Grand Circle Ski Plane

55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane

16 reviews

from $453.82 per person

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Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
Meeting point: Mount Cook Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters

Overview

The Grand Circle is a ski plane flight from Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters, running 1 hour 5 minutes from start to finish. The route leaves from Mount Cook Airport, a short drive before Aoraki Mount Cook Village on State Highway 80, and tracks across Aoraki Mount Cook National Park in the Te Wahipounamu area.

Passengers fly past or make short stops over several named features, including Tasman Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. One recent reviewer described flying higher than expected and getting very close to the summit of Mount Cook. The trip finishes back at Mount Cook Airport, the same place it begins.

This suits travellers who want a scenic circuit over the national park and who can be flexible on timing. Flights may be cancelled due to weather conditions, and the operator runs to a maximum of 18 travellers per departure, so it works best for people who can absorb a possible reschedule. Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult, and the flight is listed as wheelchair accessible.

From$453.82 per person

Duration1 hour 5 minutes

Reviews16 reviews

What's Included

Included

Professional guide

Not Included

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Run byMount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Mount Cook AirportThe airport sits at 5260 Mount Cook Road, about three minutes before Aoraki Mount Cook Village on State Highway 80. Check in closes 45 minutes before the flight time.
Tasman Glacier flyoverThe route passes by or makes a short stop over Tasman Glacier.
Franz Josef Glacier flyoverThe aircraft then passes by or makes a short stop over Franz Josef Glacier.
Aoraki/Mount Cook flyoverThe route passes by or makes a short stop over Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. A reviewer noted the flight got very close to the summit.
Return to Mount Cook AirportThe experience ends at the same airport where it started. Total duration is 1 hour 5 minutes.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from the strict check-in cutoff to the possibility of weather moving your flight.

A lone ski plane on the upper Tasman Glacier snowfield with Aoraki / Mount Cook behind and thin morning cloud above.

Arrive early. Check in closes 45 minutes before the flight time, so late arrivals risk losing their seat. Build in extra driving time on State Highway 80, since the airport sits a few minutes before the village.
Weather flexibility. Flights may be cancelled due to weather conditions. Keep a spare window in your schedule in case the operator moves the departure to another day.
Group setting. Each departure carries a maximum of 18 travellers. It is a shared scenic flight, not a private charter.
Bring children prepared. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps. Infant seats are available if requested.
Photos cost extra. Souvenir photos are not included and can be purchased separately. Bring your own camera or phone for the glaciers and the peak.
Accessibility. The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible, and most travellers can participate.

From$453.82 per person

Reviews16 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The main risk is the weather. The operator cancels flights in poor conditions and also requires a minimum number of travellers, and if either forces a cancellation you are offered a different date or a full refund rather than a guarantee of your original slot. Changes or cancellations made by the traveller less than 24 hours before the start time receive no refund. Souvenir photos are an extra purchase.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Grand Circle Ski Plane Flight?

The full experience runs 1 hour 5 minutes. It begins and ends at Mount Cook Airport.

Where Does The Flight Depart From?

It departs from Mount Cook Airport at 5260 Mount Cook Road, on State Highway 80 about three minutes before Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not mentioned, ask the operator.

What Is Included In The Price?

A professional guide is included; ask the operator about hotel pickup and drop-off. Souvenir photos are not included and can be bought separately.

Is The Flight Suitable For Children And Wheelchair Users?

Yes, with conditions. The experience is wheelchair accessible, children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps, though infant seats are available. Most travellers can participate.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for weather or low numbers, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

How Early Should I Arrive For Check In?

Check in closes 45 minutes before the flight time. Aim to be at Mount Cook Airport well before that cutoff.