Mount Cook Ski Plane Flights With Snow & Glacier landing
Updaed: 22 nd June 2026
Experience Glacier Landings With Mount Cook Ski Plane Adventures
Experience one of New Zealand’s most unique alpine adventures with Mount Cook ski plane flights and glacier landings. Departing from Mount Cook Airport, these scenic flights combine spectacular aerial views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier and the Southern Alps with the rare opportunity to land directly on snow and ice high in the mountains.
Unlike helicopters, ski planes glide across the glacier before touching down on remote alpine snowfields, creating a memorable experience that has become one of Mount Cook’s signature attractions. Choose from short scenic flights, glacier landings and combination ski plane and helicopter adventures, all showcasing some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking alpine scenery.
Mount Cook Ski Plane Adventures
Experience one of New Zealand’s most unique alpine adventures with Mount Cook ski plane flights and glacier landings. Departing from Mount Cook Airport, these scenic flights combine spectacular aerial views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier and the Southern Alps with the rare opportunity to land directly on snow and ice high in the mountains.
Unlike helicopters, ski planes glide across the glacier before touching down on remote alpine snowfields, creating a memorable experience that has become one of Mount Cook’s signature attractions. Choose from glacier landings, scenic ski plane flights and luxury alpine experiences, all showcasing some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking mountain scenery.
Which Mount Cook Ski Plane Flight Is Right For You?
Mt Cook 360
Adult price: $519 pp
Duration: 45 minutes
Glacier landing: No
Best for: Best-value scenic ski plane flight
Glacier Highlights
Adult price: $649 pp
Duration: 45 minutes
Glacier landing: Yes
Best for: Travellers wanting a snow or glacier landing
The Grand Circle
Adult price: $749 pp
Duration: 55 minutes
Glacier landing: Yes
Best for: The most comprehensive Mount Cook ski plane scenic flight
Picnic Amongst The Peaks
Adult price: $3,999 private experience
Duration: 90 minutes
Glacier landing: Yes
Best for: Couples, proposals, anniversaries and special occasions
Mount Cook Ski Plane scenif Flights & Glacier Landings
Glacier Highlights - 45 minute
Price: Ski Plane (Min 2 pax) Adult $649 per person – Child: $599 aged 4 to 12
Departs: Mt. Cook airport
Duration: 45 minutes
N.B. Infant: aged 3 & under that doesn’t require a seat is free of charge.
Discover the beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park with the Glacier Highlights tour—an unforgettable 45-minute ski plane adventure that showcases the most stunning features of the Southern Alps.
From the moment you take off, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of New Zealand’s tallest peak, Mount Cook, and the surrounding alpine wilderness.
This scenic flight offers a front-row seat to the park’s snow-capped mountains, the brilliant blue hues of glacial lakes, and the rich greens of the alpine vegetation, giving you a unique aerial perspective of one of the world’s most pristine environments.
As you fly through the Tasman Valley, you’ll witness the majesty of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier, before making a glacier landing for the ultimate picture-perfect moment.
Feel the serene silence of the Southern Alps as your ski plane touches down on the glacier, allowing you to step out onto the snow and experience the untamed beauty of this alpine wonderland firsthand.
After taking in the views and capturing your memories, your pilot will fly you back to Mount Cook Airport, completing this incredible journey.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or an adventure seeker, the Glacier Highlights tour offers an unrivalled opportunity to explore the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in just 45 minutes.
Join us for this unforgettable experience and see the Southern Alps from a perspective like no other.
The Grand Circle 55 minute
Price: Ski Plane (Min 2 pax) Adult $749 per person – Child: $699 aged 4 to 12
Departs: Mt. Cook airport
Duration: 55 minutes
N.B. Infant: aged 3 & under that doesn’t require a seat is free of charge.
Explore the ultimate beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps with The Grand Circle ski plane tour. This 55-minute adventure offers an unrivaled aerial journey across the Main Divide, showcasing some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and beyond.
From the moment you take off, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Tasman Terminal Lake and the awe-inspiring ice formations of the Hochstetter Icefall. As you soar beneath the towering east face of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, you’ll fly over the Grand Plateau and witness the snow-covered majesty of Mount Sefton and Mount Tasman.
This tour crosses the Main Divide to the West Coast, offering panoramic views of the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, two of the most famous and beautiful glaciers in the world. As you track north along the Tasman Sea, you’ll experience the rugged coastline before re-crossing the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand.
This spectacular flight is the perfect way to see the full length of the Tasman Glacier, explore the Grand Plateau, and fly over the Plateau Hut—all while enjoying snow and ice views year-round. The journey concludes with a breathtaking descent over the Tasman Terminal Lake and a return to Mount Cook Airport.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time visitor, The Grand Circle provides an unparalleled perspective of New Zealand’s Southern Alps and its iconic glaciers. Don’t miss your chance to experience this ultimate scenic flight.
Picnic Amongst The Peaks
Price: Ski Plane (PRIVATE) NZ$3999
Departs: Mt. Cook airport
Duration: One Hour 30 minutes
Elevate your experience of the Southern Alps with Inflite’s exclusive Picnic Amongst the Peaks.
This private ski plane flight offers more than just breathtaking views—it’s a unique blend of serenity, luxury, and adventure, featuring a glacier landing and an intimate picnic set amidst New Zealand’s towering peaks.
From takeoff to touchdown, you’ll marvel at the beauty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where snow-capped mountains rise above shimmering glacier lakes and lush alpine valleys.
As you soar through the skies, witness the vibrant contrasts of the region’s natural wonders—the brilliant blues of the Tasman Glacier and the lush greens of the surrounding vegetation.
Once you’ve taken in the views from above, your ski plane will gently touch down on one of the Southern Alps’ many glaciers.
Here, your pilot will prepare a private picnic on the snow, offering you a chance to savour gourmet food in the heart of this majestic alpine environment.
Surrounded by the untouched beauty of Mount Cook and its neighboring peaks, you’ll experience a moment of quiet reflection, far from the hustle of everyday life.
After indulging in your picnic and the crisp mountain air, your journey continues with a scenic flight towards Mount Cook, giving you an unparalleled view of New Zealand’s highest peak.
This 90-minute adventure is more than just a flight—it’s an immersive experience, perfect for those seeking a unique and private escape into the wonders of the Southern Alps.
Ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure? Join us for the Picnic Amongst the Peaks and discover the beauty of Mount Cook National Park like never before.
Mt. Cook 360 - 45 minute flight
Price: $519 pp Child $469 (Min 2 pax)
Departs: Mt. Cook airport
Duration: 45 minutes
This flight leaves from the Mt Cook Airport, a 5 minute drive from the Mt Cook village.
Experience the full grandeur of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park with the Mt. Cook 360° flight—a 45-minute aerial journey that showcases the most iconic geographic features of this breathtaking region.
Perfect for those looking to capture the essence of New Zealand’s Southern Alps in a short but unforgettable experience, this flight offers a bird’s-eye view of Mount Cook (Aoraki), New Zealand’s highest peak at 12,349 feet.
This circular flight takes you around the towering summit of Mount Cook, providing stunning perspectives of the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in New Zealand, located on the eastern side of the Main Divide.
As your ski plane crosses over the divide, you’ll witness the rugged beauty of the West Coast, including the world-famous Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
These awe-inspiring ice flows are two of the most celebrated natural wonders in the country.
The journey continues as we circle back to the eastern side of the Southern Alps, flying over the serene Hooker Valley before returning to the Tasman Valley for a smooth landing.
This route offers sweeping views of the diverse landscapes—from rugged glaciers to lush valleys—condensing the best of New Zealand’s alpine scenery into a single, exhilarating flight.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a photographer, or simply a lover of nature, the Mt. Cook 360° flight is the perfect way to experience the majesty of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in a condensed and scenic tour.
Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime journey, and let us show you why this region is one of the most spectacular places on Earth.
Mount Cook Ski Plane Flights – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mount Cook ski plane flight?
A Mount Cook ski plane flight is a unique scenic aviation experience that combines spectacular aerial views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier and the Southern Alps with the opportunity to land directly on snow and ice. Ski planes are specially equipped aircraft that can operate on glacier snowfields, making them one of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine experiences.
Is a glacier landing included on Mount Cook ski plane flights?
Most Mount Cook ski plane experiences include a snow or glacier landing, allowing passengers to step out onto the glacier and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape. Landing locations may vary depending on weather, snow and glacier conditions on the day.
What is the difference between a ski plane and a helicopter flight?
Ski planes land and take off directly from glacier snowfields, providing a unique alpine flying experience. Helicopters offer greater manoeuvrability and can access more remote landing sites. Both provide spectacular views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and the Southern Alps, with the choice largely depending on the type of flying experience you prefer.
What is the best Mount Cook ski plane flight?
The best Mount Cook ski plane flight depends on your interests and budget. Mt Cook 360 offers excellent value and scenic views, Glacier Highlights includes a glacier landing, while The Grand Circle provides the most comprehensive tour, including views of Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and the West Coast. Picnic Amongst The Peaks is ideal for special occasions and private experiences.
How long are Mount Cook ski plane flights?
Flight durations range from 45 minutes for the Mt Cook 360 and Glacier Highlights experiences to 55 minutes for The Grand Circle. The private Picnic Amongst The Peaks experience lasts approximately 90 minutes, including a glacier landing and alpine picnic.
What happens if poor weather cancels my ski plane flight?
Ski plane flights are weather dependent. If your flight cannot operate due to weather or safety reasons, INFLITE will usually offer an alternative departure time, reschedule your booking or provide a refund in accordance with their booking terms and conditions.
Are Mount Cook ski plane flights suitable for children?
Yes. Mount Cook ski plane flights are suitable for families and children, with child fares available on most experiences. Infants aged three years and under who do not require their own seat generally travel free of charge. Age restrictions may apply to specific experiences, so check individual tour details before booking.