Helicopter Tour Mt Cook & Glaciers with Glacier Landing

Summary

Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Southern Alps & Glacier Landing

You’ll fly high above Mt Cook and three famous glaciers, land right on Tasman Glacier for photos and fresh air, and hear stories from a local pilot who knows every peak. It’s a real chance to see New Zealand’s wildest side in just under an hour.

What’s the experience like?

The wind was cool and sharp as we lifted off from the Aoraki Mt Cook Airport—my heart thumping louder than the rotors at first. Our pilot, Dave, chatted through the headset, pointing out the braided rivers below that twist like silver ribbons through the valley. It’s wild how quickly you leave the green behind and suddenly you’re above a world of white and blue—ice stretching for miles on the Tasman Glacier.

We circled close to Mt Cook’s summit, clouds brushing past the windows so near you could almost touch them. The real kicker? That moment when we touched down right on the glacier itself. The snow was softer than I expected, almost squeaky under my boots. I snapped a photo but honestly, it’s hard to capture how quiet it is up there—just our group laughing and the distant hum of the chopper cooling down. If you look closely, you’ll spot tiny cracks in the ice where meltwater runs bright turquoise.

The flight path took us right over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers too—Dave slowed so we could see deep crevasses and waterfalls tumbling down black rock faces. He shared stories about local mountaineers and pointed out spots where avalanches had swept through last winter. We were back at base before I’d really caught my breath, cheeks still cold from the glacier air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter Flight and Glacier Landing

• 55-minute scenic flight around Aoraki Mt Cook
• Flight over West Coast Glaciers including Tasman Glacier
• Glacier landing on Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman Glaciers
• Flight start and return at Aoraki Mt Cook Airport

Top questions

Is this helicopter tour suitable for kids?

Yes, children are welcome but must be with an adult. Infants can sit on laps or use specialized seats provided by us.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If weather conditions aren’t safe for flying, we’ll reschedule or offer a full refund—safety comes first here in the Alps.

How early should I arrive before departure?

Please check in at least 45 minutes before your scheduled flight time to allow for safety briefing and boarding.

Will there always be snow on the glacier landing?

Tasman Glacier has snow year-round, so you can expect snowy conditions whenever you visit—even in summer months.

What’s included

Your seat on a 55-minute scenic helicopter flight; headsets for clear commentary; live guide sharing local insights; 10-15 minute glacier landing for photos; all ages and abilities welcome; wheelchair accessible; infant seats available; public transport nearby; flexible scheduling based on weather.