South Island
Published: 17 th February 2026
Flights from Queenstown to Mount Cook (Aoraki) – Scenic Air Tours
Looking for flights from Queenstown to Mount Cook (Aoraki)? Experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps from above with True South Scenic Flights. Soar over glacier-carved valleys, turquoise alpine lakes and dramatic mountain peaks before reaching Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park — home to New Zealand’s highest summit and vast glacier systems.
Choose from a full scenic flight, a helicopter glacier landing (conditions permitting), or an unforgettable Tasman Glacier heli-hike for a closer encounter with the alpine wilderness.
True South Scenic Flights to Aoraki / Mt Cook
Choose Your Mt Cook Flight Experience
Discover Aoraki / Mt Cook from above with a range of unforgettable alpine flight options departing Queenstown. Whether you’re seeking sweeping aerial views of the Southern Alps or a close-up encounter with glacial ice, there’s an experience designed to match your level of adventure.
From classic scenic flights tracing the spine of New Zealand’s highest mountain range, to helicopter glacier landings and guided heli-hikes on the Tasman Glacier, each option offers a unique perspective of this spectacular national park.
All flights are operated by experienced, alpine-qualified pilots and feature large viewing windows so every passenger enjoys uninterrupted views of the peaks, valleys and icefields below.
What You’ll See on a Scenic Flight to Mount Cook
Flying from Queenstown to Mount Cook reveals the full spine of the Southern Alps, including glacier-fed rivers, braided valleys, and the vast icefields surrounding Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Expect panoramic views of the Tasman Glacier, high alpine snowfields, and brilliant turquoise lakes carved by ancient ice. From the air, the scale of New Zealand’s highest mountains becomes truly extraordinary.
Expedition Aoraki/Mt. Cook
Flight package includes:
- Flight from Queenstown to fly over Mount Cook and return to Queenstown
- Courtesy transport
An unforgettable scenic flight adventure into the heart of the Southern Alps and around New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mt Cook. Only from the air can you truly appreciate the immense scale and spectacular grandeur of this region.
From Queenstown along the main divide to the Aoraki Mount Cook national park, your pilot will point out New Zealand’s highest mountains, largest glaciers, vast snow fields, beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, intricate river systems, glacial formed valleys and towering above it all, at over 12,000ft, Aoraki-Mount Cook. All seats aboard our aircraft are window seats and your pilot will provide an interesting and informative commentary.
Mount Cook Heli Glacier Landing
Flight package includes:
- Direct flight from Queenstown to Fox airstrip and return to Queenstown
- Helicopter flight with glacier landing
- Ground time applicable to heli-option
- Courtesy transport to and from your accommodation in Queenstown
Flying up the main spine of the Southern Alps direct from Queenstown to one of the Mt. Cook airports: Fox Glacier, Mt. Cook, or Glentanner, depending on the weather.
You will listen to an interesting and informative commentary whilst enjoying a spectacular flight seeing experience. After landing we’ll escort you to your helicopter, where you’ll enjoy a 30-35 minute scenic flight up to Mt. Cook with a landing on one of the glaciers. After your helicopter experience, we’ll fly you back to Queenstown along a different route.
Mt Cook Tasman Glacier Heli Hike from Queenstown
- Courtesy transport between your accommodation and Queenstown Airport
- 60 minute flights between Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier township, taking a different route back via Mt. Aspiring if possible
- Window seats guaranteed
- 4 hour heli-hike, with 2 hours of time on the ice and scenic helicopter flights to and from the glacier
- All equipment provided: crampons, boots, socks, ice axes
This experience offers spectacular views of New Zealand’s highest mountain, the mighty Aoraki Mt. Cook. The Tasman Glacier sits on the eastern side of Mt. Cook and is typically quieter than the Franz Josef side
Depart on our fixed-wing aircraft from Queenstown to Mt. Cook Airport along the naturally formed glacial lakes, the vast barren expanse of the Mackenzie Country, and the rugged landscapes of the Southern Alps that many climbers dare to scale.
On arrival in Franz Josef you’ll gear up, then board your helicopter for an exhilarating flight over the icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Lake to land on the longest glacier in New Zealand. From there your experienced guides will take you for a two-hour glacier walk, exploring ice caves and learning about the geological forces of this extreme landscape. Helicopter back off the glacier and we’ll then fly you back to Queenstown via an alternate route (weather permitting) taking in even more of the dramatic landscape along the Southern Alps.
What to bring:
- 3 – 4 layers of warm upper body clothing (jeans are not recommended on wet days, as they become very cold and uncomfortable to wear).
- Sunglasses and sun protection.
- A daypack, a drink and snacks are useful.
- A warm hat and gloves.
- A Camera.
- Light snacks or lunch.
FAQs – Flights Queenstown to Mount Cook
From Queenstown to Mount Cook (Aoraki), you can choose from a full scenic flight over the Southern Alps, a helicopter glacier landing (conditions permitting), or a guided Tasman Glacier heli-hike. Each option offers a unique perspective of New Zealand’s highest peak and surrounding glacier systems.
Flights are operated by experienced, alpine-qualified pilots with extensive mountain flying expertise. Aircraft feature large viewing windows, ensuring every passenger enjoys uninterrupted views of peaks, valleys and icefields, along with informative in-flight commentary.
The Expedition Aoraki / Mt Cook flight includes return scenic flights from Queenstown, courtesy transport, and an extended alpine route showcasing Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, glacier systems, alpine lakes and the Southern Alps.
The glacier landing experience combines a fixed-wing scenic flight from Queenstown with a helicopter transfer for a snow or ice landing (weather and snow conditions permitting). Passengers enjoy time on the glacier for photos and a close-up alpine experience before returning by air.
We recommend layered warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and gloves (even in summer), and a small daypack with water and snacks. For heli-hikes, sturdy footwear is required and all technical glacier equipment is provided.
Flight durations vary depending on the experience selected. Scenic flight options typically range from a few hours to a full-day experience, while glacier landing and heli-hike tours include additional ground time on the ice.
Scenic flights are suitable for most travellers, including families. Glacier landings and heli-hikes may have minimum age and fitness requirements set by the operator.
