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Experience the South Island this Summer on a 55-Minute Grand Circle Ski Plane Flight

Experience a 55-minute ski plane scenic flight for a unique air tour through the heart of Mt Cook and Westland National Parks, where your flight path takes you right around Aoraki MT Cook and offers sweeping views over to the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers, including a glacier landing-an unforgettable way to see the Southern Alps and a true bucket-list adventure you won't want to miss.

About this activity in Summer

Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • 55-minute ski plane scenic flight over Aoraki / Mt Cook and the Southern Alps for unforgettable aerial views
  • Fly the full circuit around Aoraki with panoramic vistas of Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers
  • Experience a glacier landing - the ultimate Southern Alps bucket-list adventure
  • Small-group air tour that combines high-adrenaline scenic flying with up-close alpine and glacier perspectives

Important Information

  • Flights run from the Mt Cook / Aoraki area and the route crosses both Mt Cook and Westland National Parks for expansive mountain and glacier scenery
  • Minimum of two passengers required for the flight to operate; flights can be affected by weather and landings may be altered by snow conditions
  • Infants must sit on an adult’s lap (specialized infant seats available); accessibility and nearby public transport options are provided
  • Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure; souvenir photos are not included but can be purchased on-site

Meeting Point

Meet at the ski plane terminal / check-in counter at the Aoraki / Mt Cook airfield - exact meeting location and any transfer details will be confirmed after booking. Please arrive allowing time for the 45-minute pre-flight check-in.

Includes

  • Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off for easy transfers to and from your activity in Summer on the South Island - ideal if you’re staying locally and want a seamless start to your day.
  • A professional guide leads the experience, so you’ll get expert insights about the area and a safe, well-led activity.

Excludes

  • Souvenir photos are not included but are available to purchase if you want a keepsake from your time here.

Other

  • Wheelchair accessible - facilities and access are available to accommodate mobility needs in the region.
  • Public transportation options are available nearby, making it simple to reach the meeting point if you’re exploring the area without a car.
  • Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available for families travelling with very young children.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels, so participants with a range of abilities can join the experience here.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult for safety and supervision throughout the activity.
  • Dual landings depend on snow conditions and may be substituted with one longer landing if required by local weather.
  • Flights may be cancelled due to weather conditions, so please allow flexibility in your plans when booking in the region.
  • A minimum of two people per flight applies before the flight will operate, ensuring group viability for each departure.
  • Check-in closes 45 minutes prior to the flight time - arrive early to complete registration and briefings without delay.

Customer Reviews

10/10
Based on 10 Reviews
AilsaF972
Mar 10, 2025 07:14:25 AM
Summary: 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.
ReneeHoliday
Apr 30, 2024 08:04:35 PM
Summary: 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.
Ruven_G
Nov 9, 2023 02:21:56 AM
Summary: Unforgettable experience that’s well worth what we paid! We flew higher than I initially anticipated and actually managed to get very close to the summit of Mount Cook.

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Know more about Summer

On this 55-minute ski plane scenic experience you'll circle Aoraki Mt Cook and enjoy sweeping views across the Southern Alps, including panoramas over the Fox, Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers, plus a glacier landing for an unforgettable aerial perspective.
A glacier landing is offered as part of the tour, but dual landings are subject to snow conditions and may be substituted with one longer landing if necessary.
Flights may be cancelled due to weather conditions and a minimum of two people is required for the flight to operate; check-in closes 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure, so arrive early to ensure your seat on this popular Southern Alps tour.
Yes - the ski plane scenic experience is family-friendly for Summer visitors and is suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult and infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, with specialized infant seats available.
Yes - the experience is wheelchair accessible and public transportation options are available nearby; hotel pickup and drop-off are included to help you reach the meeting point.
Souvenir photos are not included but are available to purchase if you want professional images of your glacier landing and aerial views of the glaciers and mountains.