Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Alpine Combo Flight

Mount Cook’s majestic peaks and glaciers have long captivated adventurous travelers. Now, the Ski Plane and Helicopter Alpine Combo Flight promises an unparalleled aerial experience, immersing visitors in the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Soaring over the Tasman Valley and landing atop the Tasman Glacier, this 45-minute journey offers a rare glimpse into the region’s untamed natural wonders. With stunning bird’s-eye views and expert narration, the trip’s combination of fixed-wing and rotorcraft flight delivers an unforgettable adventure. But the true magic lies in the moments that unfold, as passengers discover the true scale and grandeur of this majestic landscape from above.

Contents hide

1 Overview of the Experience

2 Pricing and Reservation Details

3 Highlights of the Flight

4 Gear and Packing Guidelines

5 Passenger Requirements and Restrictions

6 Customer Feedback and Ratings

7 Itinerary and Duration

8 Weather and Rescheduling Considerations

Key Points

This 45-minute aerial adventure combines a scenic ski plane and helicopter flight over the Tasman Glacier and surrounding landscapes in New Zealand.
Passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Tasman Valley, Hochstetter Icefall, Tasman Terminal Lake, and the Grand Plateau during the flight.
The experience includes a landing on the Tasman Glacier, providing an up-close perspective of New Zealand’s longest glacier.
Live guide and audio commentary enhance the overall experience, and closed-toe shoes are required for all passengers.
Weather conditions can impact the flight schedule, and passengers should be prepared for potential rescheduling due to safety concerns.

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Overview of the Experience

This 45-minute aerial adventure combines the thrill of a ski plane and helicopter flight, providing visitors with sweeping views of New Zealand’s dramatic glacier-carved landscapes.

The experience begins with a scenic flight by ski plane, soaring over the Tasman Valley and offering glimpses of the Hochstetter Icefall. After landing on the Tasman Glacier, you’ll then transfer to a helicopter for a breathtaking aerial tour, taking in the stunning vistas of the Grand Plateau and the iconic Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Throughout the journey, a knowledgeable live guide and audio commentary bring the region’s natural wonders to life. This unforgettable alpine combo showcases New Zealand’s majestic glacial landscapes from both the air and the ground.

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Pricing and Reservation Details

The experience is priced from $288.06 per person, with a reserve now & pay later option available that doesn’t require any upfront payment.

Customers can also take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

When booking, visitors will need to provide the full names and weights of all passengers, as weight and balance limits apply. If these limits are exceeded, the flight time may need to be rescheduled.

The operator advises checking availability for starting times and closing check-in 45 minutes prior to the flight.

Highlights of the Flight

Breathtaking vistas from both the ski plane and helicopter captivate passengers, showcasing the grandeur of New Zealand’s mountainous landscape.

Visitors are treated to spectacular aerial views of the Tasman Glacier, Tasman Terminal Lake, the Grand Plateau, and the iconic Aoraki Mt Cook.

The flight experience highlights include:

Landing on New Zealand’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, for a unique up-close perspective.
Soaring over the dramatic Tasman Valley and witnessing the Hochstetter Icefall’s powerful cascade.
Marveling at the sweeping panoramas of the surrounding Southern Alps and glacial landscapes.
Appreciating the pilot’s skill in navigating the rugged terrain and delivering an unforgettable aerial adventure.

Gear and Packing Guidelines

For this aerial adventure, passengers are advised to wear closed-toe shoes and bring only essential items such as phones and cameras, as no food, drinks, drones, selfie sticks, or bags are permitted on the aircraft. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers during the flight.

The weight and balance of the aircraft must be carefully monitored, so providing accurate passenger weights when booking is crucial. Passengers should also note that check-in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time.

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Passenger Requirements and Restrictions

Passengers must adhere to several requirements and restrictions when embarking on this aerial adventure. They aren’t permitted to bring any food, drinks, drones, selfie sticks, or bags onto the aircraft; only phones and cameras are allowed. Plus, check-in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time, so travelers should arrive well in advance.

To ensure a smooth and safe experience, passengers must:

Wear closed-toe shoes.
Provide their full names and weights when booking to accommodate weight and balance limits.
Be prepared for potential rescheduling due to weather-related factors.
Follow all instructions from the pilot and flight crew during the flight.

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Customer Feedback and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Mount Cook ski plane and helicopter flight, with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 108 reviews.

Customers commended the professionalism of the guides, awarding them 4.7 out of 5 stars. The transportation experience also earned high marks at 4.8 out of 5, with many noting the stunning scenic views from both the ski plane and helicopter.

The service provided received a perfect 5 out of 5 rating. While the overall organization was rated a strong 4.3 out of 5, some reviewers mentioned occasional weather-related rescheduling or flight changes.

The vast majority of flyers reported a top-notch adventure, praising the pilots’ skill and the incredible vistas of Tasman Glacier and Aoraki Mt Cook.

Itinerary and Duration

The Mount Cook ski plane and helicopter flight offers a 45-minute aerial adventure, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of New Zealand’s Tasman Glacier and surrounding landscapes.

This captivating journey begins with a scenic flight by ski plane, providing sweeping views of the Tasman Valley and the iconic Aoraki/Mount Cook. The adventure continues with a thrilling helicopter ride, landing directly on the surface of the Tasman Glacier.

From this unique vantage point, guests can admire the breathtaking Tasman Terminal Lake, the Grand Plateau, and the majestic Hochstetter Icefall. This immersive experience is further enhanced by the live English tour guide and audio commentary, ensuring a truly memorable encounter with New Zealand’s awe-inspiring alpine wilderness.

The highlights of this flight include:

Scenic flight by ski plane and helicopter
Landing on New Zealand’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier
Views of the Tasman Terminal Lake, Grand Plateau, and Aoraki/Mount Cook
Fly over the Tasman Valley and witness the Hochstetter Icefall

Weather and Rescheduling Considerations

Given the alpine environment, weather can significantly impact the Mount Cook ski plane and helicopter flight. Operators closely monitor conditions and may need to reschedule flights if weather poses safety concerns for the aircraft or passengers.

Sudden changes in wind, precipitation, or visibility could lead to flight delays or cancellations. Passengers are advised to be flexible with their travel plans and check for updates prior to their scheduled departure.

The operator’s top priority is ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience, so they won’t hesitate to make weather-related adjustments as needed. While rescheduling can be inconvenient, it’s a necessary precaution to protect both passengers and crew in this remote and dynamic mountain setting.