Flying with

True South Flights

Mount Cook & Glacier Experiences

Explore the incredible Southern Alps, with its crown jewel and New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, as well as pristine glaciers like the Franz Josef and the Tasman Glacier, with our flights and heli rides.

Mount Cook & Glacier Experience Scenic Flights

Approximately 60% of the South Island of New Zealand is covered in mountains and the highest, longest and most glaciated range by far is the spectacular Southern Alps. These alps stretch nearly 500 km and were created some 15 million years ago when the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates collided.

New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mt Cook, rises from the Southern Alps to 3,724 metres (12,318 feet). It is now 30 metres shorter than it was in 1991, when an avalanche of 10 million cubic metres of snow and rock came down. The avalanche itself shaved just 10 metres off of the height but this was revised in 2014 after the effects of erosion became apparent.

Aoraki was the traditional Māori name given to Mt Cook, named after a person in the traditions of the Ngai Tahu iwi. The English name was given to the mountain in 1851 by Captain John Lort Stokes to honour Captain James Cook, the first European to discover New Zealand in 1770.

The Southern Alps contain over 3000 glaciers, the most famous of which are the Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. Both offer spectacular views and incredible runs for skiing and snowboarding, both for novices and professionals.

Our tours also include helicopter landings to these glaciers in partnership with Helicopter Line, as well as heli hikes with Alpine Guides, which are especially useful if you are short on time and want to take in as much of the landscape as you can.

Departure Times

Our flight times depend on the package you pick.

Ski the Tasman

08am

Mt Cook Heliski

08am

Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike

08am, 09am

Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

09am, 10:00am

Mt Cook Scenic Flights

09am, 10:00am

Helicopter Glacier Landing

09am, 10:00am

Fly to Mount Cook & the Glaciers

Ski The Tasman

Ideal for both novice and experienced skiing enthusiasts, the Tasman Glacier offers the longest runs in Aotearoa. Plus, on our tour, you get the chance to experience some stunning landscapes and panoramic views of the Mount Cook region.

Flight Time: 1.5 hrs

Trip Duration: 8 hrs

Adult:

$2045

Child:

$2045

Mt Cook Heliski

A day trip for heli-skiers and heli-boarders to experience some of the most unbelievable runs in New Zealand and the sheer beauty of the Southern Alps.

Flight Time: 1.5 hrs

Trip Duration: 8 hrs

Adult:

$2245

Child:

$2245

Franz Josef Heli Hike

A 1-hour fixed-wing flight followed by a helicopter ride to hike and experience the Franz Josef Glacier, ice caves and other natural features of the South Island glaciers. Organised in partnership with Franz Josef Glacier Guides.

Flight Time: 2 hrs

Trip Duration: 7.5 hrs

Adult:

$1499

Child:

$1299

Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

Similar to the Franz Josef Heli Hike, this 1-hour fixed-wing flight followed by a helicopter ride takes you to the eastern side of Mount Cook to hike and experience the Tasman Glacier. Organised in partnership with Alpine Guides.

Flight Time: 2 hrs

Trip Duration: 7 hrs

Adult:

$1499

Child:

$1299

Mt Cook Scenic Flights

Experience Mt. Cook’s magical scenery on this incredible Scenic Flight tour. After admiring Mt. Cardrona & Wanaka from the air, breeze across the heart of the Southern Alps & around NZ’s tallest mountain, Mt. Cook.

Flight Time: 2 hrs

Trip Duration: 3 hrs

Adult:

$630

Child:

$400

Helicopter Glacier Landing

Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the glaciers in the Southern Alps with our half-day tour that includes a flight and helicopter ride. Organised in partnership with the Helicopter Line.

Flight Time: 2hr 45 mins

Trip Duration: 3 hrs 30 mins

Adult:

$1299

Child:

$1050

Other Flights

Milford Sound

Our scenic flights are designed to help you immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound and its surroundings. Choose from three flight options and pick the perfect way to enjoy the area, whether it’s a direct flight, or a mix of flying, a cruise and driving.

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Flight Paths

Embark on an awe-inspiring adventure with a scenic flight through the majestic Alps of New Zealand. As you soar high above the rugged peaks and pristine glaciers, be prepared to witness nature’s grandeur in its purest form. Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and crystal-clear lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see.