Fly Explore Fly From Queenstown

Mt. Cook Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

★ 5.0 61 reviews

from $505.18 per person, price varies by group size

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Duration: 8 hours
Meeting point: Queenstown Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glenorchy Air

Overview

This day trip from Queenstown Airport pairs a scenic flight to Aoraki Mount Cook with several hours on the ground to walk the Hooker Valley Track, then flies you back. Glenorchy Air runs it, with a local pilot giving commentary on the mountains, glaciers and history as you fly. The whole outing runs about 8 hours and starts with check-in at the operator's desk inside the main terminal building 30 minutes before the 09:00 departure.

Once you land at Mt. Cook Airport, the time on the ground is yours. The itinerary allows 5 hours in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, including about 3 hours on the Hooker Valley Track, which several reviewers singled out as a highlight alongside the flight itself. Lunch is not included, but you can buy food in Mt. Cook Village. The aircraft does not land on a glacier; it lands at the airport and you explore from there.

It suits travellers who want both an aerial view of the Southern Alps and a proper walk without driving themselves. The group is capped at 13 travellers, children must be with an adult, and infants sit on laps. Child and booster seats are available on request and baby earmuffs are provided.

From$505.18 per person, varies by group size

Duration8 hours

Rating5.0 from 61 reviews

What's Included

Included

Departures from Queenstown Airport
Child/booster seats available on request, baby earmuffs also provided
Your knowledgeable, highly skilled local pilot will provide interesting and informative commentary

Not Included

Lunch - available to purchase in Mt. Cook Village should you wish

Run byGlenorchy Air

Itinerary

Check in at Queenstown AirportArrive at the desk inside the main terminal building 30 minutes before the 09:00 departure. Terminal Parking A is the closest paid parking; free on-street parking can be found on Douglas Street or McBride Street.
Scenic flight towards Mt. CookFly from Queenstown with a local pilot providing commentary on the landscape below, including peaks and glaciers.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park5 hours in the park. The aircraft lands at Mt. Cook Airport rather than on a glacier.
Hooker Valley TrackAbout 3 hours of the ground time goes to this walk, which reviewers repeatedly praised for its views.
Lunch in Mt. Cook VillageOptional and at your own cost. Food is available to purchase in the village if you wish.
Return flight to QueenstownThe activity ends back at the meeting point at Queenstown Airport.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the day right, from what to carry to how the weather can affect the flight.

Low cloud on snowy peaks above a braided gravel river valley, a thin break of sunlight lighting one glacier tongue.

What to bring. No packing list is given, but you will spend roughly 3 hours walking the Hooker Valley Track and several more outdoors, so sturdy shoes and layers make sense. Bring money or a card if you want lunch in Mt. Cook Village, since food is not included.
Fitness and pace. Most travellers can participate. The ground time is structured around the Hooker Valley walk, and several reviewers described completing it comfortably within the window, with one traveller also fitting in a shorter second walk and a snack at the Hermitage Hotel.
Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and if the flight is cancelled for poor conditions you will be offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer credited fine weather with making the day, so build flexibility into your plans around Queenstown.
Flying with children. Child and booster seats are available on request and baby earmuffs are provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps.
Group feel. The flight carries a maximum of 13 travellers, and minimum numbers are needed for it to operate. Reviews mention friendly fellow passengers and pilots who share detailed knowledge of the region's geology and history.

Where this tour sits among the 5 per person flights in Queenstown And Tekapo Departures (from-price per person, USD)

Tekapo Departure, 50 Minutes$317
Coach Tour and Flight Combo$504.60
Fly Explore Fly From Queenstown (this tour)$505.18
Day Tour With Pickup$618.34
Small Group Heli Hike Combo$695.41

Photos from the air. Reviewers consistently describe the views from the plane over the peaks and glaciers as a standout part of the day. Window views and a smooth ride are both mentioned, so keep your camera within easy reach rather than stowed.

From$505.18 per person, varies by group size

Rating5.0 from 61 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. There is no glacier landing; the plane lands at Mt. Cook Airport, so anyone booking specifically to touch down on ice will be disappointed. Lunch is not included and must be bought separately in Mt. Cook Village. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and can be cancelled outright if the weather is poor, though in that case a new date or a full refund is offered. Cancellations by travellers within 24 hours of the 09:00 start receive no refund, and changes inside that window are not accepted. One review also notes the tour is conducted in English, which hesitant English speakers may want to weigh, though that reviewer found the staff very helpful.

Common Questions

Where Does The Tour Start And Is There Parking?

It departs from Queenstown Airport in Frankton, with check-in at the operator's desk inside the main terminal building 30 minutes before the 09:00 start. Terminal Parking A is the closest paid parking, while free on-street parking is available on Douglas Street or McBride Street. The tour ends back at the same point. Hotel pickup is not stated, so check the booking page if you need it.

Does The Plane Land On A Glacier?

No. This is not a glacier landing; the aircraft lands at Mt. Cook Airport. You still fly over and beside peaks and glaciers during the scenic legs, which reviewers describe as a highlight, and your glacier viewing continues on foot along the Hooker Valley Track.

How Long Is The Tour And How Is The Time Split?

The full experience runs about 8 hours. It includes roughly 5 hours in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, of which about 3 hours are typically spent on the Hooker Valley Track, with the remainder of the day taken up by the two flights and check-in.

Is Lunch Included?

No, lunch is not included. It is available to purchase in Mt. Cook Village if you wish, and one reviewer enjoyed a snack at the Hermitage Hotel during the ground time. Bring payment for food or eat before and after the flight.

Can Children Join, And Is It Accessible?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, infants must sit on laps, and child or booster seats plus baby earmuffs are available on request. Most travellers can participate but the tour is not wheelchair accessible. The site is near public transportation and the group is capped at 13 travellers.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the 09:00 start for a full refund. Within 24 hours, no refund is given and changes are not accepted, with cut-off times based on local time. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because minimum traveller numbers are not met, you will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. Confirmation is normally received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.