Best of · MOUNT COOK HELICOPTER TOURS
A helicopter is the expensive line on most itineraries. These 14 mount cook helicopter tours earn it, priced per seat and timed honestly, so you can decide in a couple of minutes.
You’ll fly from Mount Cook Aerodrome through the Tasman Valley, past a blue glacier lake, then land in the Southern Alps for mountain views and photos. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary throughout. Snow landings happen most of the year, but summer conditions can change that.
“It was an awesome experience seeing the mountains and glaciers up close!”
You’ll fly over Aoraki Mount Cook National Park by ski plane and helicopter, with a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier. The route and aircraft order may change with weather. English-speaking pilots, free parking, and flexible rescheduling are included.
“It was brilliant! The wind was picking up so was a bit hit and miss as to whether it would go ahead, but the team were great at keeping me informed (shoutout to Tina for being amazing and making sure I was able to get a slot!) Can’t recommend enough!”
From Mount Cook Airport, you’ll fly over Tasman Glacier Lake, land on the ice, and spend two hours hiking among crevasses and ice formations. Guides such as Kerry, Scott, Maddie, and Jess have earned high praise for clear safety advice and glacier knowledge. Equipment is provided, but bring warm layers and sturdy shoes.
“excellent day. the helicopter ride and the glacier hike itself was amazing. both the pilot and the glacier guide as well as all the staff at the airport were amazing. would recommend this activity”
From Glentanner, fly for about 55 minutes over Aoraki Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Your pilot provides commentary, and the flight includes an alpine snow landing where you can step out for mountain views. Groups are limited to six people.
“The ground staff provided excellent services by explaining details of our trip and safety procedures. Greg, both our pilot and guide, carried us safely over top of the mountains as well as throughout the trip! We are pleased to say that the whole trip was memorable caused it was managed by capable hands.”
Fly from Glentanner Park over Hochstetter Icefall and the upper Tasman Glacier, then land in the snow for 5 to 10 minutes. Your pilot provides commentary before crossing the Burnett Mountains and Mackenzie Basin. Flights carry up to six people, weather permitting.
“It was okay. For the money we spent on this I don't believe they showed all the glaciers they promised. The only think that was shown was the front face of Mount Cook and the glaziers on the same side. When asked if they will show the oRead more”
Take an 8-minute helicopter flight over Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, then walk about 7 kilometers along a maintained track in Glentanner High Country. Guide Brian shares stories about glaciers, wildlife, history, and local culture. Tea, coffee, snacks, poles, sunscreen, and insect repellent are provided.
“Our Glentanner Heli Hike experience was nothing short of spectacular, starting with an incredible helicopter ride over Lake Pukaki's brilliant turquoise waters. As we started our trek, we were treated to an absolutely perfect, cloudless view Read more”
Fly from the Mount Cook area in a small twin-engine helicopter, with room for up to six passengers. Your pilot points out the Ben Ohau Range, glaciers, Lake Pukaki, and distant Aoraki/Mt. Cook before a roughly 10-minute alpine landing. Snow depends on the season.
“We were booked for the 20min flight but upgraded to the 55min to go around mount cook. Family of 6 with 2 young children. It was such an incredible flight. We saw all the glaciers and got to land right in front of Mount cook. The area is tRead more”
From Aoraki / Mount Cook Village, fly above the lower Tasman Glacier and Liebig mountain range with an English-speaking pilot, then land in the Alps for wide mountain views. Flights carry up to five people. Pilots such as Sam and guide Glen have earned praise for clear explanations and friendly service.
“Sam our pilot was awesome. he gave us details of each of the glaciers and patiently answered our questions.”
From Glentanner Park, fly with up to five other passengers over the Ben Ohau Range and Southern Alps. Your pilot provides commentary, then lands briefly in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park when conditions allow. Snow, views of Mount Cook, and a look down the Tasman Valley are the main rewards.
“This ride was just perfect. The pilot Greg gave us much history of the area and pointed out areas of interest. Then, when we landed on the top of the mountain in the snow field, it was exhilarating. He took pictures and before we even took off the pictures were available in a beautiful card for us to purchase at the end of the Journey, it was worth every penny”
Take a 50-minute Southern Lakes Helicopters flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Your English-speaking pilot points out glaciers and mountain features, then lands on the Tasman Glacier for a brief snow stop. Clear weather may reveal both the Pacific coast and Tasman Sea.
“Excellent trip. Our pilot was very knowledgeable and pointed out all the glaciers and mountains. The landing on the glacier was a highlight. The weather was perfect. A great experience.”
From Aoraki / Mount Cook Village, Glacier Helicopters takes you over the Tasman Glacier and Hochstetter Icefall before landing on the ice. Expect a 40-minute flight, English-speaking pilot, small groups of up to five, and wide views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Burnett Mountains, and Mackenzie Basin.
“We had a great flight and landing, later than planned, but that’s the weather for you! Dan was a great pilot - very informative, took some great photos of us and gave everyone an opportunity to see the same views. Highlight of our trip!”
Fly from Aoraki/Mount Cook over Tasman Glacier Lake, cross the Southern Alps, and see Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers from above. You will land on a glacier for photos and snow time. The English-speaking pilot provides commentary, and check-in is at Glacier Helicopters on Bowen Drive.
“Once-in-a-lifetime experience. The views were so spectacular I thought I was in heaven. The ride was smooth. The pilot was knowledgeable and friendly - when we stopped on the glacier he took great photos of us. I am afraid of heights and was on fence about the entire experience - but I am so glad I did it. It was a highlight of the trip.”
Fly for 55 minutes over the Southern Alps with an English-speaking guide, passing Aoraki Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, Mount Sefton, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, and the Tasman Glacier. Choose a helicopter or ski plane, and use your camera during the flight.
“Amazing trip. Plane landed and took off from glacier, which was awesome.”
Fly from 81 Bowen Drive above Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, the lower Tasman Glacier, and Liebig mountain range. Your pilot provides live commentary before landing high in the park for about 10 minutes. Flights carry up to six people, with crew including pilot Mike and ground host Jes when scheduled.
“A real highlight of our visit to New Zealand. An extraordinary view of complete wilderness never been touched by man.”
By what you want moving underneath the aircraft.
