3-Hour Helicopter Ride And Hike

Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike

★ 4.9 344 reviews

from $552 per person

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Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: Mount Cook Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Mt Cook Glacier Guiding

Overview

This trip pairs a short helicopter flight with a long walk on ice. You start at Mount Cook Airport with a safety briefing lasting 45 minutes, then fly for about 15 minutes to a remote section of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's largest glacier. The flight in passes views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's tallest mountain.

Once on the ice, you get up to 2 hours of guided hiking. The route winds through ice formations that shift as the glacier moves, so no two runs of the tour look quite the same. Guides cut steps into the ice as needed and point out features along the way. A second 15 minute flight returns you to the airport, with a short break at the end before you wrap up.

All the technical gear is supplied: leather boots, woolen socks, crampons, a walking pole and a waterproof jacket. You need to bring warm clothing, sunglasses and a hat, and sort out your own food and drinks. The tour runs in English, with two departure slots to choose from at 8:45 AM and 10:45 AM, and it is not recommended for anyone with limited mobility. The whole thing depends on the weather holding.

From$552 per person

Duration3 hours

Rating4.9 from 344 reviews

What's Included

Included

2 scenic flights
Tour guide
Leather boots
Woolen socks
Crampons
Walking pole
Waterproof jacket

Not Included

Food and drinks

Run byMt Cook Glacier Guiding

Itinerary

Meet at Mount Cook AirportThe meeting point is Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Rd. Pickup is not mentioned, so travellers should plan their own way there.
Safety briefingA 45 minute briefing covers the glacier gear and how the hike works.
Helicopter flight to glacierA 15 minute flight, with scenic views on the way, lands on a remote part of the Tasman Glacier.
Guided glacier hikeUp to 2 hours on the ice with a guide: hiking past ice formations, a photo stop and a guided tour, weather permitting.
Return helicopter flightA 15 minute scenic flight back down to the base of the mountain.
Break and finishA 10 minute break back at Mount Cook, then the tour ends at the airport.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day run more smoothly.

A helicopter idling on a snow shelf beside the Tasman Glacier icefall, haze softening Mount Cook behind, passengers stepping out with crampons.

Layer up. Bring warm clothing, sunglasses and a hat. Boots, socks, crampons, a pole and a waterproof jacket are all provided, so you do not need your own technical kit.
Fitness and footing. You spend up to 2 hours walking on glacier ice, and guides cut steps where the surface demands it. The trip is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
Weather calls. The trip is weather dependent and can be cancelled or rescheduled when conditions are poor. Several reviewers described dates moved because of weather, and said the team kept them informed and offered alternatives.
Bring your own food. Food and drinks are not included. There is a 10 minute break at the end but nothing is provided, so pack water and a snack if you want them.
Guides set the tone. Reviewers often mention guides who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and firm on safety, and who answer questions in detail. The briefing at the start is part of that same safety focus.
Photos and timing. There is a photo stop on the glacier and scenic views from the helicopter both ways. One reviewer who sat in the front seat raved about the views, so have a camera ready.

From$552 per person

Rating4.9 from 344 reviews

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Common issues. Weather is the main catch: the tour only runs when conditions allow, and if it cannot operate you receive a full refund for the affected booking. Dates have been cancelled and rescheduled in some cases, which is worth knowing if your time in the area is tight. Clearer expectations about actual time on the ice and the amount of hiking would help, so go in knowing the ice time is up to 2 hours, not guaranteed. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and staff still helped arrange a refund for one traveller who missed that window due to a flight delay.

Common Questions

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. The tour meets at Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Rd, and travellers make their own way there. Check the booking page for directions and arrival details.

What Gear Is Included?

Leather boots, woolen socks, crampons, a walking pole and a waterproof jacket are all provided, along with the guide and both helicopter flights. You bring warm clothing, sunglasses and a hat.

Is Food Provided?

No, food and drinks are not included. There is a 10 minute break at the end of the tour, so bring your own water and snacks.

How Long Is The Whole Tour?

About 3 hours in total. That includes a 15 minute flight each way, up to 2 hours on the glacier, and time for the safety briefing before you lift off.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

The trip is weather dependent. If weather prevents it from operating you get a full refund for the affected booking, and reviewers report being offered rescheduling or alternate options when their original date was affected.

Can I Cancel In Advance?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Check the booking page for the full cancellation terms.