Glacier Helicopters, Alpine Landing

Mount Cook: Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing

★ 4.9 50 reviews

from $219 per person

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Duration: 30 minutes
Meeting point: Glacier Helicopters, Bowen Drive
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Helicopters

Overview

This 30 minute helicopter flight with Glacier Helicopters leaves from the Aoraki / Mount Cook base and spends its short airtime on the Southern Alps. The route crosses the lower Tasman Glacier and climbs over the Liebig range before the pilot sets down for an alpine landing, where passengers step out among the peaks and take photos, with snow underfoot depending on the season. Total flight time is approximate and includes the landing.

Commentary from the pilot runs throughout, pointing out the glaciers and peaks as you fly. The flight is conducted in English, and a safety briefing is part of the departure. Reviews again and again single out the pilots by name for being friendly, informative and patient with questions.

It suits travellers who want the alpine landing experience without committing to a longer flight, including families: children from 4 to 14 years weighing over 15kg need their own seat, while infants under 4 and under 15kg sit on an adult's knee. Bring warm layers, closed toe shoes and sunglasses, since the alpine landing is cold at any time of year and snow depends on the season. Weather and minimum passenger numbers both apply, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

From$219 per person

Duration30 minutes

Rating4.9 from 50 reviews

What's Included

Included

Alpine landing
Panoramic views
Pilot commentary
Safety briefing

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pick up and drop off

Run byGlacier Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at Mount CookArrive at 81 Bowen Drive, Bowen Drive in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, and check in for your flight. One reviewer found the Glacier Helicopters office hard to spot from outside, so allow time to locate it.
Safety briefingThe crew runs through a safety briefing before boarding. Ground staff are described in reviews as friendly and professional.
Helicopter takeoffBoard the helicopter and lift off from the Aoraki / Mount Cook base into the Southern Alps.
Fly Tasman GlacierThe route passes over the lower Tasman Glacier, with pilot commentary on the glaciers and peaks below.
Liebig range crossingThe flight continues above the Liebig mountain range, taking in the peaks of the Southern Alps.
Alpine snow landingThe helicopter lands in the alpine snow so passengers can step out, take photos and enjoy the panoramic surroundings.
Return flightFly back to the base. The 30 minute duration is approximate and includes the landing.

Alpine Landing: Weather permitting, snow depends on season

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape this flight, from mountain weather to what you can carry on board.

A helicopter settled on alpine snow high on the Tasman Glacier under grey overcast light, two figures trudging toward it through drifts.

Dress warmly. Warm clothing, comfortable clothes, sturdy closed toe shoes and sunglasses are requested. A landing would put you out on snow, so dress for cold conditions.
Photo limits. Cameras are welcome and reviewers report taking photos at the landing. Selfie sticks, drones and mobile tablets are not permitted, so plan around a phone or camera held by hand.
Pilot commentary. Pilot commentary is included and reviewers often mention it as a highlight. Several said their pilot explained each glacier and answered questions patiently during the flight.
No transfers. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included. You make your own way to 81 Bowen Drive, and one reviewer noted the office is not visible from the outside, so allow a little extra time.
Weather flexibility. Flights, landings and routes may vary with conditions and at the pilot's discretion. If weather cancels your flight, an alternative date or a full refund is offered, so keep your schedule loose if you can.
No food provided. Food and drinks are not included. Eat before you fly, and bring sunscreen, which is among the essentials.

From$219 per person

Rating4.9 from 50 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The main uncertainty is that flights depend on favourable weather and on minimum passenger numbers; if a departure cannot be filled, the operator offers an alternative time or a full refund, and one reviewer was moved to an earlier, longer flight for exactly this reason. Flight times are approximate and include the landing, so the airborne portion is shorter than the headline figure suggests. Hotel transfers are not included, and one reviewer found the office hard to find from the street. Smoking is not allowed.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The price covers the helicopter flight, the alpine landing, pilot commentary and a safety briefing. It also includes concession fees that contribute toward conservation and sustainability management. Hotel transfers, food and drinks are not included.

Where Does The Flight Depart From?

Check in is at 81 Bowen Drive, Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, Canterbury, New Zealand. There is no hotel pickup or drop off, so travellers make their own way to the base. One reviewer noted the office is not visible from outside, so allow time to find it.

How Long Is The Flight?

The experience runs about 30 minutes, and that figure includes the alpine landing. Exact routes and landings can change with weather and at the pilot's discretion.

Can Children Fly?

Yes. Children aged 4 to 14 years who weigh over 15kg need their own seat. Infants under 4 and under 15kg sit on an adult's knee.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the operator cancels due to weather or unfilled minimum passenger numbers, you are offered an alternative date or departure, or a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Bring warm clothing, comfortable clothes and shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera. Selfie sticks, drones and mobile tablets are not allowed on board. Smoking is not permitted.