Glacier Highlights, 45 Minutes

45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook

★ 4.8 59 reviews

from $401.73 per person

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Duration: 45 minutes
Meeting point: Mount Cook Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters

Overview

This 45-minute helicopter flight with Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters lifts off from Mount Cook Airport on State Highway 80, five minutes before the village, and heads straight into the heart of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. The route covers the Tasman Glacier and Aoraki/Mt. Cook itself, with headsets so everyone can hear the guide clearly and live commentary on board. Travellers in reviews again and again describe the glacier landing as the moment the trip earns its price, with several calling it a once in a lifetime experience.

Surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and most travellers can participate. Children must fly with an adult, infants sit on laps, and bookings are capped at 12 travellers.

Weather is the one variable that matters most. Flights can be cancelled for poor conditions, and the operator requires a minimum of 4 passengers before a flight operates. One reviewer suggests booking with spare days in the area so a cancelled flight can be retaken.

From$401.73 per person

Duration45 minutes

Rating4.8 from 59 reviews

What's Included

Included

Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Live commentary on board

Not Included

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Run byMount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Mount Cook AirportArrive at Mount Cook Airport, 5260 Mount Cook Road on State Highway 80, five minutes before Aoraki Mount Cook Village. Check in closes 45 minutes before flight time.
Board the helicopterHeadsets are provided so all passengers can hear the guide clearly, with live commentary on board.
Tasman GlacierViews over the Tasman Glacier. Reviewers describe landing on the glacier as the standout part of the flight.
Aoraki / Mount CookThe route also takes in Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Return to Mount Cook AirportThe activity ends back at the meeting point at Mount Cook Airport.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points and some points from traveller reviews are worth knowing before booking.

Two travellers lean on a timber railing and look up at a distant helicopter flying toward snow-covered Aoraki / Mount Cook.

Dress for snow. Sunglasses and non-slip shoes come up repeatedly in reviews, since passengers step onto snow at the glacier. One reviewer noted it was not as cold as expected, but that depends on the day.
Travel light. One reviewer advised taking only a phone and sunglasses, with no hat or bag on the helicopter.
Weather buffer. Flights may be cancelled due to weather, and one reviewer recommends booking with a couple of spare days in the area in case the first slot is scrubbed. If the operator cancels for weather, a new date or a full refund is offered.
Group flight. The flight takes up to 12 travellers and needs at least 4 to operate. If the minimum is not met, the operator offers a different date or experience, or a full refund.
Timing and check-in. Check in closes 45 minutes before the scheduled flight time, so arriving early matters. Total weight per passenger is capped at 116 kg.
Souvenir photos. Photos of the flight are available to purchase but are not included. Reviewers suggest a phone and sunglasses are all you need on board, so there is little room for extras.

From$401.73 per person

Rating4.8 from 59 reviews

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Common issues. The main frustration reported is cancellation. Flights need a minimum of 4 passengers, and if the minimum is not met travellers are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. Flights may also be cancelled due to weather, and reviewers advise building flexibility into the itinerary. Refunds in full require cancelling at least 24 hours before the flight's start time; changes inside that window are not accepted.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The 45-minute flight is included, along with headsets so you can hear the pilot and live commentary on board. Souvenir photos are not included but can be purchased separately.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

The meeting point is Mount Cook Airport, 5260 Mount Cook Road, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, on State Highway 80 about five minutes before the village. The tour ends back at the same point. Check in closes 45 minutes before flight time.

Is The Tour Suitable For Children And Infants?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants must sit on laps, though infant seats are available. Most travellers can participate.

Is It Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes. The experience is wheelchair accessible and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. It is also near public transportation.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the flight's start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and no changes are accepted.

What Should I Bring And What Are The Limits?

Reviewers suggest just a phone and sunglasses, with shoes that will not slide on snow. Total weight per passenger is limited to 116 kg, and the flight carries a maximum of 12 travellers.