The 6 Best Ski Days in New Zealand

1.Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 271 reviews · 45 min · from $328Our pick

You’ll fly over the Tasman Valley by ski plane and helicopter, land on the upper Tasman Glacier, and return to Mount Cook Airport. English-speaking pilots provide commentary, though the amount can vary. Bring a phone or camera, but leave every bag behind.

“Cool. The pilots are very helpful and friendly. I am not tall and both pilots help me up and down the ski plane and helicopter. Bravo to them. Thank you very much. I have a wonderful day.”

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2.45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 107 reviews · from $353

Take off from Mount Cook Airport by ski plane or helicopter, fly over Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Valley, land on the Tasman Glacier for 10 to 15 minutes, then change aircraft for the return flight. Weather and glacier conditions may require a helicopter-only flight or a different glacier.

“Booked the flight even before I depart for nz. Drove all the way to lake tekapo and noticed the weather was quite bad. Didn’t receive any emails on cancellation when the flight up is the very next day. Drove all the way to mt cook and called them only to know it’s cancelled and they are not even operating! I understand it’s due to the weather but the least the company can do is call/email on the cancellation. Time wastage. Hope this communication bit can be improved. Money is not refunded immediately too”

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3.45-Minute Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Tour from Mount Cook

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $418Top rated

Take a small ski plane from Mount Cook Airport over Aoraki Mt Cook, Tasman Valley, Hochstetter Icefall, and New Zealand’s largest glacier. Your pilot, such as Mark, Dan, or Maurice, provides live commentary before landing on the Tasman Glacier snowfield.

“Perfect. The customer service is excellent, the pilots are excellent, the ski plane was comfortable and so smooth! The day was absolutely perfect and we are still buzzing. My favourite thing I’ve ever done across 33 countries - simply the most stunning part of the world”

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4.55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $482

Fly for about an hour around Aoraki Mount Cook and across Mt Cook and Westland National Parks. You will see Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman Glaciers, make two snow landings when conditions allow, and return over the Grand Plateau and Hochstetter Icefall. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

“Unforgettable experience that’s well worth what we paid! We flew higher than I initially anticipated and actually managed to get very close to the summit of Mount Cook.”

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5.Mt Cook: 55-Minute Scenic Flight in Helicopter or Ski Plane

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 6 reviews · 55 min · from $447

You’ll fly with an English-speaking guide in a helicopter or ski plane, crossing the Southern Alps to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers before circling Aoraki Mt Cook. The flight carries up to six people, includes a safety briefing, and may land on a glacier when conditions allow.

“L’activité a malheureusement été annulée par l’organisateur pour raison de sécurité”

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6.Cardrona First Timer Ski or Snowboard

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $160Best value

Start your snow sports journey at Cardrona with return Queenstown transport, rental gear, a full day of English lessons, and a learner lift pass. You will also get one McDougall’s Chondola ride, with time for a beginner run from the mountain top or a relaxed gondola trip back down.

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