Ski Plane And Helicopter Combo

Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★ 4.7 380 reviews

from $280 per person

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

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

Overview

This flight puts you in two aircraft over the same glacier in a single outing. Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters runs a 45-minute combo: one leg by ski plane, one by helicopter, with a landing on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest.

The route follows the Tasman Valley out from Mount Cook Airport, over the blue terminal lake and past the Hochstetter Icefall toward Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. Along the way you also see the Grand Plateau and Plateau Hut before touching down on the glacier, where the aircraft shuts down completely and there is time to stand in the snow among the peaks.

The tour suits anyone who wants both aircraft types and a snow landing in one short flight. Reviewers often single out the scenery and the pilots as reasons the trip works, and several mention informative commentary during the flights. Bring closed-toe shoes and a camera; bags, food, drones and selfie sticks stay behind.

From$280 per person

Duration45 minutes

Rating4.7 from 380 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

Check in at Mount Cook AirportMeet at Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Rd. Check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight time, and free parking is available at the airport.
Fly up the Tasman ValleyTake off and follow the valley over the blue glacier lake, with views of the Hochstetter Icefall and Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Sightseeing over the high countryThe route takes in Tasman Terminal Lake, the Grand Plateau, Plateau Hut and the full length of the Tasman Glacier.
Land on the Tasman GlacierTouch down on the upper snowfields of New Zealand's longest glacier. The aircraft fully shuts down so you can step out into the alpine environment.
Swap aircraft and returnBoard the other aircraft type for the flight back to Mount Cook Airport, seeing the landscape again from a different machine.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this trip goes, from check-in timing to what you can carry aboard.

Where this tour sits among the 8 per person flights in Tasman Glacier Landings (from-price per person, USD)

Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo (this tour)$280
Tasman Glacier Helicopter, 40 Minutes$373
Tasman Glacier and National Park$373
Glacier Highlights Ski Plane$401.73
Mountains High, 40-Minute Flight$409.68
Grand Glacier Experience, 50 Minutes$468.61
Guided 3-Hour Glacier Hike$558
Heli Hike, Hotel Pickup$558

Arrive early. Check-in closes 45 minutes before your flight time, so plan to be at Mount Cook Airport well ahead. Free parking at the airport removes any hunting for a spot.
Dress and footwear. Wear closed-toe shoes and warm layers for the snow.
What you can carry. No bags are allowed on the aircraft, only phones and cameras. Drones, selfie sticks, food and drinks are also not permitted, so travel light.
Weights at booking. You must give all passengers' full names and weights when booking, because weight and balance limits apply to every aircraft. If combined passenger weights reach the safety maximum, your flight time may be rescheduled.
Photography. Cameras and phones can be used for the full duration of both flights. Several travellers mentioned informative commentary from the pilots pointing out features along the way.
Weather dependency. Flights depend on conditions, and tours are refundable if weather forces a cancellation. The operator will try to reschedule to fit your travel plans.

From$280 per person

Rating4.7 from 380 reviews

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Common issues. The main downside is weather: mountain conditions can cancel or reschedule the flight, and some travellers felt communication about weather changes and rebooking could be clearer and more proactive. Weight and balance limits mean a booking can occasionally be moved or rebooked, though you are entitled to a full refund in that case. Hotel pickup is not stated; ask the operator about transfers to Mount Cook Airport. No food or drink is allowed on board, so eat beforehand.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers both the ski plane flight and the helicopter flight, plus a landing on the Tasman Glacier. All taxes and fees, free car parking at Aoraki Mt Cook Airport and free wi-fi are also included. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure.

Is Food Or Drink Extra?

Eat before you fly. Phones and cameras are the only items you can carry on.

Where Does The Tour Start And Is Pickup Included?

The tour starts at Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Rd, Mount Cook 7999, New Zealand. You make your own way there; free car parking is provided at the airport. Check the live booking page for full meeting point details.

What Should I Bring?

Wear closed-toe shoes, which are required, along with warm layers for the snow landing. Bring only a phone or camera, since bags, selfie sticks, drones, food and drinks are not allowed on the aircraft.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

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

How Long Is The Flight And What Will I See?

The flight lasts 45 minutes in total, split between a ski plane and a helicopter with a glacier landing. You fly up the Tasman Valley over the blue glacier lake, see the Hochstetter Icefall, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tasman Terminal Lake, the Grand Plateau, Plateau Hut and the full length of the Tasman Glacier, then land on its upper snowfields before swapping aircraft for the return.