Tasman Glacier Helicopter, 40 Minutes

Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight

13 reviews

from $373 per person

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Duration: 40 minutes
Meeting point: Glacier Helicopters, Bowen Drive
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Helicopters

Overview

This 40-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Helicopters leaves from Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and heads straight for the Hochstetter Icefall, the frozen cascade that spills down the flank of Aoraki / Mount Cook. From the air you follow the upper Tasman Glacier, reading its neves and crevasses, shapes the ice has taken centuries to build.

The flight includes a landing on the upper Tasman Glacier, weather permitting. You step out onto snow and ice with the mountain the local name calls the Cloud Piercer above you, and the Burnett Mountains and Mackenzie Basin spread out beyond. The total flight time is approximate and includes the landing.

It suits travellers who want to see the glacier country from the air, including families. Children from 4 to 14 years weighing over 15kg need their own seat, while younger or lighter infants sit on an adult's knee. Check-in happens at the operator's base at 81 Bowen Drive, and there is no hotel transport, so you make your own way there. Bring warm layers, sturdy closed-toe shoes and sunglasses, and leave the drone and selfie stick behind.

From$373 per person

Duration40 minutes

Reviews13 reviews

What's Included

Included

Alpine landing
Panoramic views

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pick up and drop off

Run byGlacier Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at the baseArrive at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, 81 Bowen Drive, Canterbury, and check in at the Glacier Helicopters base.
Board the helicopterBoard your helicopter at the base for takeoff.
Fly the Hochstetter IcefallTake off and view the Hochstetter Icefall as it cascades down the mountainside of Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Explore the upper Tasman GlacierFly over the upper glacier, seeing the neves and crevasses formed over centuries.
Glacier landingTouch down on the upper Tasman Glacier, weather permitting, with views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks.
Take in the vistasView the expansive vistas of the Burnett Mountains and Mackenzie Basin before returning to the base.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the flight smoother, from what to wear to how weather shapes the day.

Sunglasses, a folded fleece, closed walking shoes and an unlabelled water bottle laid on a wooden bench, mountains blurred behind.

Dress warmly. Warm clothing, comfortable layers, sturdy closed-toe shoes and sunglasses are recommended. Treat the recommendations as a real packing list rather than a suggestion.
Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop off. You make your own way to the base at 81 Bowen Drive in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for check-in.
Weather rules. Flights, landings and routes can change at the pilot's discretion depending on conditions. One group of reviewers reported a flight that ran later than planned because of weather, and still called it the highlight of their trip.
Photos and pilots. Reviews mention pilots who were informative and warm, with one traveller noting the pilot took photos of everyone on board and gave each side of the cabin a chance at the same views.
No food included. Food and drinks are not included in the price of the flight. Bring what you need or plan around your departure time.
Travelling with kids. Children from 4 to 14 years who weigh over 15kg need their own seat. Infants under 4 and under 15kg sit on an adult's knee, which makes the flight workable for young families.

From$373 per person

Reviews13 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The honest catch is weather. Flights can be delayed, rerouted or cancelled, and if the operator cancels for poor conditions you get a choice of another date or a full refund. Minimum passenger numbers also apply, and if a departure cannot fill, you can move to an alternative time or take a full refund. One reviewer reported waiting several days for a refund after a cancelled flight, so it can take a little time to process.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The flight itself, a landing on the upper Tasman Glacier, weather permitting, and panoramic views are included. Prices also include concession fees that go toward conservation and sustainability management. Food, drinks and hotel transfers are not included.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. There is no hotel pickup or drop off. You check in at the operator's base at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, 81 Bowen Drive, Canterbury, New Zealand.

How Long Is The Flight?

The experience runs about 40 minutes, and that figure is approximate and includes your time on the glacier during the landing. Routes and landing spots can vary with weather.

Can Children Come On The Flight?

Yes. Children aged 4 to 14 who weigh over 15kg must have their own seat, and infants under 4 and under 15kg sit on an adult's knee. One reviewer's family had a good time with the warm service from the pilot.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or unmet minimum passenger numbers, you can choose an alternative date or departure, or receive 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, and smoking is not allowed.