Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

About This Experience

This 45-minute trip puts you in two aircraft on the same outing, a ski plane for one leg and a helicopter for the other, with a snow landing on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier in between. The Tasman is New Zealand's longest glacier, about 23 km from top to bottom, and the landing sits high on it among peaks that keep their snow and ice all year. Flights leave from Mount Cook Airport, where parking and wi-fi are free, and all taxes and fees are included.

From takeoff you fly up the Tasman Valley and over the blue water of the Tasman Terminal Lake, then past the Hochstetter Icefall with Aoraki/Mount Cook, 3,724 m, rising beyond it. The route also takes in the Grand Plateau, Plateau Hut and the full length of the Tasman Glacier. After touchdown the aircraft shuts down completely, so you step out onto the snow in quiet and have time to take in the glacier and the mountains around you.

Then you swap aircraft for the flight back to the airport. Several guests describe flying up in the ski plane and returning by helicopter, though the listing does not fix which way round you go. Only phones and cameras come on board. Bags, food and drinks, drones and selfie sticks all stay behind, so wear closed-toe shoes and keep what you need in your pockets.

When you book, give every passenger's full name and weight. Weight and balance limits apply to both aircraft, and if a group's combined weight reaches the safety limit your flight time can be moved, with a full refund if you are rebooked for weight. Check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight. Weather cancellations are refunded, the operator does its best to reschedule around your travel plans, and free cancellation runs up to 24 hours before departure.

Highlights

• A snow landing on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier, about 23 km long
• Close views of the Hochstetter Icefall and Aoraki/Mount Cook (3,724 m)
• The Grand Plateau and Plateau Hut high on the mountain
• A flight over the blue Tasman Terminal Lake and the full length of the glacier
• Engines fully shut down on landing, so it is quiet on the snow
• One leg in each aircraft, so you feel the difference between skis and rotors

What's Included

• ✓ Ski plane flight
• ✓ Helicopter flight
• ✓ All taxes and fees
• ✓ Free car parking at Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport
• ✓ Free wi-fi

Not Included

• Bags on board (only phones and cameras are allowed)
• Food and drinks on board (not allowed)
• Drones and selfie sticks (not allowed)

What to Bring

• Closed-toe shoes
• Camera or phone
• Sunglasses for the snow glare
• Warm layers

Good to Know & Caveats

• Give all passengers' full names and weights when you book
• Weight and balance limits apply to all aircraft; if the combined weight of a group reaches the safety limit, your flight time may be rescheduled
• If you are rebooked because of aircraft weight limits, you are entitled to a full refund
• Weather cancellations are refundable, and the operator will try to reschedule your flight to suit your travel plans
• Only phones and cameras are allowed on board, and you can use them for the whole flight
• Check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight time
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Meeting Point

Check in at Mount Cook Airport, Mount Cook Road, Mount Cook 7999, where parking is free. The listing does not mention pickup.