Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) Tours
45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour
5
45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour
By Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters by Inflite
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About
Join this tour for the unique opportunity to fly in both a Ski Plane and Helicopter! a 45 minute flight including a Tasman glacier (10-15 minutes) then to switch aircraft for the flight home! Flying through the remarkable Tasman Valley and landing on the snow covered peaks with this scenic option is an unforgettable experience and a WORLD EXCLUSIVE FLIGHT with both the ski plane and helicopter!
Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 45m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Live commentary on board
- Professional guide
What's not included- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Start:
- Mount Cook Airport, Mount Cook Road, Canterbury 7999, New ZealandThe airport is located 5 minutes prior to Aoraki Mount Cook Village on State Highway 80.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 22551P11- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Flights may be cancelled due to the weather
- Minimum of 4 people per flight applies before the flight will operate
- Check in closes 45 minutes prior to flight time
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 22551P11
From
AU$463.63
per adult
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Itinerary
- Mount Cook Road, Canterbury 7999, New ZealandThe airport is located 5 minutes prior to Aoraki Mount Cook Village on State Highway 80.
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Colleen V0 contributionsBucket List Helicopter Tour over Mount Cook and the GlaciersBucket list activity for sure on the incredible helicopter tour over the glaciers and Mount Cook! Between the wonderful views during the helicopter ride, to the magnificence all around when we landed on the Tasman Glacier, I was in awe of the sheer splendor before me. It was the perfect group size (8), and Roger (our pilot) did a masterful job of flying the craft, minimizing rocking and buffeting where he could, along with providing fabulous commentary on what we were seeing. He also pointed out the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, although we couldn’t see them given the low cloud cover. All in all, an incredible experience! I highly recommend this!Written 28 September 2024
- 465vickeyb0 contributionsWhen are we going again?A once in a lifetime occasion ... not if I can help it! I loved it. Ben, the pilot, was caring & considerate. His commentary was helpful, he put us helicopter first timers at ease by his confident & professional ways. The views were so much better, as we're the photos, than all the shots taken along the roadside to get to Aoraki. He also made sure we all got a window seat either on the way up or on the way back. Some good vibes going on. Thank you.Written 16 September 2024
- shaival10 contributionsAmazing! Extremely Safe! And above all extremely knowledgeable pilot!!! Would do the Grand Cirle all over againThe reception was really amazing and courteous. They explained everything extremely well. The pilot made us feel extremely safe and comfortable. The anxiety of getting on a helicopter was all gone before we boarded. Ben, our pilot was extra courteous and made us feel extremely safe throughout. He was also very knowledgeable about the wntire region and its history. Kudos!!!Written 16 July 2024
- DRM8880 contributionsTrip was cancelled but great serviceWe were booked to do the Helihike, however due to poor weather our trip got cancelled after we had checked in at the base camp. The team worked really hard to get us something, but the weather turned so quickly our shortened 25 minute alpine landing also got cancelled on ascent. No fault to the team, great service all around and refunds were offered.Written 5 July 2024
- ReneeHoliday0 contributions10 Stars! BEST flight ever!We want to give 10 STARS! We did the Grand Circle Helicopter flight with Pilot Mark. Where do I begin......the day was clear and the weather gods were on our side. Mark was extraordinary! He was calm, and has a wealth of knowledge, and not once did I feel uneasy. We saw Mt Cook, flew over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers and landed on the Tasman glacier. This flight was phenomenal and the BEST scenic flight I have ever been on. Thank you Mark for keeping us all safe, and the team at Inflite, we cannot stop raving about our wonderful experience with you.Written 30 April 2024
- raewynq0 contributions100% Aoraki Mt Cook Helicopter Flight A+What an amazing experience on such a beautiful Southern day. Thanks to Mark our pilot who made this flight an unforgettable adventure. If you want an exciting adventure while you are down in Aoraki Mt Cook, Inflight Helicopters and Mark the Pilot is your way to go 100%.Written 2 April 2024
- brianmJ3956AW0 contributionsJust do it!What great fun! It was exciting in the ski plane; especially landing on the glacier. Then the helicopter ride back was very different but equally exciting. The views from both were great and the pilots very friendly and entertaining. Do it!Written 25 March 2024
- Rhys P0 contributionsExciting!My first time skydiving and what an experience! The instructor was great and made me feel completely at ease. I would thoroughly recommend this adventure!Written 25 February 2024
- leavittlake0 contributionsBreathtaking tripThis is a must do if you are visiting MT Cook. Mark Hayes was our pilot and he is highly skilled and showed us just breath taking views of Mt Cook. You will not be shortchanged for the Flight. Just Awestruck. Capt.D Even MichiganWritten 21 February 2024
- andrewrI5406YX0 contributionsHelicopter flightGiven the weather was crap on the day we originally booked the staff were very helpful with making changes and keeping us up to date. Pilot was fantastic the views where extrodinary, well worth doing.Written 30 January 2024
- Patricia0508750 contributionsI should have done another flightI did the 25 mins helicopter flight. The helicopter fly like about 5 mins before it made landing on one of the site which I feel that there was nothing much to see there other than playing with the dirty snow on the ground. Honestly I feel disappointed the moment the helicopter made the landing. I immediately regretted that perhaps I should have chosen the longer flying route and obviously it would cost more but I think the scenery would be a lot different from this flight. Due to my time constraints, I could only do the shortest flight. So my advise that if you have seen snow and would like to see more than snow then choose other flight. After 10-12mins at the landing site. We returned to the helicopter and 6-7 mins later we returned to the starting point.Written 5 January 2024
- vnerd0 contributionsBait and switch ...avoid (scam)(1) We booked for 2 adults and 1 child + 1 infant in the lap. We confirmed a week before our arrival that they had registered our infant in correctly. On arrival we were informed that they can take only three of us. We could obviously not leave an infant back and were charged full fair for him as if he were an adult; he sat in the lap all through and did not take a seat. TripAdvisor booking page clearly shows booking fee for 4-12 year olds and adults, but nothing for infants. (a) I checked with another agency across the hall and they confirmed they do not charge for infants. (b) We have done another heli ride at Fox Glacier a few years ago and at that time our then infant daughter was also not charged for. Essentially each helicopter has a 6 person passenger limit, and they decided to knock us off after first confirming everything is ok. If we had been told beforehand, instead of 20 minutes before the flight, at least we could have made other arrangements. And, of course, they were in no way apologetic. The definition of a scam is: a dishonest scheme, and in my opinion the actions here fit the definition. 2. The flight lands on a patch of dirty snow about the size of a small house (see attached photos). There is no glacier involved and the personnel at the counter admitted as much (the listing says Tasman glacier touch down). Having done Fox glacier earlier and comparing to this experience, would recommend booking a proper glacier experience even if it costs more. Overall quite a disappointing experience.Written 4 January 2024
- shalendram20170 contributionsFantastic Mt Cook and Glacier Heli Trip with Glacier landingWe opted for the helicopter ride with glacier landing. Our trip was fantastic. Andrew was amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed the views of the glaciers. We got to spend time on the landing, without being rushed. The weather was great. Highly recommended.Written 3 January 2024
- wildatheart3040 contributionsVery short aerial view of Tasman ValleyTechnically only 15 min helicopter ride since you spend 10 mins on a patch of ice on the mountain. The views are outstanding and our pilot was also really great.Written 28 December 2023
- Kai_Wah0 contributionsLifetime Memories of Helicopter FlightWe booked a heli-hike to enjoy the view of the glacier and mountain ranges at the Mount Cook from a helicopter ride. We managed to witness the beauty of Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier Lake, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. We even stopped over at the Tasman Glacier to enjoy views from different perspectives. The pilot was very careful and experienced that we felt safe throughout the flight. The company also could arrange a transport to pick us up from our accommodation at the Mount Village. The check-in process was easy and the safety briefing prior to the flight was clear and useful. We were advised to call/ email the company to double check if the flight was confirmed a day before our tour because the flight could be cancelled due to bad weather to safeguard the safety of the tourists. Thankfully, we were lucky that the weather was good on our booking time slot and we managed to enjoy a wonderful flight. It was one of the best experiences we had during our trip in New Zealand. A wonderful memory that’s lasts of a lifetime!Written 8 December 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
59 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
2
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1
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0
Terrible
2
Jan S
7 contributions
Dec 2019
Because of unpredictable clouds, they weren't flying the planes or landing on the glacier the day we were there. We had booked the combo tour, however, they switched the 5 of us to a 25 min helicopter ride that landed on a mountaintop across from Mt Cook. Our pilot was great. I was able to take pictures & video even from the middle of the back seat. My grown kids had never been in a heli before so they were thrilled. The clouds lifted off Mt Cook on our return and it was just spectacular. I know how fortunate we were as they are only able to fly 60% of the time due to weather. Thanks God! Still waiting for my partial refund, but they promised it would come through.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chontelle L
1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Solo
As someone who tries to do a lot of adventures in NZ, I’ve been put off doing most of the heli and glacier trips as they all seemed really short for the cost.
I am so glad I found this trip. Such good value and so much longer than most in NZ. I actually don’t think I’ve ever used the phrase Bucket List, but I did after this!
I would recommend the sea plane and heli combo as you get 2 amazing experiences in one (thanks for letting me ride up front too!).
From the drive to the airport, the flights themselves, seeing icebergs, learning about the Glacier and experiencing walking on actual deep snow… so many amazing aspects to the experience! Also kudos to the team who welcome you, make you feel at ease and even remembered me and called me by name, which was such a comforting and personable touch to an already great service.
If your trying to decide if you should book it, trust me it’s worth it!
I am so glad I found this trip. Such good value and so much longer than most in NZ. I actually don’t think I’ve ever used the phrase Bucket List, but I did after this!
I would recommend the sea plane and heli combo as you get 2 amazing experiences in one (thanks for letting me ride up front too!).
From the drive to the airport, the flights themselves, seeing icebergs, learning about the Glacier and experiencing walking on actual deep snow… so many amazing aspects to the experience! Also kudos to the team who welcome you, make you feel at ease and even remembered me and called me by name, which was such a comforting and personable touch to an already great service.
If your trying to decide if you should book it, trust me it’s worth it!
Written 18 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gadam F
19 contributions
This was the e highlight of our week long visit to New Zealand! Weather unpredictability means it is a hit or miss with this activity. We were lucky to find a booking the night before our visit to Mt Cook and in fact it turned out to be a beautiful sunny morning. We enjoyed the 45 min tour. The ski plane to go up to Tasman glacier was a thrilling experience and the helicopter on the way down passes within a few hundred feet of Mt Cook. Between the two, coming down in the helicopter was the more enjoyable experience because it is easier to get a view. But the total experience is well worth the money. Very well run and efficient operations and we felt safe. Morris and Mark were our pilots and both were fantastic. Landing on the Tasman pass and spending 15 minutes on the glacier was truly memorable. A must do activity.
Written 3 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AJMil95
22 contributions
Dec 2022
We had booked the ski plane and Heli combo tour but unfortunately the company contacted us the day before to tell us the plane was out of action so we were switched to the same flight path, but helicopter both ways. This didn't seem to detract from the tour as it was absolutely amazing. We have been fortunate to experience a few Heli trips at various scenic points around the world, but this was the most spectacular by far. The pilot was informative and friendly and the views were spectacular. We stayed around 30 minutes on the Glacier before heading back down and we recommend sun cream as we both got a little sunburnt. As one of our fellow passengers said whilst stood in the snow half way up Mt Cook.... "Everybody Should Do This"
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michiel H
Stirling, UK8 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
This was a truly great flight. We'd booked a flight from Mt Cook airport to view the local peaks, the Tasman glacier, and the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. However the weather on the west of the Alps was not playing ball, so the flight was changed to one viewing the peaks and landing on the Tasman glacier. We flew out in a chopper, and back in the ski plane. The whole process was managed on the ground by a very friendly and efficient team, and the flight to the glacier was superb. We spent 15 minutes there engulfed in the beautiful views, taking pictures and then boarded the ski plane for the trip back. Another superb flight. I loved the downhill take-off from the glacier! My wife and I had every confidence in the pilots, who both gave us a good amount of information without overwhelming us.
Go do this!
Go do this!
Written 13 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fil C
3 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
I proposed to my then fiance after touching down on the glaciers in 2019. Amazing experience! We left via plane, returned via helicopter. I was able to arrange with the company ahead of time plans for the proposal, which they relayed to the pilot. They even gave us a bottle of champagne at the end which was unexpected. Great communication, professional attentive staff and pilot, seamless experience. I felt the plane ride was a bit cooler just because you land on a runway carved by the glacier. Either way, five stars, would recommend. And yes, she did say yes!
Written 10 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to review us and to choose us for your very special occasion! We hope to see you again soon for some wedding photography! Congratulations from all of us here, thank you
Written 25 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pip M
2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This was definitely our highlight experience in the South Island NZ! We highly recommend... this is a must-do’ for your New Zealand trip! The scenery is unreal, a perspective of a glacier that you can only get from the sky! Landing on the glacier is a full immersion in nature, surrounded by mountains which delivered us a sense of awe and so much joy. The team at Mount Cook Skiplanes and Helicopters are awesome. The pilots are so welcoming and professional, and I always felt we were in safe hands. We know we would have regretted it had we not done it! An experience for which we will never forget and always be grateful 🙏
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bharath_Satyaprakash
Mumbai, India12 contributions
Mar 2023
This was one of the most amazing things we have ever done.
We had booked the ski plane and Heli combo tour. The tour could not go on the day due to weather conditions. They also informed only at that time that ski plane is not available and the tour will be heli on both the sides. Hence, the 4 star. Otherwise the overall experience is worth 6 stars !
The pilot was informative and friendly. The view were stunning. We stayed around 30 minutes on the Glacier before heading back down.
You entire experience of Heli ride over the mountains close to Aoraki and the Glacier was mind blowing.
We had booked the ski plane and Heli combo tour. The tour could not go on the day due to weather conditions. They also informed only at that time that ski plane is not available and the tour will be heli on both the sides. Hence, the 4 star. Otherwise the overall experience is worth 6 stars !
The pilot was informative and friendly. The view were stunning. We stayed around 30 minutes on the Glacier before heading back down.
You entire experience of Heli ride over the mountains close to Aoraki and the Glacier was mind blowing.
Written 9 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Parag S
20 contributions
This was an out of the world experience. We landed on an all-white Tasman glacier in shirts and shorts. We had enough time to play with ice and take pictures, the natural beauty from the top was stunning. Worth every penny.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
poem
10 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
The original scheduled tour was cancelled due to weather condition, but it got rescheduled without issue. Although we didn’t get to be on Ski Plane but on helicopter both way, the scenery is still worth it. Magnificent view from the flight!
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If the trip is cancelled due to bad weather do you offer another date eg next day?
Written 15 July 2022
joyce n
Singapore, Singapore
I have 5 adults and 2 children in a family. How are you arranged the trip?
Written 19 July 2018
Will there be a full refund if the weather does not permit the flight and tour? We stay at Mt. Cook for just one day and change of date and time may not be possible
Written 14 July 2018
will there be a full refund if weather does not permit the tour? We only stay at Mt. Cook for one day and change of date or time may be difficult
Written 14 July 2018
Hi, we are travelling on early August it’s winter and will the weather allow on this tour? If so, shall we pre book this tour earlier or we can book one day before ? Some sorts like last minute book. The pick up and drop off mentioned at Aoraki Mount Cook Village, we staying at The Hermitage is it inclusive of the pick up and drop off? Sorry if I got anything wrong on the above as I still figuring the places and activities.
Written 22 June 2018
Hi, we are travelling on early August it’s winter and will the weather allow on this tour? If so, shall we pre book this tour earlier or we can book one day before ? Some sorts like last minute book. The pick up and drop off mentioned at Aoraki Mount Cook Village, we staying at The Hermitage is it inclusive of the pick up and drop off? Sorry if I got anything wrong on the above as I still figuring the places and activities.
Written 22 June 2018
HI, We are planning to take the 45 minutes ski plane and helicopter combo tour in mid May. What will be the best time to take this tour? Early morning or late afternoon? Thanks - S.Annamalai
Written 24 April 2018
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