Mt Cook Small Group Tour & Heli Hike Combo from Queenstown

You land on New Zealand's biggest glacier and walk its ice formations with a guide.

A 12-hour small group tour from Queenstown combining a guided bus route through the Southern Alps with a heli hike on Tasman Glacier, including two scenic helicopter flights, all glacier equipment, and return transport. The heli hike is subject to weather confirmation and requires a high level of physical fitness. Children are welcome from age 12.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kawarau Suspension Bridgepassing by
2. Lake Pukaki15m
3. Tasman Glacier3h · entry included

Mt Cook Tour and Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

• Start tour in Queenstown
• Drive through Kawarau Gorge
• Pass Kawarau Suspension Bridge
• Travel through Cromwell and cross Lake Dunstan
• Stop at Lindis Pass lookout
• Break in Omarama township
• Stop at Lake Pukaki for photos
• Check-in for Tasman Glacier Heli Hike
• Helicopter flight to glacier drop-off
• Guided hike on Tasman Glacier
• Return helicopter flight to Mt Cook base
• Visit High Country Salmon farm
• Stop at Jacksons Orchard for fruit or ice cream
• Return to Queenstown and end tour

The experience

The day starts in Queenstown and moves through the Kawarau Gorge, past the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the Roaring Meg Lookout, then climbs toward Lindis Pass: one of only three alpine roads through the Southern Alps. The route crosses Lake Dunstan through Cromwell's wine country, passes through the Mackenzie district where Merino sheep graze the open plains, and stops in Omarama for a break. As you approach Aoraki National Park, Lake Pukaki emerges ahead, framed by Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The guide points out Lord of the Rings filming locations along the way.

At the glacier base, you check in for the heli hike. Two scenic helicopter flights bracket the experience: the first takes you to a remote section of Tasman Glacier, where you land and begin a guided exploration of the ice. Your guide cuts steps into the glacier using techniques passed down from New Zealand's mountain pioneers, leading you through the formations. The airline partner provides all equipment (leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons or snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket and over trousers), so you arrive ready to walk. Water and snacks are provided throughout.

On the return to Queenstown, the tour stops at High Country Salmon, a local farm where you can feed the fish and taste fresh salmon. During summer months when daylight allows, the route may include a stop at Jacksons Orchard for local fruit or real fruit ice cream. The group stays small and fully guided the entire day, with your guide sharing stories and background knowledge about the region.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with small group transport from Queenstown.
• two scenic helicopter flights to and from Tasman Glacier.
• guided heli hike on the glacier with all equipment including leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons or snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket and over trousers.
• water and snacks throughout the day.
• fully guided bus tour with stops at Lake Pukaki, Lindis Pass, Kawarau Suspension Bridge, High Country Salmon farm, and Jacksons Orchard (seasonal).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (12 to 14 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

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

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Is this one for you?This tour demands a high level of physical fitness because the glacier walk involves a large amount of hiking on ice. It suits travelers who are comfortable with sustained walking and want to combine scenic driving with hands-on glacier exploration. The weather-dependent heli hike means booking flexibility matters. The flight may be cancelled last minute, so plan accordingly if you have a fixed departure date.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 14 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

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 Tasman Glacier heli hike actually like when you get there?

You land on New Zealand's biggest glacier and walk guided through ice formations while your guide cuts steps using traditional mountain techniques. The experience combines two scenic helicopter flights with a guided walk across the glacier itself, all equipment provided by the airline partner.

Is the helicopter flight guaranteed, or can it be cancelled?

The heli hike is subject to weather confirmation and requires advance confirmation with the airline partner. The decision to fly is made on the day by the flight partner and may be cancelled last minute due to weather conditions.

What do I need to bring or wear for this tour?

Dress in three to four layers of warm upper body clothing and avoid jeans. The airline partner supplies leather boots, socks, gaiters, crampons or snowshoes, walking poles, waterproof jacket and over trousers, so you don't need to bring glacier gear.

How long is the full day, and what's included in the price?

The tour runs 12 hours from Queenstown and includes the air-conditioned bus transport, two scenic helicopter flights, the guided heli hike with all equipment, water and snacks, and return to Queenstown. Lunch is not included, but opportunities to purchase food are available along the route.

What happens at Lake Pukaki and the other stops along the way?

Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes in New Zealand, framed by Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. The tour stops for photos and to take in the view. Other stops include the Kawarau Suspension Bridge, Lindis Pass lookout for alpine views, Omarama township for a break, High Country Salmon farm where you can feed fish and taste salmon, and Jacksons Orchard for local fruit during summer months.