Alpine Landing, 25 Minutes
25 minutes · Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters
from $196 per person Check availability →
Alpine Landing, 30 Minutes
Mount Cook: Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
from $221 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.
- Duration
- 30 minutes
- Meeting point
- Glacier Helicopters, Bowen Drive
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Run by
- Glacier Helicopters
Overview
This 30-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Helicopters leaves from the base at Aoraki / Mount Cook and spends its time on the Southern Alps rather than on transfers. After check-in and a safety briefing, the helicopter lifts off and tracks over the lower Tasman Glacier, then continues above the Liebig range, with pilot commentary pointing out the peaks below. The centrepiece is an alpine landing: the helicopter sets down at an alpine site, often on snow when weather allows, so passengers can step out, take photos, and stand surrounded by the mountains before flying back.
The whole flight time is approximate and includes the landing. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, and travellers make their own way to the meeting point at 81 Bowen Drive in the national park.
It suits travellers who want high-alpine scenery without a full-day commitment, including families, since children from 4 to 14 years weighing over 15kg have their own seat and infants under 4 and under 15kg sit on an adult's knee. Reviewers consistently describe friendly pilots, informative commentary, and a snow landing that stands out as the highlight of the flight. Weather and minimum passenger numbers can affect departures, so a little flexibility helps.
From$221 per person
Duration30 minutes
Rating4.9 from 50 reviews
What's Included
Included
- Alpine landing
- Panoramic views
- Pilot commentary
- Safety briefing
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Run byGlacier Helicopters
Itinerary
- Check in at baseArrive at the Glacier Helicopters base at Aoraki / Mount Cook, 81 Bowen Drive, Canterbury, and check in for your flight.
- Safety briefingThe crew runs through a safety briefing before boarding, covering procedures for the flight and the landing.
- Scenic flightBoard the helicopter and take off over the lower Tasman Glacier and the Liebig mountain range, with pilot commentary on the peaks of the Southern Alps.
- Alpine landingThe helicopter sets down in the alpine environment for a stop, with time to photograph the panoramic views and the snow-covered surroundings.
- Return flightFly back to the Aoraki / Mount Cook base, where the tour ends.
Alpine Landing: Weather permitting, snow depends on season
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points are worth knowing before booking, from what to wear to how weather affects the schedule.
- Dress warmly. Warm clothing, sturdy closed-toe shoes and sunglasses are recommended. You will be standing in snow at altitude during the landing, so layers matter even on a fine day.
- Photo limits. Cameras are welcome on the snow landing, but selfie sticks, drones and mobile tablets are not permitted. Pack accordingly.
- Short flight, big payoff. The full duration is about 30 minutes and includes the landing. Several travellers described the views and the snow landing as a highlight well worth the time.
- Friendly pilots. Reviewers often mention the pilots by name and praise their commentary and patience with questions. The pattern of informative, friendly crew comes up repeatedly across reviews.
- No food provided. Food and drinks are not included and hotel transfers are not provided. Eat beforehand and plan your own transport to and from the base.
- Weather flexibility. Routes, landings and flight paths may change at the pilot's discretion depending on conditions. Build some slack into your schedule in case your departure shifts.
Common issues. Weather drives everything here: flights can be cancelled in poor conditions, though an alternative date or a full refund is offered when that happens. Minimum passenger numbers apply, and one reviewer reported being moved to an earlier, slightly longer departure because their slot lacked enough people, with the operator calling within minutes of booking. Another traveller found the Glacier Helicopters office hard to spot from outside, so it is worth confirming the exact location at 81 Bowen Drive before arriving. Smoking is not allowed.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Price?
The price covers the helicopter flight, an alpine landing, pilot commentary and a safety briefing. Conservation and sustainability concession fees are also included. Food, drinks and hotel transfers are not.
Is Hotel Pickup Included?
No. Pickup and drop-off are not included, so you make your own way to the meeting point at 81 Bowen Drive, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Canterbury. The address is listed with the booking details.
How Long Is The Flight?
The experience runs about 30 minutes, and that figure includes the alpine landing. Flight times are approximate and can vary with weather and routing.
Can Children Take This Tour?
Yes. Children from 4 to 14 years weighing over 15kg need their own seat, while infants under 4 and under 15kg sit on an adult's knee. Families have flown with older relatives too, with one reviewer describing it as a first snow experience for a sibling in her sixties.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cancels for weather or cannot meet minimum passenger numbers, you get the choice of an alternative date or departure, or a full refund.
What Should I Bring?
Warm clothing, comfortable clothes and sturdy closed-toe shoes, plus sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera. Selfie sticks, drones and mobile tablets are not permitted on the flight.
Find And Book A Flight
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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