The Helicopter Line, 55 Minutes

Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight

★ 4.7 142 reviews

from $545.25 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 55 minutes
Meeting point: Glentanner Park
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: The Helicopter Line

Overview

This 55-minute helicopter flight with The Helicopter Line starts and ends at Glentanner Park on State Highway 80 in Glentanner, and it strings together the big alpine sights of the region in one loop. The route passes through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, over the Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walks area, then continues past Tasman Glacier before crossing to the West Coast glaciers, Fox and Franz Josef. An alpine landing is planned when weather allows, so passengers may step out onto snow, depending on the season. A pilot guide flies and narrates the whole way.

The flight suits travellers who want the full glacier circuit rather than a single short hop. It also works for first-time helicopter passengers; one reviewer noted feeling relaxed enough to take everything in, and called it the best way to see Mount Cook and the glaciers.

Groups are small, with a maximum of six travellers per aircraft. The total weight limit per passenger is 165 kg, and infants must sit on a lap rather than occupy a seat.

From$545.25 per person

Duration55 minutes

Rating4.7 from 142 reviews

What's Included

Included

Scenic helicopter flight
Pilot guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
See Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier and West Coast Glaciers
Alpine Snow Landing

Not Included

Items of a personal nature

Run byThe Helicopter Line

Itinerary

Meet at Glentanner ParkCheck in at The Helicopter Line base at Mount Cook Glentanner Park, State Highway 80, Glentanner. The tour starts and finishes here.
Fly over Aoraki Mount Cook National ParkThe 55-minute flight passes through Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu), with Aoraki/Mount Cook in view.
Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walksThe helicopter passes by the Blue Lakes and the Tasman Glacier walk area below.
Tasman GlacierThe route continues past Tasman Glacier, one of the listed sights on the flight.
Fox and Franz Josef GlaciersThe flight crosses to the West Coast and passes over both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier before looping back.
Alpine snow landingThe helicopter touches down on snow for a chance to step out, take photos and take in the surroundings. Included in the tour.
Return to Glentanner ParkThe flight ends back at the same meeting point.

Alpine Landing: Weather permitting, snow depends on season

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight actually goes, from what to wear to how weather can move your booking.

Where this tour sits among the 6 per person flights in Multi-Glacier And Grand Circle Flights (from-price per person, USD)

Helicopter or Ski Plane Choice$392
Glacier Highlights, 45 Minutes$401.73
Grand Circle Helicopter, 55 Minutes$459.20
Grand Circle Ski Plane, 55 Minutes$459.20
Scenic Helicopter, 50 Minutes$496
The Helicopter Line, 55 Minutes (this tour)$545.25

Dress warmly. Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended because of cold temperatures, especially for the snow landing. Reviewers describe stepping out into fresh snow at altitude, so gloves and a warm layer earn their place even on a mild valley day.
Weather flexibility. The flight depends on favourable conditions. If weather cancels, the operator offers an alternative date or a full refund.
Small aircraft seating. Up to six travellers fly together, and total weight per passenger is capped at 165 kg.
Snow landing photos. The pilot guides throughout the flight and, according to one review, helped with photographs on the snow. Stepping out for a full mountain view was a highlight several travellers singled out.
Allow waiting time. One reviewer waited out bad weather before being rebooked on a later flight the same day. Building slack into the day helps if the departure slot shifts.
Infant seating. Infants must sit on laps, and infant rates apply for infants under 15 kg who do not occupy a seat. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

From$545.25 per person

Rating4.7 from 142 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. Weather is the main risk, since the flight runs only in favourable conditions; if it is cancelled for weather, travellers are offered a different date or a full refund. A minimum number of travellers also applies, and if that minimum is not met the operator offers a different date or experience, or a full refund. The experience is not wheelchair accessible, and items of a personal nature are not included.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Included are the scenic helicopter flight, a pilot guide, an alpine snow landing, GST, and views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier and the West Coast glaciers. Items of a personal nature are not included. Pickup is not stated, so check the booking page for transport details.

Where Does The Tour Start?

Check-in is at The Helicopter Line, Mount Cook Glentanner Park, State Highway 80, Glentanner, New Zealand. The flight ends back at the same point. Hotel pickup is not stated, so travellers should confirm arrangements on the live booking page.

How Long Is The Flight?

The flight runs 55 minutes. Weather can cancel it; if cancelled for poor conditions, travellers are offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is It Suitable For Children And Infants?

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on a lap. Infant rates apply for infants under 15 kg who do not occupy a seat. Most travellers can participate.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund requires cancellation at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Within 24 hours, no refund or changes are accepted. Weather cancellations and minimum-number cancellations both come with the option of a different date or a full refund.

What Should I Bring And Wear?

Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended because of cold temperatures, particularly for the snow landing. No other packing requirements are given. Total weight per passenger is limited to 165 kg.