Ski Plane And Helicopter Combo

Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★ 4.7 378 reviews

from $277 per person

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Duration: 45 minutes
Meeting point: Mount Cook Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters

Overview

This tour uses two aircraft: you fly out in either the ski plane or the helicopter, land on the snowfields of the Tasman Glacier, step out onto the ice while the aircraft shuts down, then return to Mount Cook Airport in the other machine. The operator, INFLITE Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters, bills it as a world-exclusive combination, and the whole flight runs about 45 minutes.

The route follows the Tasman Valley over the blue terminal lake, past the Hochstetter Icefall, the Grand Plateau and Plateau Hut, with views along the full length of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest, and of Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. On the glacier landing the engines stop entirely. Reviews repeatedly single out the pilots, who give commentary in flight.

No transport is provided to the airstrip, so you make your own way to Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road and check in well before departure. Bring closed-toe shoes and a camera, because bags are not allowed on the aircraft.

From$277 per person

Duration45 minutes

Rating4.7 from 378 reviews

What's Included

Included

Skiplane flight
Helicopter flight
All taxes and fees
Free car parking at the Aoraki Mt. Cook Airport
Free wi-fi

Run byMount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters

Itinerary

Meet at Mount Cook AirportMake your own way to Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road. Check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight time, and free parking is available at the airstrip.
Fly up the Tasman ValleyTake off in the first aircraft, either the ski plane or the helicopter, and climb over the blue Tasman Terminal Lake toward the mountains.
Sightseeing over the icefallsThe route passes the Hochstetter Icefall, the Grand Plateau, Plateau Hut and the full length of the Tasman Glacier, with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Glacier snow landingLand on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier. The aircraft fully shuts down, and you have time on the snow before the return leg.
Swap aircraft and returnBoard the other aircraft, ski plane or helicopter depending on which one you arrived in, and fly back to Mount Cook Airport.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape this flight more than most tours, from strict weight limits to what you can carry on board.

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

Weights at booking. You must supply every passenger's full name and weight when booking. Weight and balance limits apply to all aircraft, and if the combined passenger weight reaches the safety maximum your flight may be rescheduled, with a full refund available if you are rebooked because of weight limitations.
Nothing but cameras. Bags are not allowed on the aircraft, only phones and cameras. Food and drinks are also prohibited, as are drones and selfie sticks, so travel light and leave the rest in your car at the free airport parking.
Footwear. Closed-toe shoes are the stated requirement. You will be standing on snow and ice at the landing, so leave sandals or loose footwear behind.
Photography. Cameras and phones can be used for the full duration of both flights, and many reviewers single out the views from both aircraft. The pilots' in-flight commentary is also frequently praised.
Weather dependence. Flights depend on conditions, and tours are refundable if weather forces a cancellation. The operator tries to reschedule around your travel plans, and reviewers who had calm, clear days described the views as spectacular.
Timing at the airport. Check-in closes 45 minutes before your flight time, so build that buffer into your day. Free wi-fi is available at the airport while you wait.

From$277 per person

Rating4.7 from 378 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The biggest practical downside is weather: mountain flying can be cancelled, and some travellers wanted clearer, more proactive communication about weather changes and rebooking. Weight limits on the aircraft can also force a rescheduling, and no transport is provided to Mount Cook Airport, so you need your own vehicle or other arrangement.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the ski plane flight, the helicopter flight, a glacier snow landing, all taxes and fees, free parking at Aoraki Mt Cook Airport and free wi-fi. No meals, transport to the airport or extras are listed as included, and there is no hotel pickup; you meet at Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road.

Where Does The Tour Start?

At Mount Cook Airport, Mount Cook Rd, Mount Cook 7999, New Zealand. Transport to the airport is not provided, so you make your own way there. Check-in closes 45 minutes before your flight time, and parking at the airport is free.

How Long Is The Flight?

The combined ski plane and helicopter flight with glacier landing runs about 45 minutes from take-off to landing at Mount Cook Airport. Check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight time, so arrive with time to spare.

What Should I Bring?

Closed-toe shoes and a phone or camera. Bags are not allowed on the aircraft, nor are food and drinks, drones or selfie sticks. Cameras and phones may be used for the whole flight.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of weather, the tour is refundable, and they will try to reschedule your flight to fit your travel plans. If you are rebooked because of aircraft weight limitations, you are also entitled to a full refund.

Why Do I Need To Give Passenger Weights?

All aircraft have weight and balance limits, so the operator requires every passenger's full name and weight at the time of booking. In the rare case that the combined weights of all passengers reach the maximum safety limit, the flight time may be rescheduled.