Mount Cook helicopter flight: Alpine snow landing

Fly into the Southern Alps, touch down on snow, fly out over remote mountains

A 40-minute helicopter flight from Mount Cook Village circles Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Hochstetter Icefall, lands on the snow at altitude for 5–10 minutes, then returns through the Burnett Mountains over the Mackenzie Basin. The pilot narrates throughout in English, and warm clothing is essential due to cold temperatures at altitude.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight over Mount Cook

• Fly past Hochstetter Icefall
• Fly over upper Tasman Glacier
• Alpine landing in the snow
• Fly over Burnett Mountains
• View Mackenzie Basin below

The experience

The flight departs Mount Cook Village and climbs toward Aoraki, the South Island's highest peak. You pass the Hochstetter Icefall on the mountain's face and track the upper Tasman Glacier as the helicopter gains altitude. The landing itself is the centerpiece: the pilot sets down on the snow at altitude, giving you minutes on the glacier itself before climbing back out.

The return leg crosses the remote Burnett Mountains and opens onto the Mackenzie Basin, the vast arid plateau that spreads below. The pilot points out the geography as you fly, narrating the landscape in English. The whole flight runs 40 minutes from takeoff to landing back at the village.

What’s included

• Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing.
• pilot guide narrating in English throughout the 40-minute flight.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day34 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:45

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 6

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 effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Totally Tourism - The Helicopter Line

Is this one for you?The flight departs from Mount Cook Village, so you do not need a car to reach the airfield. If you are staying in the village or nearby, you walk to the helipad. If you are based elsewhere on the South Island, factor in the drive to the village beforehand. The 40-minute duration fits easily into a morning or afternoon without consuming a full day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).

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.

What is the Hochstetter Icefall?

The Hochstetter Icefall is a dramatic cascade of ice on the face of Aoraki/Mount Cook itself. The flight passes it directly, giving a close view of the icefall before the helicopter climbs higher toward the snow landing zone.

How long do you spend on the snow after landing?

The alpine snow landing lasts 5 to 10 minutes. That is the time you have on the glacier at altitude before the helicopter takes off again for the return flight.

What is the Mackenzie Basin?

The Mackenzie Basin is the expansive, arid plateau that spreads across the east side of the Southern Alps. On the return flight, you fly over it at altitude, seeing the scale of the landscape below.

Do I need to book a specific flight time?

Yes. You should advise your preferred flight time when you make the booking. The operator will confirm availability for that slot.

What should I wear on this flight?

Warm clothing and suitable footwear are essential. Temperatures at altitude are cold, and you will be on the snow for several minutes after landing.