Grand Glacier Experience, 50 Minutes

Mount Cook Grand Glacier Experience Helicopter Flight

2 reviews

from $468.61 per person

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Duration: 50 minutes
Meeting point: Glacier Helicopters, Bowen Drive
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Helicopters

Overview

This 50-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Helicopters covers three glaciers in a single loop out of Aoraki/Mount Cook. After checking in at the national park office on Bowen Drive, guests are transported to Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport for a safety briefing, then lifted off over the Tasman, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. The flight includes a glacier landing, one of the inclusions listed for the experience. Pilot commentary runs throughout, pointing out features and giving context to the landscape below.

The trip is capped at six travellers. It suits visitors who want to see three glaciers on a single flight with a landing included, and who like the idea of hearing from a pilot as the country rolls past. Infants can sit on laps and infant seats are available, though the operator does not recommend the flight for pregnant travellers.

GST is included in the price. Food and drink are not, so anything for before or after the flight needs to come with you. Confirmation arrives at the time of booking, and a full refund is available if plans change more than 24 hours before departure. Weather can still ground the flight, in which case a different date or a full refund is offered.

From$468.61 per person

Duration50 minutes

Reviews2 reviews

What's Included

Included

Scenic Helicopter Flight
Glacier Landing
Informative Pilot Commentary
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
See 3 glaciers in one flight
Safety Briefing

Not Included

Food
Drink

Run byGlacier Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Bowen DriveMeet at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, 81 Bowen Drive. Check in closes 30 minutes before departure, and staff then transport you to the airport.
Transfer to the airportThe operator transports you from the meeting point to Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport for the flight.
Safety briefingA safety briefing is included before boarding the helicopter.
Tasman GlacierTen minutes at Tasman Glacier. The glacier landing takes place during the flight.
Franz Josef GlacierPassing Franz Josef Glacier.
Fox GlacierPassing Fox Glacier.
Return to meeting pointThe flight ends back at the same meeting point in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from check-in timing to what the weather decides.

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 (this tour)$468.61
Guided 3-Hour Glacier Hike$558
Heli Hike, Hotel Pickup$558

Check in early. Check in closes 30 minutes before your departure time at the Bowen Drive meeting point. Arriving after that risks missing the transfer to the airport.
Weight limits. The total weight per passenger is capped at 200 kg.
Weather dependency. The flight requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund, so build some flexibility into your plans.
Small aircraft. The flight carries a maximum of six travellers. Seating arrangements beyond that number are not described, so check the booking page for details.
Bring your own food. Food and drink are not included. Eat before check in or carry something with you for afterwards.
Accessibility limits. The experience is not wheelchair accessible. Most travellers can participate, and infants must sit on laps, with infant seats available.

From$468.61 per person

Reviews2 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The honest constraints are the ones stated plainly. Weather can ground the flight, and a minimum number of travellers is required, so there is a chance of a cancellation or rescheduling offer even after booking. The 24-hour cancellation window is strict, with no refund or changes inside it. The aircraft is not wheelchair accessible, and the operator does not recommend the flight for pregnant travellers.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the scenic helicopter flight, a glacier landing, pilot commentary, a safety briefing and GST. You see three glaciers on one flight. Food and drink are not included.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

Check in at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, 81 Bowen Drive, Mount Cook Village. Check in closes 30 minutes before departure, and the operator then transports you to Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How Long Is The Flight?

The flight is listed at 50 minutes including the landing; allow extra for check-in at Bowen Drive and the airport transfer.

Is It Suitable For Children And People With Limited Mobility?

Infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available. The flight is not wheelchair accessible, and it is not recommended for pregnant travellers. Most travellers can otherwise participate.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, no refund is given and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for weather or because the minimum traveller number is not met, you are offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund.

How Many People Are On The Flight?

The tour has a maximum of six travellers. The per-passenger weight limit is 200 kg in total.