Alpine Landing, 30 Minutes
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Alpine Landing, 25 Minutes
Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
from $196 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.
- Duration
- 25 minutes
- Meeting point
- Mount Cook Airport
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Run by
- Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters
Overview
This 25-minute helicopter flight with Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters lifts off from Mount Cook Airport and heads up the Tasman Valley, over a blue glacier lake, and into the peaks of Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Aoraki Mount Cook itself comes into view early, along with the snow-capped ranges around it. Midway, the helicopter touches down on a mountain inside the park so passengers can step out and stand in the alpine landscape before flying back to the airport.
The pilot provides commentary throughout the flight and the landing stop, which reviewers repeatedly single out as the high point of the trip. Several travellers describe the landing as the highlight, with one recounting a touchdown in the snow and a direct view of Aoraki. Cameras and phones can be used during the flight, and the landing stop leaves time for pictures.
The flight runs in English and is bookable year-round, though snow at the landing occurs most of the year and cannot be guaranteed in summer. Travellers chasing a guaranteed snow landing should look at the operator's combined ski plane and helicopter glacier flight instead.
From$196 per person
Duration25 minutes
Rating4.8 from 536 reviews
What's Included
Included
- 25-minute scenic flight with alpine landing
- Pilot guide with commentary
Run byMount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters
Itinerary
- Check in at Mount Cook AirportArrive at Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure.
- Board the helicopterWeight and balance limits apply, with a per-passenger limit of 116 kilograms.
- Fly up the Tasman ValleyThe flight follows the Tasman Valley and crosses over a blue glacier lake, with views of Aoraki Mount Cook and the surrounding ranges from takeoff.
- Alpine landingThe helicopter lands on a mountain in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. Passengers disembark, take in the alpine surroundings and take photos before reboarding.
- Return flightThe pilot continues commentary on the way back to Mount Cook Airport, where the tour ends.
Alpine Landing: Weather permitting, snow depends on season
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical details shape how this flight goes, from check-in timing to how seats work.
- Arrive early. Check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight.
- What to bring. Sunglasses and closed-toe shoes are requested. Cameras and phones are allowed in the air, and the landing stop gives time for pictures.
- No bags. Bags are not allowed on the aircraft, so plan to leave them behind or with someone at the airport.
- Weather and timing. Weather drives everything here. The operator rebooks within 30 minutes of a weather cancellation or issues a full refund, and reviewers who flew in clear conditions describe the views as exceptional.
- Weight limits. Each passenger must weigh no more than 116 kilograms, and combined passenger weights can occasionally force a rescheduling. If that happens, a full refund is an option.
- Snow is seasonal. Snow landings happen most of the year but cannot be guaranteed in summer because of low snowfall. The landing still takes place in the alpine environment regardless.
Common issues. The main friction points are practical rather than experiential. Snow at the landing is not guaranteed in the warmer months, and flights can be cancelled or rescheduled for weather or weight and balance limits, though refunds are offered in both cases. Some travellers said clearer information on how window and front seats are assigned would help. One reviewer also suggested a coffee kiosk at the airport would be a welcome addition.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Price?
The price covers the 25-minute scenic flight with an alpine landing and a pilot guide who provides commentary throughout. Hotel transport is not part of the package, though pickup and drop-off in Mount Cook Village can be arranged by contacting the local operator directly.
Where Does The Tour Start?
The meeting point is Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road. Check-in closes 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Will We Land On Snow?
Snow landings occur most of the year, roughly 95 percent of the time, but they cannot be guaranteed during summer because of limited snowfall. A landing is never guaranteed, so the operator points travellers wanting snow through the year to its combined ski plane and helicopter glacier flight.
What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?
If the operator cancels for weather, passengers are offered a new tour within 30 minutes or a full refund. Passengers can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are There Weight Restrictions?
Yes. The per-passenger limit is 116 kilograms, and flights may be rescheduled if combined passenger weights reach the maximum safety limit. In that case passengers can cancel for a full refund.
Is It Suitable For Families?
No age restriction or accessibility policy is stated, so check with the operator before booking. Great memories have been made with family on this flight, and staff at check-in and boarding are friendly.
Find And Book A Flight
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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