, giving visiting pilots access to modern aircraft, world-class facilities, and the support of New Zealand’s most experienced flight training provider.
Our friendly instructors have logged thousands of hours flying across alpine environments – and love sharing their knowledge, insights, and favourite routes with visiting aviators.
Whether you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime mountain flight, advanced skill-building in alpine conditions, or simply want to experience what makes aviation in New Zealand so unique, we’ll make it happen.
Book Your Visiting Flight Now
Visiting Pilot FAQ's
Visiting pilot flights are available to pilots who hold a current and valid pilot licence, either from New Zealand or overseas. Our instructors will brief you on local procedures and guide you through New Zealand’s unique mountain flying environment.
Yes. Visiting pilots may take passengers provided they hold a current and valid pilot licence (New Zealand or overseas). This allows you to share the experience while flying some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.
Visiting pilots typically fly our well-maintained Cessna 172 aircraft, ideal for exploring the Southern Alps and gaining mountain flying experience with a qualified instructor.
Flights depart from Wānaka Airport and can include destinations such as Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Aoraki/Mt Cook, the West Coast glaciers, and alpine passes around Queenstown and Wānaka. Flights can be tailored to suit your experience and interests.
No prior mountain flying experience is required. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the techniques and considerations needed to fly safely in alpine environments.
Yes. Visiting pilot flights are fully tailored to your experience level, interests, and available time. We can arrange half-day flights, full-day adventures, or multi-day itineraries including overnight trips.
You do not need to convert your licence for a visiting pilot experience when flying with an instructor. If you plan to stay longer, we can help guide you through the process of converting your overseas licence to a New Zealand qualification.
Yes. Visiting pilots must have a good understanding of spoken English so that clear communication can be maintained during flight operations and safety briefings.
The easiest way to book is through our online enquiry form or by contacting our team directly. We’ll help design a flight that suits your experience level and travel plans.
Wānaka offers one of the most spectacular flying environments in the world. Within minutes of take-off you can be flying over alpine lakes, mountain valleys, glaciers, and the Southern Alps – making it an unforgettable experience for visiting pilots.
Thinking of staying longer?
If your New Zealand flying adventure has you wanting more, we can help guide you through the process of converting your overseas licence to a New Zealand qualification.
Contact us today to start planning your visiting pilot experience today.