45-Minute Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Tour from Mount Cook

Name: 45-Minute Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Tour from Mount Cook
Brand: Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters
Price: 380.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.95 (19 reviews)

4.9 (19 reviews on Viator)

Red and white Mount Cook Ski Planes Pilatus Porter parked on glacier snow below snowy peaks

Aerial view of Tasman Lake with floating icebergs at the foot of the Tasman Glacier, snowy ranges beyond

Passengers taking photos beside a ski plane on the glacier, below a wide icefall

Ski plane parked on a flat glacier snowfield, passengers standing around it in the sun

View past the ski plane's red wing strut down onto crevassed glacier ice and snowy peaks

About This Experience

This 45-minute ski plane flight takes off from the airport near Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and lands at the top of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's largest glacier at about 23 km long. The views start as soon as you are airborne: the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, the bright blue of the glacier lake below, and the green of the valley vegetation on the way in and out of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The pilot gives live commentary on board throughout.

The ski plane is what makes the landing possible. Its skis let it set down on the snow high on the glacier, and you step out among the peaks before flying back down the valley to the airport. The operator, Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters, runs the only commercial ski-plane flights in the Southern Hemisphere and has flown in the national park since 1955.

A minimum of four passengers is needed before a flight operates, and weather can cancel flights, so leave some slack in your plans around Mount Cook. Check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight time. Parking at the airport is free, and the drive from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village takes about five minutes. There is no pickup, so you make your own way to the airstrip.

The listing rates the flight suitable for all fitness levels, so it can work for a family. Children must fly with an adult, infants sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. Souvenir photos are not included but can be bought on the day. The booking has free cancellation under Viator's standard policy, which helps when mountain weather decides whether you fly.

Highlights

Land at the top of the Tasman Glacier, about 23 km long
Views of Aoraki/Mount Cook (3,724 m) and the Southern Alps from takeoff to landing
The bright blue glacier lake seen from the air
A ski plane landing on snow, from the operator flying here since 1955
Suitable for all fitness levels, with children welcome alongside an adult

What's Included

✓ 45-minute scenic ski plane flight
✓ Landing at the top of the Tasman Glacier
✓ Live commentary on board in English
✓ Free car parking at the airport
✓ Specialized infant seats on request

Not Included

Souvenir photos (available to buy)
Hotel pickup and drop-off (meet at the airport)

What to Bring

Warm layers and long trousers
Sunglasses for the snow glare
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Camera or phone

Good to Know & Caveats

A minimum of 4 people per flight is needed before the flight operates
Flights may be canceled because of weather conditions
Check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight time
Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Free cancellation under Viator's standard policy

Meeting Point

Meet at the airport, a 5-minute drive from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, where car parking is free. There is no pickup; everyone meets at the start point.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.9/5 by 19 reviewers on Viator.

This experience was one of the highlights of our trip! Our pilot Mark was informative, fun and professional. He made a nervous passenger (myself) feel very safe and comfortable. Highly recommend!
— A Tripadvisor Reviewer, 2025-03

Perfect. The customer service is excellent, the pilots are excellent, the ski plane was comfortable and so smooth! The day was absolutely perfect and we are still buzzing. My favourite thing I’ve ever done across 33 countries - simply the most stunning part of the world
— A Tripadvisor Reviewer, 2021-11

I thoroughly recommend this activity. We flew the grand traverse from Mt Cook village & landed on the top of Franz Josef glacier. Stunning sunny autumn day with no wind at all. Trip made memorable by Inflite’s considerate & helpful personnel - especially our pilot (+ his skill).
— A Tripadvisor Reviewer, 2021-03

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ski plane actually land on the glacier?

Yes. The flight lands at the top of the Tasman Glacier, and you get out onto the snow before flying back. It is the ski plane's skis that make a landing on the glacier snow possible.

How long is the flight?

The trip lasts 45 minutes in total, including the glacier landing. Check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight time, so plan to be at the airport well before that.

Can the flight be canceled?

Yes. Flights may be canceled because of weather, and a flight only runs with at least 4 passengers. The booking carries free cancellation under Viator's standard policy.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You meet at the airport, which is about a 5-minute drive from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, and car parking there is free.

Can children and infants fly?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, infants sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. The listing rates the flight suitable for all fitness levels.

What should I wear?

Dress warmly, because you step out onto snow high on the glacier. The operator advises warm layers, long trousers, sunglasses for the glare and sturdy closed-toe shoes.