Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions that come up before booking a glacier flight over Aoraki / Mount Cook: how booking works, what the prices mean, and how to pick between a helicopter, a ski plane and a fixed-wing aircraft.
Booking And Payment
How Do I Book One Of These Flights?
Every flight card has a Check availability button. It opens the booking page on the booking platform, where dates, seats and payment are handled. The booking is made there, not on this site.
Can This Site Change Or Cancel My Booking?
No. Mount Cook Glacier Flight compares flights and links out. Changes and cancellations are made through the booking platform where you paid, using the confirmation email.
Are The Flights Run By This Site?
No. This site runs no flights and is owned by no operator. Each flight is operated by its own operator, named on the booking page.
Who Do I Contact On The Day Of The Flight?
The operator. The operator's contact details are on the booking page and in the booking email. Arrive by the check-in time given there.
Prices And Cancellation
Are The Prices Per Person?
32 of the 34 flights are priced per person. The other two are private charters from Franz Josef priced per group: Private 3 Glaciers, Snow Landing at $1,494.27 and Private 4 Glaciers, 2 Landings at $1,982.78.
Can I Cancel For Free?
All 34 flights state free cancellation, with a full refund up to 24 hours before start. Read the exact cut-off on the live booking page before relying on it.
What Do The From-Prices Cover?
Per-person from-prices run from $196, for Alpine Landing, 25 Minutes, to $695.41, for Small Group Heli Hike Combo. The two private charters sit outside that range because they are priced per group.
Do Prices Change?
Yes. These figures are USD from-prices taken from the booking pages, and the live booking page is the authority for the price on your date.
Choosing A Flight
What Kinds Of Flight Are Compared Here?
Six categories: Multi-Glacier And Grand Circle Flights (6), Tasman Glacier Landings (8), Short Alpine Landing Flights (3), Fox Glacier Flights To Mount Cook (5), Franz Josef Flights To Mount Cook (7) and Queenstown And Tekapo Departures (5).
Helicopter, Ski Plane Or Fixed-Wing: What Is The Difference?
Helicopters land on glacier, snow or alpine sites; ski planes land on skis on the upper snow, and the 45-minute combo uses both. The three fixed-wing flights from Tekapo and Queenstown do not land.
Can I Fly From The West Coast?
Yes. Five flights depart Fox Glacier and seven depart Franz Josef, including the two private charters.
Does Every Flight Land On A Glacier?
No. Of the 34 flights, 16 state a glacier landing, 9 a snow landing with no glacier named, 4 an alpine landing, and 3 no landing at all. Each flight card states which one applies. Landings happen if conditions allow, and the pilot chooses the exact spot on the day.
What About The Weather?
Alpine weather changes fast, and at one operator a weather call can come up to about 10 minutes before departure. Book early in your stay so there is room to rebook, and check the weather cancellation terms on the booking page, as they differ by operator.