THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Experience the thrill of flying above the Southern Alps and savor a gourmet picnic on snow with INFLITE at Mt. Cook. An unforgettable adventure awaits those seeking stunning aerial views and alpine luxury.
Experience the thrill of flying above the Southern Alps and savor a gourmet picnic on snow with INFLITE at Mt. Cook. An unforgettable adventure awaits those seeking stunning aerial views and alpine luxury.
Book with INFLITE - Mt. Cook
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by INFLITE - Mt. Cook · Aoraki / Mount Cook, Canterbury
Set against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Cook in New Zealand's Southern Alps, the Picnic Amongst The Peaks ski plane experience offers a soaring adventure that combines breathtaking vistas with an exclusive alpine picnic. Departing from the nearby city of Christchurch, this trip transports you high above snow-blanketed peaks, glacial valleys, and the rugged terrain that defines this awe-inspiring region. The flight itself is a highlight—piloted by expert guides, the aircraft glides over jagged ice formations, shimmering glaciers, and granite spires that seem to pierce the sky, offering photo-worthy perspectives rarely seen from the ground. Once atop the pristine snowfield, you'll disembark to enjoy a gourmet picnic amid this icy wonderland, surrounded by panoramic views that seem almost unreal. The area's geological features include ancient granite formations and expansive glaciers, some of which carved out the valleys and peaks below. Beyond the scenery, local legends tell of early explorers and indigenous stories linked to this rugged landscape, adding cultural depth to your adventure.
This trip is perfect for those comfortable with small aircraft and seeking an active, scenic escape. The flight lasts approximately 1 hour, with an additional hour on the ground for picnic and photography opportunities. Participants should be in good health, with minimal fear of heights, and prepared for winter conditions—dress warmly and bring good cameras to capture the surreal landscape. The trip is suitable for age 12 and older, with some technical skills in navigating open, snowy terrain advantageous, though guided landings ensure safety.
INFLITE’s service is celebrated locally for its professional pilots and commitment to sustainability, ensuring this pristine environment remains protected for future generations. With limited spots available, this experience stands out as an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime mountain adventure that uniquely combines aerial sightseeing with a luxurious Alpine picnic.
Moderate.
6–8 hours.
Moderate fitness required; participants should be comfortable with outdoor activity.
Yes, participants must be at least 12 years old and comfortable with small aircraft flights.
Dress warmly in layers, including insulated outerwear, gloves, hat, and waterproof gear if needed.
The aerial flight lasts about 1 hour, with additional time on the ground for the picnic and photography.
Absolutely, bring your camera or phone—guided sessions will allow you to capture the stunning scenery.
The trip involves minimal walking, primarily boarding and disembarking, with a focus on scenery viewing.
Flights depend on weather conditions; flexible scheduling and professional pilots ensure safety in changing weather.
The region played a pivotal role in early mountaineering history, with first ascents recorded in the early 20th century.
INFLITE emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including minimizing aircraft noise and supporting local conservation efforts to protect the fragile alpine environment.
INFLITE - Mt. Cook operates from Aoraki / Mount Cook in Canterbury, New Zealand. The company specialises in aerial and alpine experiences using helicopters and ski planes, offering scenic flights, glacier landings, ski transfers, skydives and bespoke charters. Core experiences include the Glacier Private Flight that lands on the lower Tasman Glacier for a 40-minute exploration, ski-the-Tasman adventures, Tasman Taster 25-minute flights with pilot commentary, the 2 Run Ski the Tasman ski plane program with included flight transfers and expert guidance, and multiple scenic Grand Circle and Glacier Highlights flights by both ski plane and helicopter. INFLITE - Mt. Cook also lists high-adrenaline options such as 10,000ft, 13,000ft and 16,500ft skydive departures over Aoraki / Mt Cook, and combined packages like the Glacier Freefall Trifecta that pairs ski plane and helicopter transfers with a 15,000-foot freefall. Picnic and wedding charter options are available by ski plane or helicopter, and alpine transfers such as Alps to Ocean helicopter transfers are offered. Safety and local knowledge are emphasised through experienced pilots, informative onboard commentary on selected flights, and guided glacier activities where specified. The business presents a range of tour durations, aircraft types and landing options across Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park. Prospective guests should consult INFLITE - Mt. Cook directly for current availability, pricing and operational details. Flight transfers are included for some ski experiences, and private and charter options are available for weddings and special events. The experiences provide photography and filming opportunities during glacier landings and scenic overflights.
Book with INFLITE - Mt. Cook