45-Minute Glacier Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook

Land on Tasman Glacier and stand in the silence at the base of Mount Cook

A 45-minute helicopter tour from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park that includes a 10–15 minute landing on Tasman Glacier, where engines cut and you face Mount Cook directly. The flight covers the Tasman braided rivers, terminal lake and glacier valley. Headsets let you hear the guide's live commentary throughout. Check in closes 45 minutes before departure. A minimum of four passengers is required for the flight to operate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tasman Glacier45m
2. Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park45m

Helicopter tour and glacier landing

• Check in at Aoraki Mt Cook Airport
• Take 45-minute helicopter flight
• Fly over Tasman braided rivers and terminal lake
• Follow Tasman Valley and Glacier
• Land on Tasman Glacier for 10-15 minutes
• Enjoy silence and views of Aoraki Mt Cook
• Return flight to Aoraki Mt Cook Airport

The experience

The helicopter departs from Aoraki Mount Cook Airport and climbs over the Tasman Valley, following the glacier and its braided rivers down to the terminal lake. The route is built around the landing itself: you touch down on the glacier for 10–15 minutes, engines off, with nothing but the sound of the ice and the view of Mount Cook filling the horizon. The headsets stay on so you can hear the guide's commentary during the flight and understand what you're seeing as it passes below.

This is a shared flight with a live guide speaking English. The tour suits a morning or afternoon slot without eating into a full day of other activities, and it works for families: infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. Weather can cancel flights, so the operator builds in flexibility. All areas are wheelchair accessible. Souvenir photos are available to purchase after landing.

What’s included

• Headsets to hear the guide clearly.
• live English commentary throughout the flight.
• a 10–15 minute landing on Tasman Glacier with engines off.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 16:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters

Is this one for you?At 45 minutes, the flight fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming your whole day, so it works well paired with other activities in the park or nearby towns. The shared flight and live guide mean you're not flying solo, though you'll need a minimum of four passengers to book.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the actual helicopter flight?

The flight lasts 45 minutes total, including the 10–15 minute landing on Tasman Glacier where the engines are turned off.

What happens during the glacier landing?

You land on Tasman Glacier for 10–15 minutes with the engines off, giving you time to stand on the ice and look directly at Aoraki Mount Cook without engine noise.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the airport?

The tour operates from Aoraki Mount Cook Airport. Public transportation options are available nearby, though you'll need to arrange your own way there.

What's included in the price?

Headsets for hearing the guide clearly and live commentary on board are included. Souvenir photos are available to purchase separately.

Is there a minimum group size?

A minimum of four passengers is required per flight for it to operate, so the tour may be cancelled if fewer than four people book.

When do I need to arrive for check-in?

Check-in closes 45 minutes before your scheduled flight time, so arrive early to allow time for the process.