- 45 minutes
This very special flight circumnavigating Mt Cook offers spectacular views of the Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, and other iconic geographical features that New Zealand is known for.
Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail Overview
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is New Zealand’s longest cycle trail that serves up epic vistas on its way from the foot of the Southern Alps all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
New Zealand’s highest mountain – Aoraki/Mt Cook – is just one of many stunning sights on this unforgettable journey to the sea. Amidst the grandeur of braided rivers, glacier-carved valleys, turquoise hydro-lakes, tussock-covered highlands and rural plains are plenty of off-the-bike activities including wine-tasting, penguin-spotting, and soaking in alfresco hot tubs. Country hospitality, including food and accommodation, along with shuttles and other services, make the whole trip easy to organise and enjoy. More details can be found on the official Alps 2 Ocean website: https://www.alps2ocean.com/
Riding the trail
The Alps 2 Ocean (A2O) is divided into eight sections, with a wealth of visitor services including cycle tour companies making it possible to ride the whole trail pleasurably in 4–6 days. Multiple access points make it easy to tailor a shorter ride to suit all levels of ability.
The Alps 2 Ocean Helicopter Transfers
Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters are proud guardians of the Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail from the White Horse Campground to Braemar Road.
From the Mt Cook Airport INFLITE Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters offer bike transfers across the Tasman River, following the braiding Tasman River to Rotten Tommy/Black Point where the track continues. We are also able to offer scenic mountain landings or glacier landings on the way or as a separate activity before your transfer, see more options below.
SCENIC OPTIONS
Alps 2 Ocean Transfer + 25min Scenic Mountain Landing $250 extra per person (Min 4 pax)
Why not start your A2O journey by setting foot on the Southern Alps first. Landing on a spot called Brass Peak, this flight path takes you directly to the peak with beautiful views looking at Aoraki/Mt Cook and over many of New Zealand’s tallest peaks and the valleys within the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. After spending some time on the mountain taking in the spectacular views, we will transfer you across the river where you will meet your bikes and continue on your Alps 2 Ocean Journey.
Alps 2 Ocean Transfer + 45min Scenic Tasman Glacier Landing $450 extra per person (Min 4 pax)
Go for full-on bragging rights for the start of your A2O journey by landing on New Zealand’s longest and largest glacier, this flight path flies over the Tasman terminal lake, past Aoraki Mt Cook before landing on the Tasman glacier. This is available via Ski Plane or Helicopter. After you have experienced the glacier, we will then transfer you across the river via helicopter where you will meet your bikes and continue on your Alps 2 Ocean Journey.
