4 Glaciers, 2 Landings, 60 Minutes

Mt Cook Supreme: 4 Glaciers with 2 Snow Landings - 60mins

★ 4.7 49 reviews

from $514.37 per person

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Duration: 1 hour
Meeting point: 10 Main Road, Franz Josef
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Country Helicopters

Overview

This hour-long helicopter flight with Glacier Country Helicopters covers four glaciers and touches down twice on snow, including a route that takes in Mount Cook itself. It runs from the operator's Franz Josef base, not from Mount Cook Village, which matters when booking since the operator warns that cancellations caused by turning up at the wrong location are not refunded. Check-in happens at the office on Main Road in Franz Josef half an hour before the flight.

After lift-off the flight passes over Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

It suits most travellers, with up to 12 people per departure and infants permitted on laps. Weather is the big variable here. Reviewers describe flights shortened or rescheduled when cloud sits over the mountains, and flights cancelled for weather or low numbers come with an offer of a different date or a refund. Bring sunglasses, a jacket and a camera, and build some flexibility into your plans.

From$514.37 per person

Duration1 hour

Rating4.7 from 49 reviews

What's Included

Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
All fees and taxes

Not Included

Comfort Seat (compulsory for passengers 120kg & over)
Front Seat / Executive Helicopter Upgrade Request

Run byGlacier Country Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Franz Josef officeArrive at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau 30 minutes before the flight time to check in.
Board the helicopterBoarding involves two high ladder-style steps into the aircraft. Tell staff in advance about limited mobility so the right helicopter can be used.
Fly over Westland Tai Poutini National ParkThe flight crosses Westland Tai Poutini National Park on its way toward the glaciers.
First snow landingThe helicopter sets down on snow, with time to step out and take in the surroundings.
Second snow landingThe tour includes a second snow landing during the flight.
Return to Franz JosefThe experience ends back at the meeting point on Main Road.

Snow Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight goes, from weight limits to West Coast weather.

A helicopter crossing the rain-green Franz Josef valley toward the Main Divide, seen from a ridge.

Dress warm. The operator recommends sunglasses, a jacket, a camera and shoes you don't mind getting wet. Warm layers are a sensible choice given the time spent at altitude and on snow.
Weather flexibility. Weather drives everything here. Reviewers describe staff contacting them ahead of flights and rerouting or rescheduling when cloud covered the mountains, and a different date or a refund is offered when a flight cannot run.
Weight and seats. Passengers weighing 120 kg or more at check-in must buy a Comfort Seat, which this operator prices at half the flight fare. Helicopter seats are 40cm wide, and an empty seat can be reserved next to you if you want extra space.
Group feel. Departures carry up to 12 travellers. Reviewers often mention friendly staff and pilots on these flights.
Photos. The operator recommends bringing a camera. Reviewers describe the views over the glaciers and mountain peaks as a highlight of the flight.

From$514.37 per person

Rating4.7 from 49 reviews

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Common issues. Weather is the recurring problem. Reviews describe shortened flights, single landings instead of two, or routes that could not reach Mount Cook. The helicopter is also not wheelchair accessible, boarding requires two high ladder-style steps, and a Comfort Seat purchase is compulsory for passengers weighing 120kg or over. Cancellations within 24 hours of the start time are not refunded, and minimum traveller numbers apply.

Common Questions

Where Does The Flight Leave From?

From the operator's base at 10 Main Road, Franz Josef / Waiau. Check in 30 minutes before your flight time. This is the operator's only base, so if you book this flight while staying near Mount Cook Village, note that cancellations within 24 hours due to booking the wrong location are not refunded.

What Is Included In The Price?

Included are an air-conditioned vehicle and all fees and taxes. Not included are the Comfort Seat, which is compulsory for passengers 120kg and over, and the front seat or executive helicopter upgrade request.

Can Children Or Infants Join?

Infants must sit on laps, and most travellers can participate. Groups are capped at 12 travellers per departure.

Is It Suitable For People With Limited Mobility?

The experience is not wheelchair accessible, and there are two high ladder-style steps into the helicopter. The operator asks that you tell them about any limited mobility, such as an injury, arthritis or recent surgery, since this can affect which helicopter is used.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

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

What Should I Bring?

Sunglasses, a jacket, a camera and shoes you don't mind getting wet, per the operator's advice. You will be weighed at check-in, and passengers 120kg and over must purchase a Comfort Seat at half the flight fare.