Mt Cook Tour with Helicopter & Glacier Landing from Queenstown

Helicopter flight, glacier landing, and the country's highest peak in one day

A twelve-hour guided bus tour from Queenstown to Mt Cook combines scenic drives through the Southern Alps with two scenic flights (a helicopter and a ski plane) that land on the Tasman Glacier. The small group tour includes hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, and 30 minutes of free time at Mt Cook Village for walks or optional activities. Flights are subject to weather confirmation and availability.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Kawarau Suspension Bridgepassing by
2. Lake Pukaki15m
3. Tasman Glacier20m · entry included

Mt Cook Tour and Alpine Experience

• 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
• Enter Aoraki National Park and stop at Lake Pukaki
• Check-in for ski plane and helicopter flights
• Fly and land on Tasman Glacier
• Explore Tasman Glacier landing site
• Free time for walks or optional activities
• Visit Mt Cook Village for mountain views
• Stop at High Country Salmon farm
• Visit Jacksons Orchard for local fruit
• Return to Queenstown and end tour

The experience

The day starts in Queenstown and heads south through the Kawarau Gorge, passing the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and Roaring Meg Lookout before climbing into wine country around Cromwell. The route crosses Lake Dunstan and climbs Lindis Pass, one of only three alpine roads through the Southern Alps, where you stop at the summit lookout. From there the drive enters the Mackenzie district, a vast open plain where Merino sheep graze, with a break in the township of Omarama before turning toward Aoraki National Park.

Lake Pukaki emerges as you approach Mt Cook: one of the bluest lakes in the country, framed by Aoraki at 3,724 metres and the surrounding peaks. After photos at the lake, you check in for the day's centerpiece: flying in both a ski plane and a helicopter, with a landing on the Tasman Glacier itself. You get time to walk on the glacier and take in the alpine landscape before returning to Mt Cook Village. At just 750 metres above sea level, the village offers views of the country's highest peak without any climbing required.

The return journey includes a stop at High Country Salmon, a local farm where you can feed the fish and taste fresh salmon. Weather permitting, summer stops include Jacksons Orchard for local fruit and ice cream. The tour ends back in Queenstown. Your guide shares stories and local knowledge throughout, and the minibus includes water and snacks. A fuel surcharge of NZ$20 per person applies to the flights and is paid directly to the airline at check-in.

What’s included

• Twelve-hour guided bus tour in an air-conditioned minibus.
• helicopter and ski plane scenic flights with a Tasman Glacier snow landing.
• hotel pickup and drop-off at select Queenstown locations.
• water and complimentary snacks during the day.
• small group experience with a live English-speaking guide.
• safety and booster seats for children aged seven and younger.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (under 15)

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

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Is this one for you?At twelve hours, this tour fills most of a day and leaves little room for other activities in Queenstown itself, but the flights and glacier landing are only possible on days when weather permits. Confirm availability with the operator before booking, as dates can be limited and flights may be cancelled on the morning of departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 15).

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 exactly happens during the glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier?

The ski plane lands on the Tasman Glacier itself, and you get out to explore and walk on the glacier surface before the flight returns to Mt Cook airfield. It's the centerpiece of the alpine experience and gives you time to stand on one of New Zealand's largest glaciers.

How does the weather affect whether the flights actually happen?

The decision to fly is made by the airline partner on the day itself and flights can be cancelled last-minute if conditions are unsafe. The bus tour operates regardless of weather, but the scenic flights (both the helicopter and ski plane) depend entirely on what the pilots determine is safe that morning.

Is there time to do anything else at Mt Cook Village besides the flights?

Yes, you have 30 minutes of free time at the village to do walks like the Kea Point Track or visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or simply rest. Your guide will pick you up and drop you off wherever you choose to spend that time.

What's included in the tour price and what costs extra?

The tour includes the bus transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, the helicopter and ski plane flights with the glacier landing, water and snacks, and a fully guided experience. Lunch is not included, but there are opportunities to purchase food along the route, including the famous chicken pie in Omarama and salmon at the farm stop. The airline fuel surcharge of NZ$20 per person is paid separately at check-in.

How long is the drive from Queenstown to Mt Cook, and what do you see along the way?

The full tour is twelve hours, with the drive taking several hours each way. You pass through the Kawarau Gorge, wine country around Cromwell, climb Lindis Pass with alpine views, cross the open Mackenzie plains, and approach Mt Cook through Aoraki National Park. Multiple photo stops break up the drive, and your guide points out Lord of the Rings filming locations near Lake Pukaki.