| 3 “It has such a rich history across both the aviation and tourism sectors within New Zealand, which we are excited to continue nurturing and building on for many years to come.” T T Kim Newth Celebrating an aviation milestone Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters is the only operator offering year-round ski plane landings on a glacier. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters History was made 70 years ago when Kiwi aviator and innovator Sir Harry Wigley made the first snow landing on New Zealand’s longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. The remarkable feat was made possible by his ingenuity in engineering retractable skis, attached to the plane’s undercarriage. Among other passengers to land on the glacier that momentous day – September 22, 1955 – was legendary Kiwi mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. The successful landing marked the beginning of a new era in scenic aviation and world-exclusive adventure in the Southern Alps. Today, Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters respectfully follows in the footsteps – and ski tracks – of their enterprising founders, as part of INFLITE Tourism Group, New Zealand’s largest private air travel and aviation solutions company. “The INFLITE Group is proud to be the guardian of this unique business and the amazing experience it offers across the Aoraki/Mount Cook and Tai Poutini/Westland national parks,” says CEO Adam Joyce. “It has such a rich history across both the aviation and tourism sectors within New Zealand, which we are excited to continue nurturing and building on for many years to come.” In honour of the 70-year milestone, a select group of guests connected with the unique history and legacy going forward will again make a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier this September, just as Harry Wigley did all those years ago. His vision lives on in today’s modern fleet of fixed-wing ski planes and helicopters that operate out of Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport. Visitors who book the Ultimate Alpine Experience can discover for themselves what it’s like to soar over Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and land on New Zealand’s longest glacier. Flying in both a ski plane and a helicopter in one day is memorable enough, and the views are simply breathtaking. Once in the air, the views only get better – and bigger – until the plane alights in an otherworldly realm beneath gleaming peaks. In winter, when the alpine air is crisp and clear, the whole experience can best be summed up in one word – unforgettable. Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters is the only operator offering year-round ski plane landings on a glacier. The combo flight, glacier landing and majestic alpine views simply can’t be experienced anywhere else. “Our flights are a favourite for marriage proposals and many special personal occasions,” says Paulie Fadden, ground crew member at Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters. “It is also common for passengers to share joyful tears or hugs with our crew after landing. It’s that powerful.” He notes the company is proud to uphold a perfect safety record, backed by rigorous maintenance standards and strict compliance with all CAA regulations. The pilots and ground crew are among the most experienced in the country, ensuring every flight is as safe as it is thrilling. “We recently underwent considerable upgrades across our aircraft fleet, with our Pilatus Porter aircraft receiving extensive enhancements,” says Paulie. “This aircraft is the only choice for ski plane landings in an environment like this, and is a fundamental part of creating the most memorable experience.” Offered as a day tour from Queenstown, the Adventure: Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike is another standout attraction. The three-hour guided heli-hike combines the excitement of walking on the Tasman Glacier with scenic helicopter fly-bys of Aoraki/ Mt Cook. Demand for Mount Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters’ scenic flights and charters has continued to grow steadily since Covid, reflecting a strong rebound in both domestic and international travel. World-class experiences can be tailored to suit any individual, group or occasion, and all offer warm, personalised service. Stewardship is central to the INFLITE culture. Their commitment to kaitiakitanga is reflected in achieving a Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award and being named a 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice, as well as Toitū Carbon Zero certification. EXPERT WINDSCREEN REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS We're committed to serving our South Canterbury customers, which is why we offer two loan cars for their use, available from half a day to overnight. All proceeds from these loan cars are donated directly to Hospice South Canterbury each month, and we're proud to have contributed $3000 to date. For added convenience, we provide mobile repair and replacement services throughout South Canterbury. We also have a dedicated "chip tech" who performs fleet checks for local businesses. Novus South Canterbury 03 684 8940 ben@novustimaru.co.nz novus.co.nz
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