Mt. Cook

Aoraki

Mt. Cook Scenic Flights and Tours from Queenstown

Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain and one of the country’s most spectacular alpine destinations. Home to glaciers, rugged peaks, turquoise lakes, and world-renowned mountain scenery, Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park attracts visitors seeking some of the most breathtaking landscapes in New Zealand.

From Queenstown, Glenorchy Air offers a unique perspective of the Southern Alps, revealing remote glaciers, braided river systems and alpine terrain that cannot be fully appreciated from the ground. Whether you’re exploring Mt Cook National Park, experiencing a glacier adventure or simply admiring New Zealand’s highest mountain, every journey showcases the remarkable beauty of the Mackenzie and Southern Alps regions. With experienced local pilots, guaranteed window seats and spectacular flight routes, every flight is designed to help you make the most of your time in the Southern Alps.

Mt. Cook

Fly | Heli Hike | Fly

Walk across New Zealand’s largest glacier. Embark on a scenic flight with  unparalleled views of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and land in Mt. Cook National Park. From there, you’ll team up with your knowledgeable guide, take a helicopter to the Tasman Glacier and explore ice formations, seracs and ice caves.

Mt. Cook

Fly | Explore | Fly

Explore the home of New Zealand’s highest mountain and explore Mt. Cook at your own pace. Take a scenic flight to Mt. Cook National Park and choose how you’d like to spend your day. You can venture out on foot, visit the Sir Edmund Hilary Centre, and enjoy a lunch at The Hermitage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mt. Cook

Where is Mt. Cook?

Mt. Cook is is located in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, within Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park in the Southern Alps. From Queenstown, Mt. Cook is approximately a 3.5 to 4 hour drive each way, while a scenic flight offers a significantly faster journey at 1 hour each way.

Is Mt. Cook worth visiting?

Yes. Aoraki Mt. Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain and one of the country’s most iconic natural attractions. Surrounded by glaciers, alpine lakes and rugged mountain scenery, it attracts visitors from around the world seeking some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

Can you visit Mt. Cook in a day from Queenstown?

Yes. Glenorchy Air makes it possible to experience Mt. Cook in a single day, combining spectacular alpine scenery, glacier views and time to explore New Zealand’s highest mountain while maximising your time in the region.

What can you do at Mt. Cook?

Visitors can enjoy alpine walks, glacier viewing, sightseeing, photography, and mountain experiences throughout Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park. The region is also home to some of New Zealand’s most famous hiking trails and glacier landscapes.

Can you see glaciers at Mt. Cook?

Yes. Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park is home to several glaciers, including the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest glacier. Glaciers cover approximately 40% of the national park, making it one of the country’s most significant alpine environments. Seeing glaciers from above on a scenic flight from Queenstown to Mt. Cook is just spectacular.

What is the Tasman Glacier?

The Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s largest glacier, stretching approximately 23 kilometres through the heart of Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park. Its immense size and spectacular alpine setting make it one of the region’s most famous natural attractions.

When is the best time to visit Mt. Cook?

Aoraki Mt. Cook can be visited year-round, with every season offering a different perspective of the alpine landscape. Summer brings longer days and excellent walking conditions, while winter offers snow-covered peaks and striking mountain scenery.

Do you need to hike to enjoy Mt. Cook?

No. Many visitors choose to experience Aoraki Mt. Cook through sightseeing, photography, scenic viewpoints and short walks. The region’s glaciers, alpine landscapes and mountain scenery can be enjoyed without undertaking long or strenuous hikes.

Which Mt. Cook experience is right for me?

Whether you’re looking to explore the national park, experience a glacier adventure or admire New Zealand’s alpine scenery from above, Glenorchy Air offers a range of Mt Cook experiences. Fly Explore Fly is ideal for visitors wanting time to enjoy Mt Cook National Park and Fly Heli Hike Fly is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable glacier adventure.

Scenic Flights
How long is this trip?

This is a Half Day experience. From check in 30 minutes before departure, to landing back at Queenstown Airport, is approximately 5 to 5 1/2 hours. Please note, this does not include time for self-driving or using our complimentary transfers. If you have plans immediately either side of your experience with us, please let us know.

What time is best to fly?

It’s always a good time to fly! If the option is there, we would suggest either our 9.00am or 1.30pm departures. Please note, our 1.30pm departure time is only available at certain times of the year. Whilst we cannot guarantee it, Milford Sound can sometimes be a little bit quieter at these times.

What should I bring?

We suggest you bring the following with you to make it a great day out:

  • Any essential medication
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Camera – make sure it’s fully charged
  • Warm clothing layers – you’ll want to enjoy the open-air viewing decks where it can get chilly
  • Sensible footwear
  • Bottle of water
How long is the scenic flight?

Your flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound are approximately 40 minutes each way.

How long is the cruise?

Your Nature Cruise through Milford Sound with our partners Southern Discoveries is 1 hour 45 mins.

Is food included with the cruise?

No, lunch is not included. When making your booking online, you have the option to add a picnic lunch for an additional cost that will be ready for you on the cruise. We have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available.

Complimentary tea, coffee and water is available. A selection of small snacks are available to purchase onboard. You are also welcome to bring snacks of your own.

Is there an indoor area on the cruise?

Yes, the cruise has a large indoor area with comfortable seating and tables.

What will I see on the cruise?

Your cruise through Milford Sound is on a boat with a large open-top deck and comfy interior cabins with full-height windows for optimal viewing. Take in the stunning scenery of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Copper Point, and the Tasman Sea. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and penguins.

Is the cruise suitable for an infant?

We would say the cruise is suitable for all ages.

Is there a nappy changing facility/station available inside the cruise?

Yes, there is a nappy changing facility onboard the cruise.

What happens if the weather prevents us from flying back to Queenstown?

Our pilots will always look at the forecast for the full duration of your trip and if we feel like the weather may change, we will not leave Queenstown. Due to the weather-dependent nature of flying in the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, it is unfortunate that there are very rare occasions where the forecast changes on us and although uncommon, it can be a case that we are unable to operate the return flight. The safety of our passengers is always our highest priority and in the unlikely event that this ever occurs, we will arrange coach transfers back to Queenstown. We fully appreciate the inconvenience this will cause and do everything we can to look after our passengers.