Mount Cook Glacier Flight
Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

Guided 3-Hour Glacier Hike

Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★ 4.9 347 reviews

from $558 per person

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Duration
3 hours
Meeting point
Mount Cook Airport
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Run by
Mt Cook Glacier Guiding

Overview

This trip pairs a helicopter landing on the Tasman Glacier with a guided walk on the ice, all within a 3-hour window. It starts at Mount Cook Airport with a safety briefing lasting 45 minutes, where you are fitted with leather boots, woolen socks, crampons, a waterproof jacket and a walking pole. Then a 15-minute flight carries you over scenery that includes views toward Aoraki, or Mount Cook, the country's tallest mountain, before landing on a remote stretch of New Zealand's biggest glacier.

On the ice you get up to 2 hours with a guide who cuts steps into the glacier and points out ice formations along the way. The route changes from trip to trip because the glacier keeps moving and reshaping itself, so guides are regularly finding new features to show. A second 15-minute scenic flight returns you to the base of the mountain, followed by a short break before the day wraps up back at the airport.

It suits reasonably mobile travellers who want time on actual glacier ice rather than only an overhead flight. It is not recommended for people with limited mobility, and the whole operation depends on the weather. Two departure slots exist, at 8:45 AM and 10:45 AM. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own.

From$558 per person
Duration3 hours
Rating4.9 from 347 reviews

What's Included

Included

  • 2 scenic flights
  • Tour guide
  • Leather boots
  • Woolen socks
  • Crampons
  • Walking pole
  • Waterproof jacket

Not Included

  • Food and drinks
Run byMt Cook Glacier Guiding

Itinerary

  1. Meet at Mount Cook AirportThe starting point is Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road.
  2. Safety briefingA 45-minute briefing at Mount Cook covers safety and fitting of the provided gear: boots, socks, crampons, jacket and pole.
  3. Helicopter flight to glacierA 15-minute scenic flight to the drop-off point on a remote part of the Tasman Glacier.
  4. Guided glacier hikeUp to 2 hours on the ice, weather permitting, with a photo stop, guided hiking and scenic views as the guide cuts steps in the glacier.
  5. Return helicopter flightA further 15-minute scenic flight back down to the base of the mountain.
  6. Break and finishA 10-minute break at Mount Cook, then the tour ends back at Mount Cook Airport.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to plan for before you book, based on the booking details and on what travellers report afterwards.

Where this tour sits among the 8 per person flights in Tasman Glacier Landings (from-price per person, USD)
  • Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo$280
  • Tasman Glacier Helicopter, 40 Minutes$373
  • Tasman Glacier and National Park$373
  • Glacier Highlights Ski Plane$401.73
  • Mountains High, 40-Minute Flight$409.68
  • Grand Glacier Experience, 50 Minutes$468.61
  • Guided 3-Hour Glacier Hike (this tour)$558
  • Heli Hike, Hotel Pickup$558
  • Weather rules. The trip is weather dependent, and a full refund is provided if weather prevents it from running. Several reviewers described weather cancellations that were handled well, with rescheduling offers and updates from the team. Build flexibility into your plans around Mount Cook.
  • Gear provided. Leather boots, woolen socks, crampons, a waterproof jacket and a walking pole are all included. You only need to bring warm clothing, sunglasses and a hat. Several reviewers praised the clear preparation and briefing given before the flight.
  • Guides and safety. Reviewers consistently describe guides who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and focused on safety, with staff on the ground helping with fitting and prep. Expect clear instruction throughout.
  • Time on the ice. You get up to 2 hours on the glacier, and the total tour runs 3 hours. Some travellers say clearer expectations about actual ice time and the amount of hiking would help, so treat the stated times as the reliable guide.
  • Food and drink. Food and drinks are not included. Eat beforehand and carry water and a snack, especially for the earlier slot at 8:45 AM.
  • Photos. There is a photo stop built into the glacier section, and reviewers repeatedly mention spectacular scenery from the helicopter as well as the ice. One reviewer who sat in the front of the helicopter highlighted the views the entire way.
From$558 per person
Rating4.9 from 347 reviews
Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The main downside is weather: flights and glacier access depend on conditions, and cancellations happen, though a full refund is offered in that case and reviewers report being rescheduled smoothly. The trip is not recommended for people with limited mobility, and a reasonable level of fitness is needed for hiking on ice. Some travellers felt expectations about actual time on the ice and how much hiking is involved could be clearer. Food and drinks are excluded. One reviewer who missed the 24-hour cancellation window because of a flight delay noted the staff still helped arrange a refund, but the stated policy is cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Two scenic helicopter flights, a guide, and all the technical gear: leather boots, woolen socks, crampons, a walking pole and a waterproof jacket. A safety briefing is part of the tour. Food and drinks are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start?

At Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road. Hotel pickup is not stated for this tour, so ask the operator about transfers and getting to the airport for check-in and the briefing.

How Long Is The Tour?

About 3 hours in total: a 45-minute briefing, 15 minutes of flying each way, and up to 2 hours on the glacier, plus a short break at the end. Time on the ice is weather permitting.

Is It Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

No. The trip is not recommended for people with limited mobility. It involves hiking on glacier ice with crampons while the guide cuts steps, so a reasonable level of fitness and sure-footedness is needed.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

The tour is weather dependent. If conditions prevent it from operating, you receive a full refund for the affected booking. Reviewers also describe being offered alternate dates or options when weather threatened their original slot.

What Should I Bring?

Warm clothing, sunglasses and a hat are advised. Boots, socks, crampons, a jacket and a pole are provided. Bring your own water and snacks, since food and drinks are not included.

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