Helicopter Or Ski Plane, 55 Minutes

Mt Cook: 55-Minute Scenic Flight in Helicopter or Ski Plane

8 reviews

from $388 per person

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Duration: 55 minutes
Meeting point: Mount Cook Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters

Overview

This 55-minute scenic flight with INFLITE Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters crosses the full width of the South Island's alpine spine. The route runs over the Main Divide to the West Coast, over the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, then north along the Tasman Sea before turning back across the snow-covered peaks to the Tasman Glacier. From there it tracks south down the Tasman, through the Grand Plateau and the Hochstetter Icefall, passing under the east face of Aoraki Mt Cook and descending over the Tasman Terminal Lake. Commentary from your expert guide runs throughout the flight.

One reviewer described landing and taking off from a glacier as the standout of their trip, though a landing is not mentioned for this flight. Flights depart from Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road, so you make your own way there.

It suits visitors who want a single flight that takes in both coasts and the big three peaks, Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and Mount Sefton. Departures depend on conditions, and mountain weather can shorten, move or cancel a flight.

From$388 per person

Duration55 minutes

Reviews8 reviews

What's Included

Included

55-minute scenic flight
Safety briefing

Not Included

Food and beverages

Run byMount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters

Itinerary

Meet at Mount Cook AirportArrive at Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road, Canterbury. A safety briefing is given before boarding.
Take off over the national parkThe aircraft lifts off with views of Mt Cook National Park from the start.
Cross the Main DivideThe flight crosses the Main Divide to the West Coast.
Fox and Franz Josef GlaciersYou view the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from above before tracking north along the Tasman Sea.
Recross to the Tasman GlacierThe route turns back over the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman Glacier.
Grand Plateau and Hochstetter IcefallFlying south down the Tasman, the aircraft passes through the Grand Plateau and the Hochstetter Icefall.
Aoraki Mt Cook east faceYou pass under the east face of Aoraki Mt Cook, then descend over the Tasman Terminal Lake before returning to land.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from seating to weather 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.

Seating matters. Where you sit affects the view. One reviewer reported poor visibility from the middle seat behind the rotor, so it helps to know that not every seat offers the same outlook.
Weather is boss. Mountain weather can shorten or cancel a flight, and one reviewer had their flight cut short while another had theirs cancelled. Weather cancellations are fully refundable, and the operator moved one reviewer onto a helicopter flight when their plane flight could not run.
Travel light. Bags are not allowed on board and selfie sticks are banned too. Bring nothing beyond what fits in your pockets. Comfortable clothes are the listed recommendation.
Weight limits. Passenger weight limits of 116 kilograms apply to all aircraft. If combined passenger weights reach the safety maximum, the flight may be rescheduled, and you can cancel for a full refund instead.
Food and drink. Nothing is provided to eat or drink, and food and beverages are excluded. Eat before you arrive at the airport.
Booking follow-up. After booking, the local partner emails to confirm your exact flight date and time, which may differ from what you requested. Build some flexibility into your schedule around Mount Cook.

From$388 per person

Reviews8 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The honest downside of any alpine flight is weather, and this tour is no exception. Reviewers have had flights shortened, cancelled, or swapped between aircraft, and one reviewer reported an activity cancelled by the organizer for security reasons. Seating can be an issue: one reviewer sitting in the middle of three seats behind the pilot reported very poor visibility. Refunds are available for weather cancellations and for rescheduled flights you cannot make, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to get yourself to Mount Cook Airport.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The booking covers the 55-minute scenic flight and a safety briefing. Food and beverages are not included.

Where Does The Flight Depart From?

From Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road, Canterbury, New Zealand. There is no pickup, so you need to make your own way to the airport.

Can I Choose Between The Ski Plane And The Helicopter?

The flight is offered in either a ski plane or a helicopter. One reviewer was moved onto a helicopter flight after their plane flight was cancelled due to weather.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

Weather cancellations are fully refundable. If the operator has to change your date or time and you cannot make the new slot, you also receive a full refund. One reviewer was rebooked onto a helicopter flight after a plane flight was cancelled, which the operator handled well.

Are There Weight Or Baggage Restrictions?

Yes. Passenger weight limits are 116 kilograms, and if combined passenger weights reach the safety limit the flight may be rescheduled, with a full refund available if you prefer to cancel. Bags and selfie sticks are not allowed on board.

What Should I Bring And Wear?

Comfortable clothes are recommended, so wear them and bring as little as possible, since bags are not permitted and selfie sticks are banned. No food or drink is provided, so eat before you arrive.