Scenic Helicopter, 50 Minutes

Mount Cook: 50-Minute Aoraki Scenic Helicopter Flight

11 reviews

from $496 per person

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Duration: 50 minutes
Meeting point: Mount Cook Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Southern Lakes Helicopters

Overview

This Southern Lakes Helicopters flight gives you 50 minutes over Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with a bird's-eye view of both sides of the South Island on a clear day. You lift off from Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport and head into the park, where the pilot points out the summit of New Zealand's highest peak along with hanging glaciers and the deep blue crevasses of the rivers of ice below. Three glaciers and Lake Pukaki feature among the views, and on a clear day the West Coast and the Tasman Sea are visible from your seat.

The centrepiece is a snow landing high on the Tasman Glacier. When weather allows, the helicopter sets down on the ice and you step out into the quiet of the upper glacier before flying back. In-flight commentary runs throughout, and the pilot, who reviewers describe as knowledgeable, names the peaks and glaciers as they pass.

This tour suits travellers who want a scenic flight with a landing on the ice. Hotel pickup is not stated for this flight from Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport in Canterbury; ask the operator about transfers. Bring a camera and dress for alpine conditions, since the landing happens on snow.

From$496 per person

Duration50 minutes

Reviews11 reviews

What's Included

Included

50-minute scenic helicopter flight
Tasman Glacier snow landing
Professional and experienced pilot
In-flight commentary

Run bySouthern Lakes Helicopters

Itinerary

Meet at the airportMake your own way to Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport, Canterbury. Hotel pickup is not stated, so ask the operator about transfers.
Scenic flight over the parkThe helicopter crosses Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with pilot commentary on the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook, hanging glaciers, Lake Pukaki and, on a clear day, views of the West Coast and the Tasman Sea.
Tasman Glacier snow landingThe helicopter lands on the snow high up the Tasman Glacier, giving you time to stand on the ice before reboarding.
Return flightThe flight returns to Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport where the tour ends.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight goes, from seating to weather.

A fixed-wing aircraft high over the icefalls beneath the summit of Aoraki / Mount Cook, orange evening light on the summit ice cap.

Seating matters. Where you sit changes what you see. One traveller seated in the middle of the back row said they could not see anything.
Weather calls the shots. All flights are weather dependent. If the operator cancels for weather you are entitled to a full refund, and rescheduling may also be offered, so keep some flexibility in your plans.
Dress for snow. Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes are advised. You will step out onto a glacier, so warm layers make the landing far more enjoyable.
Pack light. Bags are not allowed on the flight, and neither are drones or selfie sticks. A camera and a charged smartphone are both on the operator's what-to-bring list.
Pilot commentary. In-flight commentary is included, and travellers praised how informative their pilot was, pointing out the glaciers and mountains.
Pickup. Hotel pickup is not stated for this tour; ask the operator about transfers. You meet at Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport, so plan transport there yourself and check the booking page for exact meeting details.

From$496 per person

Reviews11 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The main risk is weather: every flight depends on conditions, and cancellations do happen, though a full refund applies if the operator cancels. Seating is the other complaint, with one reviewer in a middle back seat unable to see much from their position. Bags, drones and selfie sticks are all banned on board, which can catch photographers off guard.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Flight And What Is Included?

The flight lasts 50 minutes and includes the scenic helicopter trip, a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier, a professional pilot and in-flight commentary. Nothing is listed as excluded on the tour itself.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

Hotel pickup isn't stated; ask the operator about transfers. You meet at Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport, Canterbury, and the booking page carries the full meeting point details.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

All flights are weather dependent. If the operator cancels your flight because of weather, you are entitled to a full refund, and rescheduling may be offered as an alternative.

Can I Cancel The Booking Myself?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the booking page for anything beyond that window.

What Should I Bring?

Comfortable shoes, a camera, weather-appropriate clothing and a charged smartphone are all on the operator's list. Bags are not allowed on the flight, and drones and selfie sticks are also banned.

What Will I Actually See?

The route covers the summit of Aoraki/Mt Cook, three glaciers, Lake Pukaki and, on a clear day, the West Coast and the Tasman Sea.