Mountains High, 40-Minute Flight

Mount Cook: Mountains High 40-Minute Helicopter Flight

★ 4.8 61 reviews

from $409.68 per person

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

Duration: 40 minutes
Meeting point: Glentanner Park
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: The Helicopter Line

Overview

This 40-minute helicopter flight from Glentanner Park, on State Highway 80 near Mount Cook Village, lifts a maximum of six passengers up over the Southern Alps and sets them down in the snow. The trip is run by The Helicopter Line, and the pilot acts as aerial guide throughout, with informative commentary on the natural landmarks below. Hotel pickup is not stated, so ask the operator about transfers.

The route heads first to Tasman Glacier, where the helicopter hovers over the ice fields before a soft landing on the snow. Passengers step out for roughly five to ten minutes on the ground, with a close-up view of Aoraki/Mount Cook, which stands 3,724 meters above sea level. After take-off the flight crosses the Burnett Mountains and looks down on the Mackenzie Basin, its waterways and the country stretching toward the West Coast, before returning to the same base at Glentanner Park.

It suits most travellers, including children accompanied by an adult and infants seated on laps. Warm clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended because of cold temperatures at the landing site. Flights depend on good weather, and the operator can move a booking to another date when conditions force a change.

From$409.68 per person

Duration40 minutes

Rating4.8 from 61 reviews

What's Included

Included

Scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (5 - 10 minutes)
Pilot guide

Not Included

Items of a personal nature

Run byThe Helicopter Line

Itinerary

Meet at Glentanner ParkMake your own way to The Helicopter Line base at Glentanner Park, State Highway 80. The tour ends back at this same point.
Board the helicopterUp to six passengers board a helicopter with an open-plan cabin designed for excellent viewing.
Fly over Tasman GlacierThe flight heads to Tasman Glacier and hovers over its vast ice fields, with pilot commentary on the landscape below.
Snow landingThe helicopter touches down on the snow for five to ten minutes so passengers can step out and take in the view of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest peak at 3,724 meters.
Cross the Burnett MountainsDeparting the landing site, the pilot traverses the Burnett Mountains, with views over the Mackenzie Basin and the waterways running toward the West Coast.
Return to baseThe helicopter lands back at Glentanner Park and passengers disembark, making their own way onward.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight goes and what to arrange beforehand.

Two travellers lean on a timber railing and look up at a distant helicopter flying toward snow-covered Aoraki / Mount Cook.

Getting there. Hotel pickup is not stated, so check the booking page for your option. Travellers make their own way to the base at Glentanner Park on State Highway 80, and the flight ends at the same spot.
What to wear. Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended because of cold temperatures, especially at the snow landing. The landing lasts five to ten minutes on foot in snow.
Weather matters. The flight requires good weather, and one reviewer described a modified route after strong winds in the mountains, landing on a field of ice rather than the glacier. Another traveller reported being offered an earlier flight when a clear window opened, so it helps to keep some flexibility in your schedule.
Pilot commentary. Reviewers often praise the pilots' explanations of the mountains, glaciers and the surrounding area. One reviewer noted headset problems that made the commentary hard to hear, so it is reasonable to flag a faulty headset to the pilot straight away.
Small cabin. The helicopter carries a maximum of six travellers, two in front and four behind, as one reviewer described. Total weight per passenger is capped at 150 kg.

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 (this tour)$409.68
Grand Glacier Experience, 50 Minutes$468.61
Guided 3-Hour Glacier Hike$558
Heli Hike, Hotel Pickup$558

Photography. Reviewers repeatedly call the photo opportunities outstanding, both from the air and during the snow landing. One honeymooning passenger lost their photos afterwards and regretted not backing them up, so download images promptly.

From$409.68 per person

Rating4.8 from 61 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The experience depends entirely on weather, and rescheduling or a full refund is allowed when flights are cancelled for poor conditions. One reviewer said wind led to a modified run that landed on a field of ice rather than the glacier, so the exact route is not fixed. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and one family managed boarding a physically disabled child with a step stool and manual assistance. Personal items are not included in the price.

Common Questions

Where Does The Flight Start And Is Pickup Included?

The flight starts and ends at The Helicopter Line base at Glentanner Park, State Highway 80, Glentanner. Pickup is not stated, so travellers should check the booking page and plan their own transport to the base.

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the 40-minute scenic helicopter flight with a snow landing of five to ten minutes, plus a pilot guide who provides commentary. Items of a personal nature are not included.

Is The Snow Landing Guaranteed?

A snow landing is part of the advertised itinerary, but the flight requires good weather and conditions in the mountains can change the plan. One reviewer had the route modified for wind, landing on a field of ice rather than the glacier. If weather cancels the flight, the operator offers a different date or a full refund.

Can Children Join The Flight?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, infants must sit on laps, and most travellers can participate. The helicopter takes a maximum of six travellers, so families should book seats together.

Is It Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and boarding involves getting into the helicopter. One reviewer's family managed to assist a physically disabled child with a step stool and manual help, which suggests boarding takes some physical effort.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, using the experience's local time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for weather or because the minimum number of travellers is not met, you are offered a different date, a different experience or a full refund.