Aoraki / Mount Cook

Mount Cook
Experiences

What could be better this summer than escaping the everyday with one of our inflite experiences?

Scenic flights
Glacier landings
Heli hiking & climbing

Explore Aoraki /
Mount Cook

Treat yourself and a special someone to a scenic flight up the stunning Tasman Valley, fly in and hike or climb on a glacier in New Zealand’s big mountain country, or experience the ultimate in alpine adventures with our World Exclusive tour.

Enjoy the expansive icelands and breath-taking clean glaciers from the comfort of your luxurious helicopter or ski plane. These scenic tours sweep you over the best alpine views New Zealand has to offer.

Flight lengths range from a 10 minute overview to 90 minutes of witnessing all the hidden gems of Aoraki Mt Cook and Westland National Park featuring two glacier landings.

Aoraki Mount Cook crowns the Southern Alps, an icy stretch on the east coast of the South Island. Other popular tourist destinations in New Zealand’s year-round winter wonderland include Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier.

Qualmark Gold accreditation

INFLITE is proudly Qualmark Gold – recognised by Tourism New Zealand as being amongst the very best operators in New Zealand.

Helicopter and ski plane beside the glacier mountains

Experiences

Live for the journey, not just the destination.

Deposit and cancellation information

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN’T FLY DUE TO BAD WEATHER?

Rest assured that tours booked directly with us are fully refundable if there is a cancellation due to the weather.

We will do our best to work with you to reschedule your flight to suit your travel plans.

Ultimate Experiences

3 experiences

Ski plane parked on a glacier

NZ$6,999

per group, up to 6 people

Ultimate Experiences

Ski the Tasman

  • 6 hours
  • Ski plane or helicopter
  • Mount Cook airport

Ski The Tasman provides the ultimate ski experience on New Zealand’s longest glacier. With your expert professional guide, you will fly deep into the glaciated mountains of Mt Cook National Park and explore the Tasman Glacier.

Fully immerse yourself in the New Zealand Southern Alps and explore the incredible ice formations and caverns of the Tasman Glacier.

Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters have teamed up with local guiding companies to provide unique alpine adventures packages to suit your taste and abilities.

Details

This incredible day combines the breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, with the once-in-a-lifetime experience of actually skiing on the famous Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. Our trips are open for skiers and boarders, and side adventures include visits to the ice caves and natural ice features during the ski down. The ski runs are wide and long (8-10kms per run!), similar to blue runs, and perfect for a family adventure and introduction to the backcountry. Minimum age of 10yrs required for children. Flight transfers, ski guides, and safety equipment are all included in our trips. Please confirm lunch and ski equipment arrangements when booking. A great winter adventure awaits and we hope to see you soon on the Tasman!

Available: Operates mid-June to mid-October when powder is more common.
Duration: 6 hours (approximately)

The terrain is easy to moderate (blue runs), and the pace is relaxed. With 2 ski runs included in the Ski The Tasman package, Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters will fly your ski party into the top of the Tasman Glacier. We will be there to provide the re-run before you enjoy lunch on the glacier and your final ski run exploring a new part of the Tasman Glacier.

Photography by Alpine Guides.

Available :  1 July to 30 September every year.
Duration:   6 hours (approximately)

Ski plane and passengers on the snow

NZ$799

per adult, ski plane option

Ultimate Experiences

The Grand Circle

  • 55 mins
  • Ski plane or helicopter
  • Mount Cook airport

55 minute Ski Plane or Helicopter flight through the Aoraki Mt Cook and Westland National Parks. With snow landings on either the Fox, Franz Josef or Tasman Glaciers, this is the ultimate South Island scenic experience.

Highlights

• Beautiful views right from take off
• Tasman Terminal Lake
• Mt Cook, Mt Tasman and Mt Sefton
• Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
• Stunning views of the West Coast of New Zealand
• Full length of the Tasman Glacier
• Hochstetter Icefall, Grand Plateau and Plateau Hut
• Snow/ice all year round

Description

The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps. Traverse the Main Divide to the West Coast and view the breath-taking landscape of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Track north along the Tasman Sea before recrossing the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman Glacier.

Enjoy the stunning views of the Mt Cook National Park as you track south down the Tasman. Fly through the Grand Plateau and the Hochsteter Icefall as you pass under the east face of Aoraki Mt Cook before descending over the Tasman Terminal Lake.

Terms and conditions

Ski Plane – minimum 4 adults
Helicopter – minimum 4 adults

Children & infants

Ages 0-12 years are charged children’s price, 12 years and older require an adult priced ticket.

INFANTS: The Civil Aviation Authority stipulates that we operate our aircraft in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines, one of these guidelines is that there is maximum number of passengers allowed on the aircraft, adult, child or infant. Therefore, when an infant is booked on our flights and sits on the lap of a caregiver, we are required to leave a seat free for this infant, thus the total maximum number of passengers remains the same. This is why you will see a charge for infants.

Alpine and Glacier Landings

2 experiences

Helicopter beside snow-covered mountains

NZ$379

per person

Alpine and Glacier Landings

Tasman Taster

  • 25 mins
  • Helicopter
  • Mount Cook airport

Experience this 25 minute helicopter scenic through the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Beautiful scenic flight up the Tasman Valley with an alpine landing amongst the peaks of the Southern Alps.

Description

Explore the valleys and peaks of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Fly over the Tasman Terminal Lake before landing on the beautiful ice of the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. With exceptional views of Aoraki Mt Cook and the surrounding snow capped mountain ranges right from take off, you will be captivated throughout the entire flight.

Enjoy the comfort, safety and performance of our Squirrel Helicopters. Our pilots offer informative and interesting commentary throughout the flight to ensure you receive the best possible experience.

Experience duration is approximately 25 minutes

Children & infants

Ages 0-12 years are charged children’s price, 12 years and older require an adult priced ticket.

INFANTS: The Civil Aviation Authority stipulates that we operate our aircraft in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines, one of these guidelines is that there is maximum number of passengers allowed on the aircraft, adult, child or infant. Therefore, when an infant is booked on our flights and sits on the lap of a caregiver, we are required to leave a seat free for this infant, thus the total maximum number of passengers remains the same. This is why you will see a charge for infants.

Ski plane above the mountains

NZ$699

per adult, ski plane option

Alpine and Glacier Landings

Glacier Highlights - 45 min scenic

  • 45 minute experience
  • Ski plane or helicopter
  • Mount Cook airport

Enjoy this 45 minute Ski Plane or Helicopter scenic experience through Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Breathtaking views from the moment you’re airborne. Experience everything this spectacular National Park has to offer.

Description

Experience everything Mt Cook National Park has to offer.  Be captivated by the rugged mountain terrain, and ever changing glacial landscape of the Southern Alps. Fly over the Tasman Terminal Lake and discover the stunning ice formations of the Hochstetter Icefall as you fly beneath the east face of Aoraki Mt Cook. Land in the upper reaches of the Tasman Glacier and enjoy the natural quiet of the magnificent Southern Alps.

Choose between flying in on either a Ski Plane or Helicopter.
Departs from Mt Cook Airport.

Experience duration is approximately 45 minutes

Children & infants

Ages 0-12 years are charged children’s price, 12 years and older require an adult priced ticket.

INFANTS: The Civil Aviation Authority stipulates that we operate our aircraft in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines, one of these guidelines is that there is maximum number of passengers allowed on the aircraft, adult, child or infant. Therefore, when an infant is booked on our flights and sits on the lap of a caregiver, we are required to leave a seat free for this infant, thus the total maximum number of passengers remains the same. This is why you will see a charge for infants.

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding

3 experiences

Guided group among blue glacier ice formations

NZ$995

per person

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding

The Adventurer: Tasman glacier heli-hiking

  • 3 hours approx
  • Helicopter
  • Mount Cook airport

Fly in with us and explore, hike or climb on a glacier in New Zealand’s big mountain country!

Experience the adventure of Heli Hiking the Tasman Glacier. Fly in to your drop off point on a remote part of the glacier, exploring where nature’s forces create glaciated features, incredible ice formations and caverns of the Tasman Glacier.

Highlights

Your adventure starts with a scenic flight into the Tasman Glacier, with views of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and the surrounding snow-capped mountains that form the Southern Alps. From there, explore the incredible Tasman Glacier on this Heli Hiking experience.

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding offer you the highest level of safety and all  guides are certified to guide you on the glacier through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association. Years of experience and exploration of the glacier by your guide has resulted in extensive local knowledge allowing you to explore the hidden gems of the Tasman Glacier.

Details

Your hiking party will picked up from the glacier by Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters for another captivating scenic flight and your safe return to the Mount Cook Airport.
Available :  all year round
Duration:  3 hours (approximately)
Cost includes: Two scenic flights, guide, quality leather boots, socks, gators, snow shoes, harness (if required), walking poles, jacket and over-trousers, gloves

To book or make enquiries please visit Mt Cook Glacier Guiding  at: www.mtcookguides.co.nz/book-now

Watch the experience video

Experience counts

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding is a joint venture between leading aviation operators Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters by INFLITE and glacier guiding professionals Fox Glacier Guiding.

NZ$1,375

per person

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding

The Cool Climber: Tasman glacier ice climbing

  • 8 hours approx
  • Helicopter
  • Mount Cook airport

Feeling adventurous? Come ice climbing in New Zealand’s big alpine environment!

Highlights

A thrilling scenic helicopter flight takes you up the Tasman Valley to the best ice climbing location. Take in awe-inspiring views of the home of New Zealand’s big alpine scenery, watch for the Haupapa/Tasman glacier lake and marvel at the spectacular Hochstetter Icefall.

Our expert guides will quickly teach you how to master basic crampon and ice axe techniques. Using ice tools and the front points of your crampons, you climb vertical and at times, overhanging ice walls and pinnacles, or maybe you’ll climb into a crevasse; you are always safely secured by a top rope attached to your harness.

On this trip you receive personalised ice climbing instruction. Our ice-climbing guides receive special training to ensure they teach skills in the correct order so you advance quickly. Come on an adventure you will never forget!

What to bring

  • Any Essential Medication
  • 3 – 4 layers of warm upper body clothing
  • A warm hat and gloves
  • Warm trousers
  • A camera
  • Sunglasses and sun protection
  • Lunch, snacks and a drink
  • A good level of English
  • Jeans are not recommended
BOOK NOW AT MT COOK GLACIER GUIDES
Climber suspended in a blue ice cavern

NZ$1,095

per person

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding

The Wigley: Top of the Tasman glacier hike

  • 5 hours approx
  • Ski plane
  • Mount Cook airport

Your adventure starts with a scenic flight into the Tasman Glacier, with views of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and the surrounding snow-capped mountains that form the Southern Alps.

Highlights

Your adventure starts with a scenic flight into the Tasman Glacier, with views of Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Tasman and the surrounding snow-capped mountains that form the Southern Alps. Years of experience and exploration of the glacier by your guide has resulted in extensive local knowledge allowing you to explore the hidden gems of the Tasman Glacier.

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding offer you the highest level of safety and all guides are certified to guide you on the glacier through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association.

Details

Your party will picked up from the glacier by Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters for another captivating scenic flight and your safe return to the Mount Cook Airport.

Available : all year round Duration: 5 hours (approximately) Cost includes: Two scenic flights, guide, quality leather boots, socks, gators, snow shoes and/or crampons, harness (if required), walking poles, jacket and over-trousers, gloves

To book or make enquiries please visit Mt Cook Glacier Guiding at: www.mtcookguides.co.nz/book-now

Experience counts

Mt Cook Glacier Guiding is a joint venture between leading aviation operators Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters by INFLITE and glacier guiding professionals Fox Glacier Guiding.

Mountain Activities

2 experiences

Helicopter at the Mount Cook airfield

NZ$960

per flight, up to 6 people and bikes

Mountain Activities

A2O - Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail heli bike transfer

  • 10 mins
  • Helicopter
  • Mount Cook airport

We can fly you and your bike to the official start of The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, which is only a short flight from our Aoraki/Mt Cook Airport base.

Description

The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail starts at the White Horse Hill Campground, which is 2km north of Mt Cook Village. From here, a 7.2km off-road trail takes you to Mount Cook Airport [8km], where riders will need to make a short helicopter flight across the Tasman River to Tasman Point.

Travelling in a helicopter across a glacially-fed braided river with New Zealand’s highest mountain in view is a must do.

Minimum 4 people

The helicopter can carry up to 6 passengers at a time (depending on weight limits).

Passengers on the glacier beside a ski plane

NZ$4,999

Mountain Activities

Picnic Amongst the Peaks

  • 90 mins
  • Ski plane
  • Mount Cook airport

With our Picnic on the Peak Tour you can enjoy a once in a lifetime experience. This flight option gives you the chance to land on the snow covered glacier aboard your private ski plane.

Highlights

• Beautiful views right from take off
• Tasman Terminal Lake
• Mt Cook and Mt Tasman
• Hochstetter Icefall
• Grand Plateau and Plateau Hut
• Ski Plane landing in the snowfields
• Picnic on the glacier
• Snow/ice all year round

Description

Our scenic flights have just gotten better! Indulge in the silent serenity of the Southern Alps with a private exclusive ski plane flight with glacier landing and a private picnic. You will enjoy the scenic beauty of Mount Cook and the national park surrounding it from take-off to landing. The snow-capped mountains, the bright blue of the glacier lake and the lush greens of the vegetation are just a few of the magnificent sights you will experience as you fly through the Southern Alps.

After you enjoy the beauty of the park from the air we will land the aircraft on one of the many glaciers that can be found in the mountains. While landed on the glacier our pilot will set up a private picnic on the snow for you to enjoy while you take in the breath taking views around you. After you have had your fill of food and mountain air your private ski plane will fly you towards Mount Cook to enjoy a better view of the highest peak in New Zealand.  After this incredible 90 minute journey you will return to the Mount Cook airport.

We can’t wait to share this experience with you.

Children & infants

Ages 0-12 years are charged children’s price, 12 years and older require an adult priced ticket.

INFANTS: The Civil Aviation Authority stipulates that we operate our aircraft in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines, one of these guidelines is that there is maximum number of passengers allowed on the aircraft, adult, child or infant. Therefore, when an infant is booked on our flights and sits on the lap of a caregiver, we are required to leave a seat free for this infant, thus the total maximum number of passengers remains the same. This is why you will see a charge for infants.

Scenic Tours

2 experiences

View of the mountains from beneath a ski plane wing

NZ$349

per person

Scenic Tours

Aerial Explorer

  • 25 mins
  • Ski plane
  • Mount Cook airport

Experience the breathtaking Southern Alps with a 25-minute scenic flight from Aoraki Mount Cook Airport. Just 5 minutes from Mount Cook Village, this aerial journey guarantees a window seat for stunning views of snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Perfect for visitors seeking unforgettable New Zealand landscapes from above.

25 minutes overflight on a Ski Plane

This flight leaves from Mt Cook Airport, a five-minute from Aoraki Mt Cook village. If you are visiting Mt Cook and want to see the landscape from above, then this is the flight for you.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps on a 25-minute scenic overflight from Aoraki Mount Cook Airport. With every passenger guaranteed a window seat, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. This unforgettable aerial journey offers a unique perspective of one of the country’s most iconic landscapes.

CHILDREN & INFANTS:

Ages 0-12 years are charged children’s price, 12 years and older require an adult priced ticket.

INFANTS: The Civil Aviation Authority stipulates that we operate our aircraft in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines, one of these guidelines is that there is maximum number of passengers allowed on the aircraft, adult, child or infant. Therefore, when an infant is booked on our flights and sits on the lap of a caregiver, we are required to leave a seat free for this infant, thus the total maximum number of passengers remains the same. This is why you will see a charge for infants.

View past a ski plane wing strut over a glacier valley in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

NZ$449

per person

Scenic Tours

Tasman Discovery

  • 25 mins
  • Ski plane
  • Mount Cook airport

Enjoy a 25-min Tasman Glacier ski plane scenic flight with snow landing. Soar past Mount Cook, land on the alpine glacier, and step out onto the snow for an incredible experience of the Southern Alps.

This flight leaves from the Mt Cook Airport, a 5 minute drive from the Mt Cook village.

Take to the Southern Alps on a 25-minute ski plane scenic flight, including a snow landing at Climbers Col on the Tasman Glacier. See the remarkable scale of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps from above, then step out onto the glacier and experience this extraordinary alpine landscape for yourself.

Subject to availability. Child prices are for ages 0 to 12 years.

Skydiving

4 experiences

Tandem skydivers leaving a helicopter above Lake Pukaki

NZ$799

per person

Skydiving

10,000ft Helicopter Skydive

Skydive Mount Cook offers a unique jump with breathtaking views of Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mount Cook. Enjoy a smooth helicopter ride to 10,000 feet, then free fall at 200 kph before floating down under a parachute. Capture the moment with our included Instructor Cam package.

Tandem skydivers in freefall above the Mount Cook region

NZ$299

per person

Skydiving

10,000ft Tandem Skydive

Tandem skydive from 10,000 ft. over the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Get up here for an exhilarating freefall of up to 30 seconds and 10-minute flight to altitude with unparalleled scenery and 3-5 minute flight under canopy, making it the perfect way to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Tandem skydivers in freefall above the Mount Cook region

NZ$399

per person

Skydiving

13,000ft Tandem Skydive

Tandem skydive from 13,000 ft. over the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Get up here for an exhilarating freefall of up to 45 seconds and 15-minute flight to altitude with unparalleled scenery and 3-5 minute flight under canopy, making it the perfect way to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Tandem skydivers in freefall above the Mount Cook region

NZ$529

per person

Skydiving

16,500ft Tandem Skydive

Tandem skydive from 16,500 ft. over the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Get up here for an exhilarating freefall of up to 70 seconds and 15-20 minute flight to altitude with unparalleled scenery and 3-5 minute flight under canopy, making it the perfect way to explore New Zealand’s natural beauty.

About Us

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park offers the best mountain and glacial scenery in New Zealand. Fly alongside the Southern Alps and view the breath-taking landscape of the Tasman Valley.

Discover the stunning ice formations of the Hochstetter Icefall as you fly beneath the east face of Aoraki Mount Cook and along the length of the Tasman Glacier. Experience the unique thrill of landing on either the Tasman, Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers.

Highlights

  • Experience New Zealand’s iconic scenery like never before with one of these incredible scenic flights from Mount Cook Ski Plane & Helicopters.
  • Soak up spectacular views of the breathtaking countryside during your 10-minute scenic flight in one of their fixed wing Ski Planes.
  • Alight atop New Zealand’s largest glacier, and be awed by the sheer scale and majesty of the Tasman Glacier during your 35-minute scenic flight and landing.
  • Extend the experience, and traverse even more of the South Island’s unique landscape with a 65-minute scenic flight and double glacier landing – this one-of-a-kind experience landing on not one but two different glacier areas is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Other information

  • Flights available in 25min, 35min, 45min or 55 minute options.
  • Helicopter or Ski Plane Glacier Landing Flights available. Minimum numbers apply.
  • Combined Helicopter and Ski Plane Options available for group bookings of 8 or more at no additional cost.

Mount Cook history

The founder of Mount Cook Ski Planes, Harry Wigley, developed an interest in aviation while still at school and started flying in the early 1930’s. He gained his A Class pilots licence in 1935, and also flew with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.In 1953 while flying tourists around Mount Cook and over the glaciers, Harry Wigley saw the need for a retractable ski which would allow aeroplanes to take off from an airfield and land on snow.

Although fixed skis used for snow takeoffs and landings were in existence, international enquiries confirmed that a retractable ski had not yet been developed. Fixed skis were not practicable at Mount Cook Airfield, where snow remains on the runway for only a limited time during the winter.

Hundreds of hours were spent developing a wheel which protruded through the ski during takeoff and landing at the airfield. The ski was then mechanically lowered during flight to allow landings on the snowfields of the Tasman Glacier. Harry Wigley piloted an Auster aircraft, the first Ski Plane using a retractable ski on 22 September 1955, with Alan McWhirter as passenger. Another passenger on that historic day was Sir Edmund Hillary.

Over the next few years the concept and design were refined, including hydraulically operated skis with plastic soles were developed. The introduction of the more powerful Cessna 180 allowed the Ski Planes to operate all year round. Today, Mount Cook Ski Planes operate a fleet of Cessna 185 and Pilatus Porter PC6 aircraft.

Mount Cook Ski Planes and HelicoptersMount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters

FAQs

Our Transfers division offers pre-designed transfers such as airport transfers, lodge transfers, park landings and many other great locations throughout New Zealand. A See our dedicated Transfers website for further details.

Our Charters business offers provides New Zealand’s largest private and corporate charter flight service. A Visit our Charters website and talk with our Charter Managers today and find out why we will be your first and only choice for private travel.

Landing options depend on the flight. Aerial Explorer is an overflight without a landing. Ultimate Alpine, Grand Circle and Glacier Highlights usually include a glacier landing. Tasman Taster includes an alpine landing, which may be without snow in warmer months. All landings depend on weather and conditions; check your chosen experience before booking.

You will have 10 to 15 minutes on the snow. This is plenty of time to take photos, play in the snow and absorb the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Ski Plane Cessna 185 (3 seats); Ski Plane Pilatus Porter (8 seats); AS350 Helicopter (6 seats)

Rest assured that tours booked directly with us are fully refundable if there is a cancellation due to the weather. We will do our best to work with you to reschedule your flight to suit your travel plans.

Both aircraft have the same flight path and landing sites on the Tasman Glacier. The Ski Plane will shut down the engine on every landing so you can fully appreciate the ‘natural quiet’ of the alpine environment. As one of only a few places in the world that offer this kind of product, a Ski Plane flight is a truly unique and memorable experience.

All you will need is a light sweater or jacket, sunglasses, closed in shoes and of course a camera.

To view our terms and conditions on the website. Alternatively click the icon to download a PDF copy.

We operate the Ski Plane fleet under the Inflite Ski Planes Limited trading as Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters Part 135 Air Operators Certificate. Our Helicopter fleet operate under the Helilink Part 135 Air Operators Certificate. Helilink is a wholly owned subsidiary of Airwork Holdings Limited, a publicly listed company in New Zealand. Check out www.airwork.co.nz and www.inflite.nz for more information. From time to time we may utilise additional operators and helicopters other than our core fleet, this will be made clear to all clients at the time of booking and flight.

Testimonials

Mt Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters has had the pleasure of providing a unique opportunity for travellers to be able to experience the natural alpine beauty of the Southern Alps for 60 years.

Every member of our team strives to give our passengers the most memorable experience possible. We know our goal has been achieved when passenger leave messages such as these in our guest book….

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