Tasman Glacier helicopter flight: scenic glacier landing

Land on Tasman Glacier and see its scale from inside the Southern Alps

A 50-minute helicopter flight from Mount Cook Village that follows the entire length of Tasman Glacier, includes a landing on the glacier, and transfers you and your bike across the Tasman River to Rotten Tommy, where your Alps to Ocean cycle journey begins. The pilot provides live commentary in English throughout, sharing knowledge of the hidden features of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park that only a local expert knows.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic flight and bike transfer

• Fly full length of Tasman Glacier
• Land to view glacier scale
• Fly again across Tasman River
• Transfer with bike to Black Point

The Experience

Fifty minutes aloft gives you the overview that no ground-level ride can match. The helicopter follows the full length of Haupapa/Tasman Glacier from the air, and then lands on it so you can step out and stand on the ice itself—the only way to grasp how vast it really is. From there, the flight continues across the Southern Alps, with your pilot narrating the landmarks and geology as you pass over them. The commentary is what separates a scenic flight from a sightseeing one: these pilots live in the area and know which ridges hold the views, which valleys most visitors never see, and what the landscape is actually doing beneath you.

Once you're airborne again, the helicopter crosses the Tasman River and deposits you and your bike at Rotten Tommy, the official starting point of the Alps to Ocean cycle route. That transfer is the practical reason many riders book this flight—it saves a full day of pedaling and puts you at the beginning of the descent with the high country already behind you. Landing and facility fees are included in the price.

What’s included

• Helicopter flight for 50 minutes.
• landing and facility fees.
• pilot commentary in English.
• bike transfer across the Tasman River to Rotten Tommy.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Southern Lakes Helicopters

Is this one for you?Book this flight if you're starting the Alps to Ocean cycle route and want to skip the first day of climbing and begin at the high point instead. The glacier landing and the pilot's local knowledge make it worth the cost even if you're not cycling afterward—it's the fastest way to see the full scale of Tasman Glacier and the Southern Alps in a single morning.

Traveler reviews

4.43★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What is Tasman Glacier like when you land on it?

Tasman Glacier is New Zealand's largest glacier outside the Southern Alps peaks, and landing on it lets you step out and walk on the ice itself. The glacier is several kilometers long and hundreds of meters thick, so standing on it gives you a sense of scale that the aerial view alone cannot convey—the ice extends far in every direction and the surrounding peaks tower above it.

How does the helicopter transfer work with the Alps to Ocean bike route?

The flight ends with the helicopter crossing the Tasman River and landing at Rotten Tommy, the official starting point of the Alps to Ocean cycle journey. Your bike travels with you, so you step out ready to ride; this eliminates the first day of pedaling and puts you at the top of the descent route.

Does the pilot provide commentary during the flight?

Yes, the pilot gives live commentary in English throughout the 50-minute flight. Pilots are locals who know the national park intimately and point out features and hidden details that only someone who lives in the area would recognize.

Can I do this flight without the bike transfer?

Yes, you can book just the scenic flight without the Alps to Ocean transfer. Contact the Aoraki Mount Cook office directly for flight-only options and advice on how to structure your visit to the national park.

What should I know before booking?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available if needed. Public transportation options are available near Mount Cook Village.