Ask the Crew: Twin peaks

03 November 2008

Chris Kolvin, Gary Kubel

Two of Qantas' pilots talk about peak perfection – find out where to sit for the best views.

Southern Alps, New Zealand
"Flying into Christchurch when the weather's clagged in, you'll probably see nothing until after landing. That's always a surprise for the passengers, but for us up front it's satisfying to make use of our low-visibility procedures. However, on a day when the sky is crystal-blue it's a spectacular descent over snow-capped mountains and glaciers. Mount Cook is clearly visible from the right-hand side of the plane." GK

"The best introduction to Uluru comes from the air. The horizon is dead flat for miles and miles and then this huge rock comes out of nowhere. Flying in from the east or south, the left-hand side of the plane probably gives the best view, but the rock is so imposing that you should get to see it from all vantage points on a plane. In the distance you might catch a glimpse of the Olgas (Kata Tjuta), as well." CC

Ask the Crew!

Members of Qantas' Flight Crew are always on the move - here is your chance to ask about their travels. Best stopover destinations? Sightseeing, shopping or dining tips? Hot hotel picks? Submit your questions to: askthecrew@acpmagazines.com.au

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  • Comments
    Showing 4 of 17 comments show all
  • Landing in Christchurch is amazing on a clear day, but I don't think this replaces going on an air safari if you have the time. It is really simple to organise a heli or plane tour of the Southern Alps and glaciers from Christchurch or many of the surrounding towns. The views are out of this world - see if you can get a spin around the rakaia gorge area. The water is turquoise... it's unreal.
  • In my opinion, Uluru needs to be seen from the ground - at dawn or dusk - to be truly appreciated... It feels much bigger this way.
  • I agree about flying into and around Christchurch, but if I saw the view in the pic out of the front window, I think I'd be a little nervous ;)
  • Every time we fly in to Christchurch my partner (a CCch native) says "I'll get you up in a balloon here one day" and I keep saying "yep, one day". The scenery of the whole Sth island is truly amazing, the Canterbury Plains are just the beginning

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