Tasman Glacier And National Park Flight

Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier & National Park Scenic Flight

★ 4.7 22 reviews

from $369 per person

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Duration: 40 minutes
Meeting point: Mount Cook Airport
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Southern Lakes Helicopters

Overview

This 40-minute helicopter flight with Southern Lakes Helicopters covers the full length of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest stretch of ice, plus the main sights of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. You take off from Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road and climb toward the peaks, passing hanging glaciers, blue ice and rocky summits, with views of the country's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mt Cook, along the way.

The flight is not just a flyover. Weather permitting, the pilot sets the helicopter down on the Tasman Glacier itself partway through, and depending on conditions may shut the engines off so passengers can stand in near total quiet. Several travellers describe this snow landing and the chance to step out onto the ice as the part they remember most. Inflight commentary runs throughout, and the trip starts with a full safety briefing.

It suits first-time helicopter riders as well as repeat flyers; a number of reviewers mention it was their maiden flight and found it smooth. No meals or transport to the airport are provided, so it works best for visitors staying in or driving to the Mount Cook area who can make their own way to the meeting point.

From$369 per person

Duration40 minutes

Rating4.7 from 22 reviews

What's Included

Included

40-minute flight
Professional pilot
Inflight commentary
Full safety briefing

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Run bySouthern Lakes Helicopters

Itinerary

Meet at Mount Cook AirportMake your own way to Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road, Canterbury. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off.
Safety briefingThe crew runs a full safety briefing before boarding, led by your professional pilot.
Scenic flight over the parkThe helicopter lifts off and flies above Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, passing hanging glaciers, blue ice and mountain peaks, with views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Murchison area.
Full Tasman Glacier flyoverThe route follows the entire length of the Tasman Glacier, giving a sense of the scale of New Zealand's longest river of ice.
Snow landingThe pilot lands on the Tasman Glacier so passengers can step out. The pilot may switch off the engine for a quiet pause on the ice.
Return flightThe helicopter flies back to Mount Cook Airport to close out the roughly 40-minute flight.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

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

Where this tour sits among 5 tours in Helicopter Alpine Landings listed here (from-price per person, USD)

25-Minute Flight, Alpine Landing$194
Glacier Helicopters, Alpine Landing$219
Alpine Explorer, 35 Minutes$346.62
Tasman Glacier and National Park Flight (this tour)$369
Mountains High, 40-Minute Flight$404.88

Weather decides. All flights are weather dependent. If the operator cancels for weather, you are entitled to a full refund, and rescheduling may be offered. One traveller happened to get a clear day, which made for excellent views.
Dress for snow. Bring sunglasses, a camera and weather-appropriate clothing, since you step out onto glacier snow. Closed-toe shoes are on the packing list.
Pack almost nothing. Bags are not allowed on the flight, and drones and selfie sticks are banned too. Plan for a phone or camera only, and bring the phone charged.
First-timer friendly. Multiple reviewers said this was their first helicopter flight and found it smooth and calm. The pilot gives a full safety briefing and commentary en route.
No food or pickup. Food, drinks and hotel transfers are excluded, so eat beforehand and arrange your own ride to Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road.
Photo opportunities. Photo chances come in every direction, and the snow landing is the moment travellers used most, with time to walk about on the ice.

From$369 per person

Rating4.7 from 22 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The biggest variable is weather: flights are cancelled when conditions are poor, with a full refund or possible rescheduling offered by the operator. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so travellers must reach Mount Cook Airport themselves. Bags, drones and selfie sticks cannot come on board, which limits gear. Food and drinks are not provided.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Flight?

The flight lasts 40 minutes. A full safety briefing takes place before you board.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are excluded, and the meeting point is Mount Cook Airport on Mount Cook Road, Canterbury. Travellers need to arrange their own transport there.

What Is Included In The Price?

Included are the 40-minute flight, a professional pilot, inflight commentary and a full safety briefing. A snow landing on the Tasman Glacier is part of the experience. Food and drinks are not included.

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 they may offer rescheduling as an alternative.

Can I Cancel The Booking?

Yes, cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is allowed for a full refund.

What Should I Bring?

Sunglasses, a camera, weather-appropriate clothing, a charged smartphone and closed-toe shoes. Bags, drones and selfie sticks are not allowed on the flight.