Helicopter Or Ski Plane Choice

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

8 reviews

from $392 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 flight with Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters covers serious ground.

The route crosses the divide to the West Coast, where you fly over the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, then tracks north along the Tasman Sea before turning back over the snow-covered Southern Alps toward the Tasman Glacier. From there the flight follows the Tasman south through Mount Cook National Park, passes through the Grand Plateau and the Hochstetter Icefall, and slides under the east face of Aoraki Mt Cook. The descent finishes over the Tasman Terminal Lake before you land. Expect commentary from your expert guide throughout.

It suits travellers who want the big picture of the Southern Alps in under an hour, including glaciers on both sides of the divide. One reviewer reported that the plane landed and took off from a glacier, calling it awesome, though this is not something promised on every flight. Another reviewer whose plane flights were disrupted by weather was fitted onto a helicopter flight instead and was happy with the outcome.

From$392 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

Check in at Mount Cook AirportMeet at Mount Cook Airport, Mount Cook Road, Canterbury 7999. A safety briefing is included before boarding.
Takeoff over the Southern AlpsThe 55-minute flight begins with views over the alpine landscape from takeoff, climbing toward the Main Divide.
Cross to the West CoastThe aircraft traverses the Main Divide to the West Coast for views of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
Track the Tasman SeaThe route runs north along the Tasman Sea coastline before turning back toward the mountains.
Recross to the Tasman GlacierYou fly back over the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps and continue over the Tasman Glacier, tracking south down the Tasman through Mount Cook National Park.
Grand Plateau and Hochstetter IcefallThe flight passes through the Grand Plateau and the Hochstetter Icefall, under the east face of Aoraki Mt Cook, with Mount Tasman and Mount Sefton also in view.
Descend over Tasman Terminal LakeThe flight descends over the Tasman Terminal Lake before returning to land at Mount Cook Airport.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape how this flight goes for you.

An aerial view of the summit ridge and icefalls of Aoraki / Mount Cook, cloud wisps in the valleys, an aircraft wingtip visible.

Getting there. Hotel pickup is not stated for this tour, so ask the operator about transfers. Flights leave from Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road, so allow time to arrive before your confirmed slot.
What to wear. You are asked to wear comfortable clothes.
Leave bags behind. Bags are not allowed on the flight, and selfie sticks are banned too.
Weather reality. Alpine weather decides a lot here.
Seating and views. Views are a big part of this flight, from the glaciers to the peaks of the Main Divide. One reviewer sitting in the middle seat behind the pilot reported poor visibility from that position, which is worth knowing if you care deeply about window space.
Aircraft type. The tour is flown in either a ski plane or a helicopter.

From$392 per person

Reviews8 reviews

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Common issues. Weather is the main thing that can disrupt this flight. Reviews describe a shortened flight, a cancellation for safety reasons, and a rebooking onto a different aircraft type, and flights can be rescheduled or cancelled when conditions or weight and balance limits require it. Passenger weight limits of 116 kilograms apply, and if combined passenger weights hit the maximum safety limit the flight may be rescheduled, with the option to cancel for a full refund. One reviewer also reported poor visibility from a middle seat on one flight. No food or beverages are included, and your exact flight date and time is confirmed by the operator after booking and may differ from what you requested.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The booking covers the 55-minute scenic flight and a safety briefing. Commentary from an expert guide is provided during the flight. Food and beverages are not included.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Hotel pickup is not stated; ask the operator about transfers. You meet at Mount Cook Airport, Mount Cook Road, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand, and make your own way there.

Do I Fly In A Helicopter Or A Ski Plane?

The tour is operated in either a ski plane or a helicopter, and how the aircraft type is decided for each booking is not stated, so check the booking page for your flight. One reviewer whose plane flight was cancelled by weather was rebooked onto a helicopter instead and had a good experience.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

Weather cancellations are fully refundable. If the operator changes your date or time and you cannot make the new slot, you also receive a full refund.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Weather cancellations and flights you cannot make after a reschedule are also fully refundable.

What Should I Bring, And Is There A Weight Limit?

Wear comfortable clothes and bring nothing bulky, since bags and selfie sticks are not allowed on the aircraft. Passenger weight limits are 116 kilograms, and if combined passenger weights reach the maximum safety limit the flight may be rescheduled, in which case you can cancel for a full refund.