Mount Cook helicopter flight with glacier landing: 55 minutes

Land on snow at the base of Mount Cook and see three glaciers from the air

A 55-minute helicopter flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park includes a landing on alpine snow, views of Tasman Glacier (New Zealand's longest), and a crossing to the West Coast to see Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. The pilot guides throughout in English. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Warm clothing and suitable footwear are essential due to cold temperatures. The flight is subject to favourable weather conditions, with a full refund or alternative date offered if cancelled.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight over Mount Cook and glaciers

• Soar over Mount Cook National Park
• See Tasman Glacier lake
• Fly the length of Tasman Glacier
• View Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
• Enjoy views of Aoraki summit ridge

The experience

The helicopter lifts off and climbs over the Tasman Glacier lake before following the length of Tasman Glacier itself, New Zealand's longest. You see the ancient waters below and the scale of the ice field as it stretches across the landscape. The flight then crosses to the West Coast, where Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers come into view, their faces carved into the terrain. Throughout, the pilot points out what you're seeing and answers questions over the headset.

The alpine snow landing is the centerpiece: the helicopter sets down on snow amongst the mountains, and you step out to stand at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. The summit ridge is visible above, and the cold is immediate. This is why warm clothing and suitable footwear matter. The landing window depends on weather and snow conditions, and the flight is subject to favourable conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you get a full refund or the option to rebook.

Infants can fly provided they don't occupy a seat and weigh under 15kg (they sit on an adult's lap). Children must be accompanied by an adult. The entire experience (flight, landing, views of all three glacier systems and the summit) takes 55 minutes. GST is included in the price.

What’s included

• Scenic helicopter flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
• alpine snow landing at the base of Mount Cook.
• views of Tasman Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
• pilot guide in English throughout.
• GST included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day31 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?Book this if you're based in Mount Cook village. The helicopter departs and lands at the local airfield, so you can walk to the departure point rather than drive elsewhere.

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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.

Can I really land on snow during the helicopter flight?

Yes. The helicopter lands on alpine snow at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook during the flight, so you step out and stand amongst the mountains. The landing is subject to favourable weather and snow conditions. If conditions don't allow it, the flight is cancelled and you receive a full refund or can rebook.

What glaciers will I see on this flight?

You see three: Tasman Glacier (New Zealand's longest), which you fly along for much of the journey; and Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers on the West Coast. The flight also passes over Tasman Glacier lake before heading west.

How long is the entire helicopter flight?

The flight is 55 minutes total, including the alpine snow landing and views of all three glacier systems and the summit ridge of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

What should I wear on this helicopter flight?

Warm clothing and suitable footwear are essential because you'll land on alpine snow where temperatures are cold. The landing itself is part of the experience, so dressing for cold conditions is important.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my flight?

The flight is subject to favourable weather conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you'll be offered either a full refund or the option to rebook for another date.