Mount Cook Flights

Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak at 3,724 metres, is best appreciated from the air, where the Southern Alps unfold in a way no road or walking track can match. Our Mount Cook flights cover fixed wing scenic flights, helicopters, heli skiing, heli hikes and tandem skydiving across the Mackenzie Basin and West Coast.

Fixed Wing Scenic Flights

The 20 Minute Mt Cook Scenic Flight is the shortest way into the air, while the Alpine Explorer 35 Minutes and Tasman Taster add extra time over the Tasman Glacier. For the full route, the Classic Five Runs and The Grand Circle circle multiple glaciers and valleys in a single flight, and the Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Scenic Flight lands on snow for a stop among the peaks.

Helicopter Scenic Flights

The 40 Minute Mt Cook Scenic Helicopter Flight and Helicopter 55 Minute Flight cover progressively more ground by air, while the Glacier Highlights Helicopter Scenic Flight and Mount Cook Ultimate Alpine Experience push further into the alpine terrain around Aoraki.

Heli Skiing and Ski Plane Landings

For skiers and boarders, Mount Cook Heli Ski flies straight onto untouched alpine terrain, and Ski and Board the Tasman puts skis onto New Zealand's longest glacier for a descent unlike anything at a standard resort.

Heli Hikes on the Tasman Glacier

The Tasman Glacier Heli Hike and Tasman Glacier Heli Hike from Mount Cook both land walkers directly on the ice for a guided route through crevasses and ice formations only reachable by helicopter.

Tandem Skydiving Over Mount Cook

For freefall over the Southern Alps, the Tandem Skydive over Mt Cook at 9,000ft is the entry point, the 13,000ft option with a photographer captures the jump on camera, and the 16,500ft jump gives the longest freefall over Aoraki available.

Flights Linking Tekapo and the West Coast

Several flights connect Mount Cook to the wider South Island. The Grand Traverse ex Lake Tekapo departs from the lakeside township, while the Mount Cook Spectacular with Glacier Landing, Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier with Glacier Landing and Fox or Franz Josef Glacier Snow Landing extend the same alpine flying across to the West Coast glaciers.

Why Book Your Mount Cook Flight with Everything New Zealand

We are your local travel partner across the Mackenzie Basin, not the operator, so we only list flights we would genuinely recommend to family and friends. Compare fixed wing, helicopter, heli skiing and skydiving side by side, book online in a few minutes and get instant confirmation. Less scrolling, more strolling, straight into alpine air.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a fixed wing and helicopter flight at Mount Cook? Fixed wing flights such as the Classic Five Runs cover more distance and altitude, while helicopters like the Glacier Highlights Helicopter Scenic Flight can hover and land in tighter spots closer to the ice.

Can I land on a glacier during a Mount Cook flight? Yes, several options including the Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Scenic Flight and the West Coast glacier landing flights include a snow landing as part of the trip.

Is heli skiing at Mount Cook suitable for intermediate skiers? Heli skiing and Ski and Board the Tasman both suit strong intermediate to advanced skiers comfortable on ungroomed alpine terrain, since there are no marked runs.

What is the highest tandem skydive altitude available at Mount Cook? The Tandem Skydive over Mt Cook at 16,500ft is the highest altitude option, giving the longest freefall over Aoraki and the Southern Alps.

Can I fly between Mount Cook and the West Coast glaciers? Yes, flights such as the Mount Cook Spectacular with Glacier Landing and the Fox and Franz Josef Twin Glacier flight connect Mount Cook with Fox and Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast.