Grand Glacier Experience, 50 Minutes

Mount Cook Grand Glacier Experience Helicopter Flight

2 reviews

from $463.13 per person

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Duration: 50 minutes
Meeting point: Glacier Helicopters, Bowen Drive
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Helicopters

Overview

This 50-minute helicopter flight with Glacier Helicopters packs three glaciers into a single loop from Aoraki/Mount Cook. The route centres on Tasman Glacier, where the aircraft touches down on the ice for a glacier landing, while Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are passed in flight. Informative pilot commentary is provided during the flight.

The experience begins at 81 Bowen Drive in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where check-in closes 30 minutes before departure. From there the operator transports passengers to Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport for the flight, and the tour ends back at the original meeting point. A safety briefing is provided before lift-off, and the price includes GST.

With a maximum of six travellers per departure, the flight suits those who want to see several glaciers in one outing. Most travellers can participate, and infants can sit on laps, though it is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers. Food and drink are not included, so eat beforehand.

From$463.13 per person

Duration50 minutes

Reviews2 reviews

What's Included

Included

Scenic Helicopter Flight
Glacier Landing
Informative Pilot Commentary
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
See 3 glaciers in one flight
Safety Briefing

Not Included

Food
Drink

Run byGlacier Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Bowen DriveArrive at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, 81 Bowen Drive. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure time.
Transfer to the airportThe operator transports passengers from the meeting point to Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport for the flight.
Safety briefingA safety briefing is given before boarding the helicopter.
Scenic helicopter flightThe roughly 50-minute flight includes pilot commentary and passes by Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
Tasman Glacier, 10 minutes
Return to meeting pointThe activity ends back at 81 Bowen Drive, the original meeting point.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to prepare for before you fly.

A ski plane banking past the summit rock of Aoraki / Mount Cook, its wing over broken glacier ice in late golden light.

Arrive early. Check-in closes 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. Build that buffer into your plans, since late arrivals cannot be checked in.
Weight limits. The total weight limit per passenger is 200 kg.
Group size. Each departure carries a maximum of six travellers. The flight also requires a minimum number of travellers to run.
No food or drink. Neither food nor drink is included. Plan accordingly for the 50-minute flight.
Weather dependent. The flight requires good weather. If it is cancelled for poor conditions, the operator offers a different date or a full refund.
Camera ready. The route passes three glaciers, including a landing on Tasman Glacier, so the scenery is a main draw of the flight.

From$463.13 per person

Reviews2 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The flight is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travellers. It also requires both good weather and a minimum number of travellers; if either forces a cancellation, the operator offers an alternative date or experience, or a full refund. Refunds are not given for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure, and changes within that window are not accepted. Infants must sit on laps, though infant seats are available.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the scenic helicopter flight, a glacier landing, pilot commentary, a safety briefing, GST, and views of three glaciers. Food and drink are not included.

Is Food Or Drink Provided?

No. Both food and drink are listed as not included, so plan to eat before or after the flight.

Where Does The Tour Start?

Check-in is at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, 81 Bowen Drive, Aoraki/Mount Cook 7999, New Zealand. The operator then transports passengers to Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport, and the tour ends back at the meeting point. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure.

Is The Flight Suitable For Children Or People With Limited Mobility?

Infants must sit on laps, and infant seats are available. However, the experience is not wheelchair accessible.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

A full refund requires cancellation at least 24 hours before the start time, based on local time. Within 24 hours, no refund is given and changes are not accepted. Weather or minimum-number cancellations come with an offer of a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.

How Long Is The Flight And How Many People Fly?

The experience lasts 50 minutes in total, with 10 minutes allocated to Tasman Glacier. Each departure has a maximum of six travellers.