New Zealand · HELICOPTER TOURS IN MOUNT COOK
The 15 best helicopter tours in Mount Cook you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Fly from Mount Cook Aerodrome over the Tasman Valley and a blue glacier lake, then land among the Southern Alps with pilot commentary. The small group holds up to six people. Snow landings happen about 95% of the year, but summer conditions can change that.
“Helicopter and Mark were amazing. Mark was very informative and the alpine landing was awesome. We loved every minute of it.”
You’ll fly over the Tasman Valley by ski plane and helicopter, land on the upper Tasman Glacier, and return to Mount Cook Airport. English-speaking pilots provide commentary, though the amount can vary. Bring a phone or camera, but leave every bag behind.
“Cool. The pilots are very helpful and friendly. I am not tall and both pilots help me up and down the ski plane and helicopter. Bravo to them. Thank you very much. I have a wonderful day.”
You’ll fly from Mount Cook Airport to a remote part of Tasman Glacier, then spend up to two hours following guides such as Hunter, Anna, or Tori through blue ice, moulins, and tunnels. Boots, crampons, wool socks, and waterproof gear are supplied, with two scenic helicopter flights included.
“Enjoyed hiking around, going down in the hole having family pictures to remember. Hunter was a great guide. However, wish we stayed more as group so we could hear more information about glaciers”
From Glentanner, fly above Aoraki Mount Cook, trace the Tasman Glacier, cross to the West Coast glaciers, and land in alpine snow. Your pilot provides commentary throughout. The flight lasts about 55 minutes, carries up to six people, and returns to the helipad.
“We scheduled this after our Franz Joseph glacier experience was cancelled due to weather. This ended up being even better because we saw all of the glaciers in one trip. We had good weather and the views were exceptional!”
Take off from Mount Cook Airport by ski plane or helicopter, fly over Aoraki Mount Cook and the Tasman Valley, land on the Tasman Glacier for 10 to 15 minutes, then change aircraft for the return flight. Weather and glacier conditions may require a helicopter-only flight or a different glacier.
“Booked the flight even before I depart for nz. Drove all the way to lake tekapo and noticed the weather was quite bad. Didn’t receive any emails on cancellation when the flight up is the very next day. Drove all the way to mt cook and called them only to know it’s cancelled and they are not even operating! I understand it’s due to the weather but the least the company can do is call/email on the cancellation. Time wastage. Hope this communication bit can be improved. Money is not refunded immediately too”
You’ll fly from Mount Cook Airport across braided rivers, glaciers, and the upper Tasman Glacier, then land on the ice for 10 to 15 minutes with the engines off. Headsets keep the commentary clear, and pilots such as Mark, Rob, and Dillon have been praised for calm, informative flights.
“Excellent experience and the Inflight team were very thorough. Pilot Rob took us on a magical tour around Mt Cook, the surrounding mountains and glaciers. We were very fortunate to have perfect weather and the landing on the snow was brilliant.”
Fly from Glentanner Park over Hochstetter Icefall and the upper Tasman Glacier, then land in the snow for 5 to 10 minutes. Your pilot, including guides such as Gillie, Richard, or Marcus, provides commentary before the flight crosses the Burnett Mountains and Mackenzie Basin.
“What an amazing experience. You do not realise the enormous area of the alps until you can view them from above in a helicoptor. The walk in the fresh snow on top of Mount Cook was exhilarating. A 'must do' if you get the chance, from either Mt Cook (Glentanner), Fox Glacier or Franz Josef.”
Depart Mount Cook Airport in an AS350 Squirrel helicopter, fly over braided rivers and iceberg-dotted Tasman Terminal Lake, then land for 10 to 15 minutes on Brass Peak or Liebig Dome. Pilot commentary, headsets, and direct views of Aoraki Mount Cook are included. Snow is not guaranteed in summer.
“After lots of research, this is the best value! Really friendly office staff. Knowledgeable pilot. Landed on glacier. He even volunteered to take my photos (and did a wonderful job)! The highlight of my trip.”
Take a 35-minute helicopter flight over Fox Glacier and the Southern Alps, with live commentary from your alpine pilot and about 10 minutes on a snow landing. The six-passenger aircraft offers broad views of icefalls, crevasses, and Aoraki Mt. Cook. Warm clothing and flexible weather plans matter.
“This was on my husbands bucket list and he just loved it.”
Take a roughly 20-minute helicopter flight from the Mount Cook area over the Ben Ohau Range, with pilot commentary and an alpine landing of about 10 minutes. Snow depends on the season. The twin-engine helicopter carries up to six people, giving you a quick mountain experience with strong photo opportunities.
“Loved the experience. We were so lucky to have snow as it snowed the night before. Wonderful photos.”
From Aoraki / Mount Cook Village, you’ll fly with Glacier Helicopters over the lower Tasman Glacier and Liebig Range, then land in the alpine snow for wide Southern Alps views. Flights carry up to five people, with English-speaking pilots such as Sam and guide Glen.
“Sam our pilot was awesome. he gave us details of each of the glaciers and patiently answered our questions.”
From Mount Cook Airport, fly around Aoraki Mount Cook and across the Southern Alps to the Tasman, Fox, and Franz Josef Glaciers. Your 55-minute flight includes live commentary, headsets, and a 10 to 15 minute landing on the snow-covered Tasman Glacier.
“Really poor customer service!! Original date cancelled due to rain, which I have no complaints over. Returned for rearranged date, to be told unable to do 55 minute flight but can do 25 mins. Agreed to this reluctantly. They said it was Read more”
Take off from Fox Glacier village for a 30-minute helicopter flight over the West Coast’s longest glacier. You’ll see crevasses and ice forms, land on a high snowfield, then fly past Aoraki/Mount Cook before returning. English commentary, warm clothes, and flexible weather plans matter here.
“This is a once in a lifetime experience and you will NOT be disappointed. The team were outstanding and the whole adventure will be with me for a long time.”
From Glentanner Park, fly 20 to 25 minutes above the Ben Ohau Range and Southern Alps, with pilot commentary and an alpine landing in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The snow landing is weather and season dependent. Flights carry up to six people and return to Glentanner.
“Third time lucky Gorgeous day great flight - but I flew with my friend from Australia and booked this for a “snow landing” since he never seen snow - not a happening thing at this time of year - this should have been explained as we could’ve paid less just for a scenic flight which is all we got really”
Join Glacier Helicopters in central Franz Josef for a 40-minute flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, across the Southern Alps to Aoraki Mount Cook. Your pilot circles the summit before landing on glacier snow. Pilot Andy has earned special praise for his lively commentary and flying.
“This was my first time in a helicopter. We had a beautiful day for flying. The pilot was knowledgeable in his commentary. We had a booking snafu, but they made it right and got us up the mountain.”
Pick a coastline, a crater rim or a cellar door.
