Mount Cook: Ski plane flight with Tasman Glacier landing

Summary

Ski plane adventure & glacier landing in Aoraki/Mt Cook

Fly over Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park by ski plane with a local guide, land right on Tasman Glacier, and step out into pure white silence. Hear stories through your headset as you soar past ridges and lakes before touching down on New Zealand’s largest glacier — an experience you’ll remember long after leaving Mount Cook behind.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the air felt sharper at Mount Cook Airport — like it had its own kind of energy. We met our pilot, Tom (he’s been flying here for ages), and he handed out these headphones that made me feel like I was about to join a documentary crew. The ski plane looked almost toy-like against those mountains, but once we squeezed in (nine of us, plus Tom), it felt surprisingly solid. I kept glancing at my partner, who was grinning like a kid. You could smell cold metal and something faintly sweet — maybe jet fuel or just the snow itself.

Takeoff was quick — barely time to get nervous. Suddenly we were above Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, and Tom started pointing out ridges and valleys through the headset. He told us a bit about Haupapa, the Māori name for Tasman Glacier, and how it’s still shifting under all that blue-white ice. The sun hit the glacier lake just right so it looked almost fake, this wild turquoise you don’t really see anywhere else. There was a moment when everything went quiet except for the hum of the engine and someone behind me whispering “wow” — not even trying to be dramatic, just surprised.

Landing on the Tasman Glacier itself was… odd? The skis made this soft scraping sound as we touched down, and when we stepped out it was blindingly bright. I tried to scoop up some snow (couldn’t resist) but it was powdery and dry — not what I expected at all. Tom laughed at my mittens (“city hands,” he said) and showed us how to walk without sinking too deep. The silence up there is weirdly loud; you can hear your own boots crunching and nothing else for a second or two.

I didn’t think 45 minutes would feel long enough for something like this, but honestly? It’s stuck with me more than some full-day hikes I’ve done elsewhere. Maybe it’s because you’re seeing Aoraki/Mt Cook from above — like you’re borrowing a bird’s eyes for a while. Or maybe it’s just that feeling when you step onto a glacier knowing most people only ever see them in photos. Either way, if you’re thinking about booking this ski plane tour from Mount Cook… well, I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ski Plane Flight and Glacier Landing

• Fly past Aoraki Mt Cook
• Land on Tasman Glacier
• Experience Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Top questions

How long is the Mount Cook ski plane tour?

The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes from takeoff to landing.

Do they actually land on Tasman Glacier during the flight?

Yes, the ski plane lands directly on Tasman Glacier as part of the experience.

Is there live commentary during the flight?

Yes, your local guide provides live commentary through headsets on board.

How many people fit in one ski plane?

The ski plane seats up to nine passengers per flight.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if weather conditions are bad?

The flight may be cancelled due to weather conditions; check-in closes 45 minutes before departure.

What’s included

Your experience includes live onboard commentary from your local guide as you fly over Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park in a ski plane, with a landing right on Tasman Glacier before returning to Mount Cook Airport — all within 45 minutes from start to finish.