9 New Zealand Ski Trips Worth Booking

1.Mount Cook: 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 after time on the snow. English-speaking pilots provide commentary. Expect big views, a strict 45-minute check-in, and no bags onboard.

“Both the ski plane and helicopter flights were great, the view was amazing- maybe a bit more commentary from the guides would have elevated the experience.”

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2.45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour

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

Fly over Aoraki Mt Cook and the Tasman Valley by ski plane and helicopter, with a 10 to 15-minute glacier landing between flights. Your pilot provides live commentary, and aircraft may be swapped on the glacier. Check in 30 minutes early at Mount Cook Airport.

“ski plane and heli-landed on glacier. Sky plane was more bumpy nbut offered spectacular views heli was smooth views were harder cz i was in the middle seat”

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3.45-Minute Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Tour from Mount Cook

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

Take a roughly 45-minute ski-plane flight from Mount Cook Airport over Aoraki Mount Cook, Tasman Valley, Hochstetter Icefall, and New Zealand’s largest glacier. Your pilot provides live commentary before landing on the Tasman Glacier snowfield. Hotel pickup and return transfer are included.

“This experience was one of the highlights of our trip! Our pilot Mark was informative, fun and professional. He made a nervous passenger (myself) feel very safe and comfortable. Highly recommend!”

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4.55 minute Grand Circle Ski Plane

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

Take a ski plane from Mount Cook Airport around Aoraki Mount Cook and across the Southern Alps. See Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman Glaciers, then make two snow landings when conditions allow. 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.Shuttle Park n Ride to Whakapapa Ski fields

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · from $34Best value

Ride from National Park Village to Whakapapa Ski Fields in a shared 24-seat shuttle or 9-seat 4WD van. Backyard Tours provides round-trip transport, room for ski gear, local stories, and flexible afternoon pickup. The listed price is $34.13 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

“Excellent shuttle service to Whakapapa Ski Field! Very reliable and easy to communicate with—they respond immediately if you need to modify your booking. They also take great care of your belongings left in the van or bus. Highly recommend!”

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6.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 Mount Cook and the Tasman Glacier. Expect a six-person group, expert commentary, and views from takeoff, weather permitting.

“Very helpful Staff, Great Pilot (Angus). Overall a very enjoyable experience.”

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7.From Queenstown: Cardrona First Timer Ski or Snowboard

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $160

Start your first ski or snowboard day at Cardrona with return transport from Queenstown, rental gear, a full day of English-language group lessons, and a beginner lift pass. In the afternoon, ride McDougall’s Chondola once for mountain-top views before skiing down or riding back.

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8.Remarkables Alpine Guided Snowshoeing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $421

Join Climbing Queenstown for about four hours in the Remarkables, with snowshoes, poles, technical gear, transport, and a guide included. Small groups of up to six follow routes such as Jagged Edge Ridge, with wide views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Guides including Jenni and Jamie have led these walks.

“Other snowshoeing walks on flat ground pale in comparison with this one! Our guide Jamie made the entire walk up and down really fun and interesting, and there were amazing uninterrupted views every step of the way. The awesome 360 dRead more”

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9.From Queenstown: Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2 reviews · from $154

Spend a full ski day at Cardrona Alpine Resort with return transport from Queenstown, an all-lifts pass, and ski or snowboard hire. Pick up equipment in Queenstown, Wānaka, or at the resort. You get access to 615ha of terrain, learner slopes, basins, parks, and nine cafes.

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