55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane
5
55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane
By Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters by Inflite
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About
Join this 55-minute Ski Plane scenic experience through the Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for a unique air tour like no other. Flight path goes right around Aoraki MT Cook and views over to the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. The ultimate way to see the Southern Alps including a glacier landing! Bucket list item!
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 18 per group
Duration: 1h 5m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- 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 3 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
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 22551P7- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Dual landings are subject to snow conditions and may be substituted to one longer landing
- Flights may be cancelled due to weather conditions
- Minimum of 2 people per flight applies before the flight will operate
- Most travellers can participate
- Check in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time
- 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 18 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: 22551P7
From
$729.00
per adult
Select date and travellers
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More to explore in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- 829gracent0 contributionsHelicopter and glacier landingBeautiful views!! We had an excellent time and the glacier landing was the highlight of our trip. Definitely recommend doing this!Written 14 March 2025
- jwhatley950 contributionsHighlight of our trip!!This experience was one of the highlights of our trip! Our pilot Mark was informative, fun and professional. He made a nervous passenger (myself) feel very safe and comfortable. Highly recommend!Written 1 March 2025
- McKenzo0 contributionsSTUNNING SCENERYAs part of our South Island holiday I went back to the Mt Cook Village area with the hope that we could get to experience the Ski Plane and Helicopter flights and landing on a glacier. The weather gods where out in force and we had absolutely beautiful blue sky. We went up in the ski plane, which is the last operating in the Southern Hemisphere, and ended landing on Franz Josef Glacier. The scenery on the way there is stunning and beautiful. We actually were very lucky and spent a little longer on the glacier. It was then into the helicopter for the flight back to the airfield. The views were amazing and both pilots provided commentary. If you are interested in this flight take it from the Mt Cook Village side as taking it from the west coast is more problematic due to weather. My husband and I loved the experience and it was worth the detour.Written 26 February 2025
- K1187HCcraigc0 contributionsWorthy of a ProposalGreat combination of helicopter flight up to the top of Mount Cook and plane ride down with a preference for the helicopter journey. Unfortunately cloud descended on us just as we landed cutting our time walking in the snow at the peak to just 2 minutes but just enough time to get my proposal in......Written 23 February 2025
- Dave H0 contributionsAmazing trip!This was just the most amazing experience. So special to spend some time on top of a glacier, with the most amazing views surrounding us. The pilot was lovely. He provided some very interesting information as well as making sure we were all OK. I recommend this very highly.Written 16 February 2025
- Tim W0 contributionsA must do experience with a very professional company and pilotUnbelievable experience with great views and commentary by Mark the pilot. The 10 minutes landing high up on the glacier was a bonus experience, incredible views and total silence. Easy to book and you are welcome upon arrival, so a very easy experience. Highly recommend both Inflite and the 55 minute tour.Written 11 February 2025
- 499bridgetw0 contributionsAmazing views of GlacierHelicopter ride was amazing. The aerial views of the glacier and surrounding mountains were breathtaking, and the flight was smooth and informative. A must do rideWritten 10 February 2025
- hailinht20150 contributionsA changed itineraryWe initially booked the 45-minute Glacier Tour, but was informed 3 hours before the flight that the wind was too strong that day for such a flight. However, the operator offered to change to a 25-minute flight to a closer mountain top, with a partial refund, which we took. All in all, I’m glad to take it. The children were thrilled with the experience. The view from the helicopter was fantastic. The new landing area had enough snow for the kids to play. We had a very good view down the valley and the ice river. The pilots were very experienced and friendly.Written 1 February 2025
- Tour453845558550 contributions“Overpriced and Overcrowded – A Disappointing Helicopter Ride״We booked a 45-minute family helicopter ride, expecting an unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions (which, of course, are beyond the company’s control), the flight was canceled. As a replacement, we were offered a shortened 25-minute flight, and despite the initial disappointment, we decided to go ahead with it. The experience itself was very disappointing. The seating was cramped, and I was placed in the middle seat on the back bench, where the view was practically non-existent. It completely ruined the purpose of a helicopter ride – the amazing sights. The whole operation felt entirely industrial – there was no sense of uniqueness or premium service, which we had expected given the exorbitant price we paid. The overall attitude felt cold and impersonal, like a factory churning out flights with no regard for customer experience. In summary, what was supposed to be a highlight of our family trip turned into a major letdown. With such a high price tag, we expected a level of service and quality to match – but it was far from it. Definitely not recommended.Written 28 January 2025
- 356kaylieb0 contributionsExceptional Mt Cook Glacier ExperienceceWe experienced an incredible afternoon combining both plane and helicopter flights to the Tasman Glacier at Mt Cook. The unique dual-aircraft adventure offered two distinct perspectives of New Zealand's largest glacier and surrounding alpine landscape. The highlight was landing on the glacier itself - a surreal experience standing on ice surrounded by spectacular peaks. Our pilots, Maurice and Mark, were excellent guides who shared fascinating insights about the geography and glacial features throughout the journey. For anyone visiting Mt Cook, this combination flight offers exceptional value. It's more than just a scenic flight - it's an immersive alpine adventure that provides unique perspectives you simply can't get any other way. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable New Zealand alpine experience.Written 20 January 2025
- F9881YOnickw0 contributionsWow!!!! IncredibleWhat an experience!!! Highlight of our time in New Zealand so far. The helicopter ride with mark was fantastic and the plane ride back with Maurice just as wonderful. You just have to do thisWritten 11 January 2025
- letitiac20250 contributionsBucket list experienceAmazing experience. The ski plane and helicopter combo was fantastic. Dont hesitate! Thanks to our guides Andrew and Angus.Written 7 January 2025
- Z1520QBtonyl0 contributionsNot all passengers has the same viewThis helicopter tour accommodates six passengers in a two-row configuration, with the pilot in the front left. While the pilot expertly hovered at each point of interest to allow for photos, the viewing experience was highly uneven. Passengers seated in the front row or the left-most seat enjoyed spectacular, unobstructed views. Unfortunately, those seated elsewhere had to contend with obstructed views, looking over the shoulders of other passengers. The helicopter was not rotated to offer all passengers a direct view of each scene, which significantly diminished the experience for those not in the prime seats. This lack of consideration for all passengers' viewing angles greatly reduced the value of the tour.Written 6 January 2025
- 469abhilashj0 contributionsThe best. Period.Me and my partner took a deep breath, mustered all our courage, and YES—we conquered the 13,000-foot jump! 🎉🎉 Sure, we had our sights on 16K, but hey, the weather had other plans. 🌧️ No biggie though, because the crew? ABSOLUTE LEGENDS! 🙌 They broke everything down so perfectly, over and over, that by the time we jumped, it felt like second nature (well, almost 😉). And let me tell you, if you’re in NZ and dreaming of a skydive, THIS is the place to do it. 🌏✨ The views of Mt. Cook? Beyond epic. Go for it—you won’t regret it! 🪂💥Written 4 January 2025
- Daniel F0 contributionsBest birthday gift idea!My wife’s birthday fell over her honeymoon and I surprised her (a day before so she knew how to prepare) with skydiving. It was both of our first times and it was a blast!! They had to adjust our height due to clouds, but they reimbursed us for the height we actually fell from. I want to give our guides specific credit, but I can’t recall their names. They were both great! The video was definitely worth it.Written 28 December 2024
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
14 reviews
Excellent
14
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
BigErn05
Wellington11 contributions
Jan 2023
On 18th January 2023 my party of 2 adults and 2 children (all Kiwis) did an amazing flight on a ski plane that took about an hour and flew us from Mt Cook airport in a big loop around Mt Cook itself then landing on Tasman Glacier before returning to the airport. Basically, it was amazing. Like once in a life time wow factor to see the scenery of the Southern Alps and the West Coast and to land on the glacier. Words fail to describe how good it was. We had an 0830 flight but it was delayed, due to clouds, for about an hour and a bit. But the company dealt with this smoothly. One of the adults (not me!) was a reluctant flier but Dan, our pilot, was exceptionally good at managing all of us including the nervous one amongst us. That he has decades of experience helps. These flights are not cheap, cost us about $NZ2k. So I wasn't sure if I would get a sense of value for money. But I needn't have worried, it certainly was value for money because the experience was for all of us so, so amazing. The best two grand I ever spent!!! If I could rate it 11 out of 10 I would.
Written 29 January 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.
Ailsa F
London, UK950 contributions
This was the highlight of our New Zealand trip, a fantastic experience. Firstly we were impressed by how they rearranged our trip to a different day because clouds meant limited visibility, it would have been easier for them to send us on a trip with less visibility. When we went visibility was excellent and landing on the glacier high up in the mountains was such a treat, excellent pilot who made us feel so looked after. Outstanding.
Written 10 March 2025
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.
ANZ787900
Auckland, New Zealand58 contributions
Feb 2021
There is no scenic flight in New Zealand which matches the awesomeness of the flight around the glaciers including landing on a glacier. If you were to choose one scenic flight to do in New Zealand, this is the one. Make sure you put it high on your bucket list as you won't regret it.
The staff are very friendly, helpful, skilful and knowledgeable.
The experience takes you so close to the Southern Alps; in particular Aoraki Mount Cook itself. You feel as though you could reach out and touch it. The manouevrability of the Pilatus PC-6 is amazing. The magic happens when you land on the glacier in a plane - the landing is so smooth you don't even know you've touched down - the only way of knowing you've touched down on the glacier is by looking at the snow/ice spray from the skis. Whichever glacier you end up landing on, it will be extraordinary experience. Paying a little extra for a view of the West Coast glaciers and the chance of landing on the Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers if conditions are suitable is worth it in my view.
Even if it's overcast (if the cloud ceiling is above the mountains), it'll be worth it.
Don't forget your sunglasses and even sunscreen as the glacier reflects everything back onto you from all angles.
I'd do it again in a heartbeat, no doubt about it.
The staff are very friendly, helpful, skilful and knowledgeable.
The experience takes you so close to the Southern Alps; in particular Aoraki Mount Cook itself. You feel as though you could reach out and touch it. The manouevrability of the Pilatus PC-6 is amazing. The magic happens when you land on the glacier in a plane - the landing is so smooth you don't even know you've touched down - the only way of knowing you've touched down on the glacier is by looking at the snow/ice spray from the skis. Whichever glacier you end up landing on, it will be extraordinary experience. Paying a little extra for a view of the West Coast glaciers and the chance of landing on the Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers if conditions are suitable is worth it in my view.
Even if it's overcast (if the cloud ceiling is above the mountains), it'll be worth it.
Don't forget your sunglasses and even sunscreen as the glacier reflects everything back onto you from all angles.
I'd do it again in a heartbeat, no doubt about it.
Written 1 April 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 flying with us Nicholas and for taking the time to review us. Our skiplanes are so special we agree, as we are the only company here in NZ to operate them, and sounds like you had a great day for flying We hope to see you again soon!
Tag your photos #myINFLITE
Instagram @mtcookskiplanesandhelis
Facebook @Mt Cook Ski Planes
Written 3 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
R&M_holiday
11 contributions
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
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.
JoeHolder
Nanaimo, Canada2 contributions
Mar 2020
I was absolutely BLOWN away by the views and the scenery this flights covered. From the Mt. Cook Village over to the west coast soaring over the Fox and Franz Joseph glacier I was speechless!!! The views were great and everyone who was apart of the experience made it all that much better as I was always greeted with a smile. Pete the pilatus porter plane pilot panned picturesque panoramic places.
So far my favorite experience in New Zealand, definitely a must do, must see!!!!!!!
So far my favorite experience in New Zealand, definitely a must do, must see!!!!!!!
Written 5 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.
Thank you so much for flying with us and for the great review!
Tag your photos #myINFLITE
Instagram @mtcookskiplanesandhelis
Facebook @Mt Cook Ski Planes
Written 3 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TimTran
Washington DC, DC257 contributions
Jan 2022
Echoing the many great reviews. Absolutely fabulous, felt very safe in the hands of Dan and the ski plane though I'm a timid flyer. Great sights. We couldn't land because of wind, but the company went out of their way to accommodate a landing later or refund. Great customer service, friendly, clean facility, great plane, great piloting. Highly recommend.
Written 6 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.
Ryan
2 contributions
Aug 2020
This experience was absolutely magical. Weaving our way up and around the glaciers onto the West coast with a landing high up on Fox Glacier. Stunning views, exceptional customer service. Highly recommend a visit and an experience on any of there flights. Mt Cook Ski Planes and Heli's happily catered for our team of 35-40 members of the Canterbury Aero Club across many of their flight experiences making it a highly enjoyable and unforgettable memory.
Written 20 August 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.
Thank you so much for flying with and the review Ryan, and we hope to see you again soon as was a pleaure to host a large group and to have pilot yarns with everyone!
Tag your photos #myINFLITE
Instagram @mtcookskiplanesandhelis
Facebook @Mt Cook Ski Planes
Written 3 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pd7
Weymouth, UK542 contributions
Jan 2020
Absolutely the best thing we did on the whole trip of both islands in NZ - without doubt! As we had to get to Christchurch by 3pm we just booked the shortest helicopter flight (Tasman Glacier only) from the activity centre at the Hermitage Hotel in Mt Cook. We were told on arrival at the airport we couldn't go until lunchtime as they needed another couple. We explained we had to be flying nowish then away so after a brief conflab they upgraded us to a plane which did the whole mountains & glaciers circuit AND landed on the Tasman Glacier itself - in other words the cheapest/shortest flight w/o landing to the longest with landing! Btw the views were stunning, the walking about in shorts & T-shirts on a glacier was surreal and the Aussie pilot a fun & knowledgeable guide. THANK YOU SO MUCH to INFLITE! Don't leave Aoraki/Mt Cook w/o doing a flight - any flight!
Written 21 September 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.
What great weather you had! Thank you so much for flying with us and the great review, Tag your photos #myINFLITE
Instagram @mtcookskiplanesandhelis
Facebook @Mt Cook Ski Planes
Written 3 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jean L
Sydney, Australia83 contributions
Amazing life time experience! Before booking this, I have searched a lot and so glad to make this. Here are a couple of things that I wanted to know before my bookings.
- 55min grand circle vs 45min ultimate alpine:
I did 55 min the grand circle which covers both Mt cook and Franz Josef. It was great to have lots of time to see in the sky, but I guess covering Mt cook would be enough. It is difficult to listen pilot's explanation due to engine noise, so not easy to recognize where I am.
- Flight company : There are other companies with a little bit of cheaper price. I booked this company because of snow landing and it was perfect choice. It was definitely worthy to try. Landing time was around 10min and I've got plenty of good photos.
- Discount : I have booked via bookme website which offers cheaper price depending on the booking date.
- Service : My concern was cancellation after reading some reviews. Luckily, the weather in my flight day was so good (even hot) without worrying for cancellation. All staff and pilot were so kind and nice.
If your budget allows, highly recommend.
- 55min grand circle vs 45min ultimate alpine:
I did 55 min the grand circle which covers both Mt cook and Franz Josef. It was great to have lots of time to see in the sky, but I guess covering Mt cook would be enough. It is difficult to listen pilot's explanation due to engine noise, so not easy to recognize where I am.
- Flight company : There are other companies with a little bit of cheaper price. I booked this company because of snow landing and it was perfect choice. It was definitely worthy to try. Landing time was around 10min and I've got plenty of good photos.
- Discount : I have booked via bookme website which offers cheaper price depending on the booking date.
- Service : My concern was cancellation after reading some reviews. Luckily, the weather in my flight day was so good (even hot) without worrying for cancellation. All staff and pilot were so kind and nice.
If your budget allows, highly recommend.
Written 21 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.
Thank you so much for flying with and for the great review! The Grand circle is our favourite for those reasons! We hope to see you again soon
Tag your photos #myINFLITE
Instagram @mtcookskiplanesandhelis
Facebook @Mt Cook Ski Planes
Written 3 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neill B
Yaldhurst, New Zealand33 contributions
Absolutely magnificent flight and landing on the Franz Josef glacier. Very knowledgeable pilot and outstanding service from all the staff.
Written 30 May 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.
What a day for you and trip. Thank you so much for flying with us and for the great review NeillB_12
Written 3 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.