Air Operators
Arrive by Air
Jackson Bay Charters is located on the remote and spectacular West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island — a destination where the journey is very much part of the experience.
While the scenic road journey from Wanaka or Queenstown takes several hours, our air connections offer a more seamless and unforgettable way to reach Jackson Bay.
We have partnered with a select group of trusted helicopter and fixed-wing operators, providing spectacular direct connections from Queenstown, Wanaka and Christchurch. Fly over the Southern Alps and untouched West Coast landscapes before arriving ready to explore Jackson Bay from the water.
For those looking to make the most of their time in the South Island, travelling by air transforms the journey into part of the adventure.
Explore our preferred air operators below.
Tucked beneath towering rainforest and facing the full force of the Tasman Sea, Jackson Bay is one of New Zealand’s most remote and untouched coastal settlements. Few travellers ever make it this far, and even fewer get to experience it in true comfort and style.
With Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, the journey becomes as extraordinary as the destination. Flying from Queenstown across glaciers, alpine passes, and rugged coastline, guests arrive in a world where deepwater species thrive, wildlife is abundant, and the wilderness feels truly wild. This is an escape for those seeking something rare—raw nature, real adventure, and remarkable exclusivity.
Our latest exclusive journey begins with a personalised private flight from Queenstown, flying over the Southern Alps on your way to New Zealand's remote West Coast. Upon touching down on the West Coast, make your way by road to Jackson Bay with Jackson Bay Fishing Charters for a full day of fishing with your local skipper chasing blue cod, groper, and kingfish. Your catch will be cooked onboard for lunch, fresh off the line, before the flight back to Queenstown, making this a rare and effortless way to experience the true wild of New Zealand.
Main Divide Helicopters offers heli transfers from Christchurch or Springfield, crossing the Southern Alps and dropping into the wild Jackson Bay coastline. A rugged, scenic flight built for guests heading south along the West Coast or linking remote stays.