Mt. Cook

Fly | Explore | Fly Recommendations

Explore Mt. Cook at your own pace.

All of our Mt. Cook flights share the same scenic flight in and out, meaning you can all fly together, but pick different activities.

Below are some of our top recommendations on how to spend your day at Mt. Cook. Please note, some of our recommendations may not be open or available. Be sure to check before your flight adventure. Also note that any helicopter or ski planes must be booked directly by the customer and are not included in this scenic flight experience.

Mt. Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters

Located at Mt. Cook Airport, Mt. Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters offer glacier experiences and landings. Get in touch with them to organise a flight during your time in Mt. Cook

The Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe + Bar

Located inside the iconic Hermitage Hotel, this casual self-service cafe offers a wide range of food options including sandwiches, wraps and pizzas to enjoy on the sun-drenched balcony or to-go.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Museum + Theater

Discover the history of this iconic region. A tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the world's greatest explorers. The centre showcases the Aoraki Mt. Cook region, its people and its tremendous triumph.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre

The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre is a 'must-do' activity when visiting. Learn about the surrounding walks and take in the stunning view of Aoraki from the large picture window inside.

Hooker Valley Track

This is one of New Zealand's most popular day walks. The track leads up the Hooker Valley and along the Hooker River, over three swing bridges and ending at the glacier lake, where there are amazing views of Aoraki. The well-formed track is suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.

Governors Bush Walk

This 1.5km loop walk takes approximately 45 minutes and goes through beech forest up to a lookout point of Wakefield Ridge and Aoraki. Keep an eye out for native birds, such as Kea and fantail. Departs from the public shelter at Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.

Tasman Terminal Lake + Glacier View

These two walks are located out at Blue Lakes, but veer off in different directions. The Tasman Terminal Lake track takes you to the start of the Tasman River outlet. The Glacier View takes you up some steps to a lookout point of the Terminal Lake and Tasman Glacier moraine wall.

Kea Point Walk

The Kea Point track is family-friendly and winds gently through subalpine grasslands to the Mueller Glacier moraine wall and ends at a viewing deck that give stunning views of Mount Sefton, The Footstool, Hooker Valley, Mueller Glacier Lake and Aoraki | Mt. Cook.

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Book your Mt. Cook Fly | Explore | Fly

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.