50-Minute Helicopter Glacier Landing

Mount Cook: 50-Minute Aoraki Scenic Helicopter Flight

11 reviews

from $491 per person

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Duration: 50 minutes
Meeting point: Mount Cook Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Southern Lakes Helicopters

Overview

This 50-minute helicopter flight with Southern Lakes Helicopters leaves from Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport and circles Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park before touching down on the snow of the Tasman Glacier. The pilot provides commentary throughout, pointing out the summits, glaciers and ice fields as you fly. The landing is the centerpiece: you step out onto the glacier and stand in the quiet of the high alpine zone before lifting off again.

From the air the route takes in three glaciers, hanging ice, deep crevasses with their blue color, and Lake Pukaki. On a clear day you can see across to the West Coast and the Tasman Sea, giving you both sides of the South Island from one seat.

It suits travellers who want a scenic flight over the park's high country with a glacier landing and no walking required, and reviewers repeatedly call the landing the standout moment. Pickup is not mentioned for this flight; it departs from Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport in Canterbury, so check the booking page about transfers.

From$491 per person

Duration50 minutes

Reviews11 reviews

What's Included

Included

50-minute scenic helicopter flight
Tasman Glacier snow landing
Professional and experienced pilot
In-flight commentary

Run bySouthern Lakes Helicopters

Itinerary

Meet at the airportCheck in at Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport, Canterbury. Transport to the airport is not mentioned.
Scenic helicopter flightA 50-minute flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park with pilot commentary, passing three glaciers, hanging ice and Lake Pukaki.
Tasman Glacier snow landingThe helicopter lands high on the Tasman Glacier, with time to stand on the snow before continuing.
Return to the airportThe flight continues over the park, with views toward the West Coast and Tasman Sea on clear days, before landing back at the airport.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the experience, from seating to weather.

The snowy summit ridge of Mount Cook far across turquoise Lake Pukaki, narrow gravel shore with tussock.

Seating matters. Where you sit affects the view. One reviewer seated in the middle of the back row said they could not see much.
Dress for snow. Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. You will be standing on glacier snow, so warm layers are the safe choice.
Bring a camera. A camera or a charged smartphone is suggested. The ridges, glaciers and landing are described as the photographic highlights.
Weather dependent. All flights depend on weather. If the operator cancels, a full refund applies and rescheduling may be offered, so keep some flexibility in your plans.
No bags aboard. Bags, drones and selfie sticks are not allowed on the flight. Plan to leave luggage behind and travel light.
Commentary on the flight. The pilot gives in-flight commentary, and several reviewers praised how informative it was, naming glaciers and peaks as you pass them.

From$491 per person

Reviews11 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. Weather can cancel any flight, which is the main risk; the operator offers a full refund or rescheduling when that happens. One reviewer in a middle rear seat felt they missed most of the view. Pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport. Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, but the experience depends heavily on conditions on the day.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the 50-minute scenic helicopter flight, the snow landing on the Tasman Glacier, a professional pilot and in-flight commentary. No exclusions are stated, though you arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. Pickup is not included. The tour starts at Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport in Canterbury, New Zealand; check the booking page for meeting point details.

Where Does The Helicopter Land?

It lands high on the Tasman Glacier, where you can step out onto the snow. Reviewers often single out this landing as the highlight of the flight.

What Should I Bring?

Comfortable shoes, a camera, weather-appropriate clothing and a charged smartphone are recommended. Bags, drones and selfie sticks are not allowed.

What Happens If The Weather Is Bad?

All flights are weather dependent. If the operator cancels due to weather, you are entitled to a full refund, and rescheduling may be offered as an alternative.

Can I Cancel My Booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.