Mount Cook Glacier Flight
Mount Cook Alpine Explorer Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

Alpine Explorer, 35 Minutes

Mount Cook Alpine Explorer Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

★ 4.2 27 reviews

from $350.73 per person

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Duration
35 minutes
Meeting point
Glentanner Park
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Run by
The Helicopter Line

Overview

The Mount Cook Alpine Explorer Helicopter Flight packs a scenic flight over Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and roughly 10 minutes on the ground at altitude into a total trip of about 35 minutes. It runs from The Helicopter Line base at Glentanner Park on State Highway 80, and returns to the same spot at the end. Along the way the route passes by the national park, with the pilot providing commentary on what you are seeing.

The landing is the centerpiece. Snow at the landing site depends on the season, and one reviewer who flew in a warmer month found none there, so ask the operator what to expect for your travel dates. Several travellers described the pilots as knowledgeable, pointing out features and history, and one reviewer noted their flight took an alternative route that passed closer to Mount Cook itself.

With a maximum of six travellers per flight, it suits couples, families and small groups who want a short, high-impact outing rather than a half-day excursion. Children can fly, those under 15 kg sit on a parent's lap, and the surfaces are described as wheelchair accessible. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended regardless of season, since alpine temperatures drop even when the valley below is mild.

From$350.73 per person
Duration35 minutes
Rating4.2 from 27 reviews

What's Included

Included

  • Scenic helicopter flight
  • Alpine landing (snow subject to season) approx. 10 minutes
  • Pilot guide & commentary
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Allow 35-minute total trip duration including alpine landing

Not Included

  • Items of a personal nature
Run byThe Helicopter Line

Itinerary

  1. Meet at Glentanner ParkCheck in at The Helicopter Line, Mount Cook Glentanner Park, State Highway 80, Glentanner. The activity ends back at this same meeting point.
  2. Board the helicopterJoin a flight of up to six travellers and board with the pilot guide.
  3. Alpine landingTouch down on a snow or alpine landing site for approximately 10 minutes, conditions and season permitting.
  4. Return flight to GlentannerFly back to the meeting point, completing the roughly 35-minute total trip duration including the landing.

Alpine Landing: Weather permitting, snow depends on season

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points and repeated reviewer comments will help you plan this flight well.

A small helicopter landed on a flat shelf of the Mueller Glacier, rotor still turning, two passengers seen from behind stepping onto the snow.
  • Dress warmly. Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended because of cold temperatures at the landing site. One reviewer found the snow field milder than expected, even in summer, and layers and closed shoes are still the safe choice.
  • Weather rules. Multiple reviewers reported flights grounded by wind, fog or cloud, and the experience requires good weather. If weather cancels your flight you are offered a different date or a full refund, so keep some schedule flexibility.
  • Photo ops. Several travellers said the pilot helped with photos on the snow and pointed out areas of interest. One reviewer mentioned photos taken before takeoff were available for purchase afterward, so bring a camera and budget for extras if you want them.
  • Book around kids' needs. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and those under 15 kg sit on a lap. One parent who flew with young kids suggested small sweets to help with ear pressure, and said the flight was otherwise fine for children.
  • Arrive with buffer. The weight limit is 125 kg per passenger on this flight, and the cap is six travellers per flight. One reviewer warned that minimum numbers are required to fly, so you may wait on other travellers, and another suggested confirming your slot to avoid a wasted drive.
Where this tour sits among the 3 per person flights in Short Alpine Landing Flights (from-price per person, USD)
  • Alpine Landing, 25 Minutes$196
  • Alpine Landing, 30 Minutes$221
  • Alpine Explorer, 35 Minutes (this tour)$350.73
  • Sunglasses help. One reviewer recommended sunglasses for the glare off the snow, and said light clothing was fine inside the helicopter in summer. Combined with the warm-clothing advice for the landing, this means dressing in layers you can adjust.
From$350.73 per person
Rating4.2 from 27 reviews
Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The honest downsides are mostly about control, not the flight itself. Weather grounds helicopters often, and one reviewer said they were not notified promptly of a cancellation and drove a long round trip for nothing, so call ahead on the morning if conditions look marginal. The flight also needs minimum numbers, and one solo traveller arrived to find no one else had booked. Snow at the landing is seasonal, and one reviewer who wanted a guaranteed snow landing felt the scenic flight alone would have suited them better. Hotel pickup is not stated, so check the booking page for details.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the scenic helicopter flight, the approximately 10-minute alpine landing where snow is subject to season, pilot guide and commentary, and GST. The total trip runs about 35 minutes including the landing. Items of a personal nature are not included.

Where Does The Tour Start?

The meeting point is The Helicopter Line at Mount Cook Glentanner Park, State Highway 80, Glentanner, New Zealand. The activity ends back at the same point. Hotel pickup is not stated, so check the booking page for details.

Is It Suitable For Children?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 15 kg are required to sit on a parent's lap. Infants must sit on laps, and one reviewer who flew with young children said they enjoyed the snow at the landing.

Is It Accessible For Wheelchairs?

The experience is wheelchair accessible and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Most travellers can participate. Given the helicopter boarding involved, it is sensible to contact the operator beforehand through the booking page with any specific needs.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for weather or because minimum traveller numbers are not met, you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.

What Should I Bring And Wear?

Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended because of cold temperatures, and one reviewer suggested sunglasses for snow glare. Bring a camera for the landing, where several travellers said the pilot helped with photos. Note the total weight limit of 125 kg per passenger.

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