Expedition Aoraki/Mt. Cook

Begin your adventure with a scenic flight from Queenstown to the majestic Mt Cook. Departing from Queenstown Airport, you’ll ascend past Mt Cardrona and over Wanaka township into the heart of the Southern Alps, circling New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mt Cook. From the air, appreciate the immense scale and spectacular grandeur of the Southern Alps, including landmarks like Mt Glenmary, Mt Hooker, and Mt Dechen, and witness over 3,000 glaciers that adorn this region. Your unobstructed window seat offers unparalleled views of the vast snowfields, turquoise glacial lakes, intricate river systems, and the towering Aoraki / Mt Cook.

As you approach Mt Cook, marvel at the flat plains of the Mackenzie Country and the extensive water channels feeding glacial lakes Pukaki, Tekapo, and Ohau into the Waitaki River, which boasts three hydroelectric dams generating much of the South Island’s renewable energy. The pilot will highlight these features along with the stunning west coast of the South Island and the Tasman Sea.

Upon arrival overhead Mt Cook, enjoy a grand orbit of the area, taking in major glaciers like Tasman, Franz Josef, and Fox Glacier. After the breathtaking aerial tour, ground transport will take you from the airport and drop you off at your selected activity and return to pick you up after. This self-guided tour allows you to explore the Mt Cook area for up to five hours. Options for your day include heading into Mt Cook Village to enjoy lunch at The Hermitage Hotel, checking out the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, or walking the scenic Hooker Valley Track.

Our friendly, experienced pilots provide informative commentary throughout the flight and are happy to answer any questions. This adventure is the perfect blend of awe-inspiring landscapes and the freedom to discover Mt Cook at your own pace.