Grand Circle Ski Plane, 55 Minutes

55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane

16 reviews

from $459.20 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

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

Overview

A ski plane lifts off from Mount Cook Airport and climbs over Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, tracing a long circuit that takes in Tasman Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook itself before landing back where it started. The whole outing runs about an hour and five minutes door to door. One recent reviewer described passing remarkably near the summit of Mount Cook, higher than they had expected.

The trip is based at the airport on State Highway 80, a short distance before Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Check in closes 45 minutes before the flight, so arriving early matters. A professional guide accompanies the flight, and each departure booking covers up to 18 travellers, which makes it a mixed group rather than a private charter.

It suits most people who want a fixed-wing perspective on the glaciers without a full-day commitment. It is wheelchair accessible, and infants sit on laps, with infant seats available. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Flights depend on reasonable weather, so anyone booking should keep some flexibility in their schedule.

From$459.20 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 on State Highway 80, a short drive before Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time.
Tasman GlacierThe flight passes Tasman Glacier.
Franz Josef GlacierThe route continues past Franz Josef Glacier.
Aoraki/Mount CookThe circuit passes Aoraki/Mount Cook before returning toward the airport.
Landing at Mount Cook AirportThe whole experience runs about 1 hour 5 minutes, with the 55-minute Grand Circle flight ending back at the same airport where it began.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan around the weather, the check-in cutoff and the group setting.

A fixed-wing aircraft high over the icefalls beneath the summit of Aoraki / Mount Cook, orange evening light on the summit ice cap.

Check in early. Check in closes 45 minutes before the flight time. Arriving with time to spare avoids a forfeited trip.
Weather flexibility. Flights may be cancelled due to weather conditions. Build a spare window into your Mount Cook stay in case your slot is moved.
Group feel. Up to 18 travellers can be on the experience, so expect a shared aircraft rather than an intimate charter.
Flying with children. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps. Infant seats are available if requested.
Photos. Souvenir photos are not included and can be purchased separately. Bring your own camera for the flight over the glaciers.
Getting there. The meeting point is the airport on State Highway 80, just before the village.

From$459.20 per person

Reviews16 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The biggest risk is the weather: the operator may cancel flights, in which case you are offered a different date or a full refund. The experience also needs a minimum number of travellers, and if that minimum is not met you will be offered a different date or experience, or a refund. Anyone cancelling less than 24 hours before the start time gets no refund. Souvenir photos cost extra, and the aircraft can carry as many as 18 travellers, so do not expect a private flight.

Common Questions

Where Does The Flight Leave From?

It starts and ends at Mount Cook Airport, 5260 Mount Cook Road on State Highway 80, just before Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Hotel pickup is not stated; ask the operator about transfers. Confirm your pickup arrangements on the live booking page before you travel.

How Long Is The Experience?

The total duration is 1 hour 5 minutes. That covers the full circuit over Tasman Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Can Children Join?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available. Most travellers can participate.

What If The Weather Is Bad?

Flights may be cancelled due to weather. If that happens you are offered a different date or a full refund. Weather cancellations do not cost you the fare.

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. Cut-off times use the experience's local time.