Tasman Glacier Helicopter

Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight

13 reviews

from $369 per person

Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation.

Duration: 40 minutes
Meeting point: Glacier Helicopters, Bowen Drive
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Glacier Helicopters

Overview

This helicopter flight from Aoraki / Mount Cook covers the Hochstetter Icefall, the upper Tasman Glacier, and a landing on the ice itself. After checking in at the operator's base at 81 Bowen Drive in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, you board and head straight for the icefall, which spills down the mountainside of Aoraki / Mount Cook. The route then follows the upper glacier, where neves and crevasses have formed over centuries.

The landing is the centrepiece. You touch down on the glacier and step out for views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, known as the Cloud Piercer, plus the Burnett Mountains and the Mackenzie Basin beyond. Flight time is approximate and includes the landing stop, so the split between flying and time on the snow varies with conditions on the day.

It suits travellers who want ice and summit views without a full-day glacier hike, and it works for families: children from 4 to 14 years and over 15kg have their own seat, while infants under 4 and under 15kg sit on an adult's knee. No food or hotel transport is provided, so plan to arrive fed and make your own way to the village.

From$369 per person

Duration40 minutes

Reviews13 reviews

What's Included

Included

Alpine landing
Panoramic views

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pick up and drop off

Run byGlacier Helicopters

Itinerary

Check in at baseArrive at Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, 81 Bowen Drive, Canterbury, and check in at the Glacier Helicopters base.
Board the helicopterMeet your pilot and board the helicopter for departure.
Fly the Hochstetter IcefallTake off and view the Hochstetter Icefall on Aoraki / Mount Cook as it cascades down the mountainside.
Explore the upper Tasman GlacierContinue over the upper Tasman Glacier, taking in its neves and crevasses formed over centuries.
Glacier landingLand on the glacier for views of the Cloud Piercer, Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Return flight and viewsFly back with vistas of the Burnett Mountains and the Mackenzie Basin before returning to the base.

Glacier Landing: Weather permitting

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this flight actually goes, from footwear rules to weather calls.

Warm layers on a timber bench against a hangar wall: puffer jacket, beanie, gloves, sunglasses and walking shoes.

What to wear. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended, and warm clothing is essential even on a fine day. Sunglasses help on the snow. Comfortable clothes round out the list.
Bring a camera. A camera is suggested, and the glacier landing offers views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks. Leave the selfie stick, drone, and tablet behind, as none are permitted on board.
Weather calls. Flights, landing sites, and routes can change at the pilot's discretion depending on conditions. One reviewer reported a departure later than planned for this reason. If weather cancels your flight, you can rebook for another date or take a full refund.
Minimum numbers. Minimum passenger numbers apply before a departure is confirmed. If the minimum cannot be met, you are offered an alternative departure or a full refund. Booking an earlier slot in your trip leaves room to reschedule if needed.
Food and drink. Nothing edible is provided, and food and drinks are listed as not included. Eat before check-in, especially if you have an early departure.
Kids and infants. Children aged 4 to 14 who weigh over 15kg need their own seat. Infants under 4 and under 15kg sit on an adult's knee, which keeps the trip open to families with very young children.

From$369 per person

Reviews13 reviews

Ready To FlyCheck availability →

Common issues. The main catch is weather: routes and landings vary at the pilot's discretion, and flights can be cancelled in poor conditions, though the alternative is another date or a full refund. Minimum passenger numbers apply, so a departure may not confirm, with the same options of an alternative time or a refund. One reviewer reported a delay in receiving a refund after a cancellation. Note also that the 40-minute figure is approximate and includes the landing, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you make your own way to Bowen Drive.

Common Questions

How Long Is The Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight?

The experience runs about 40 minutes, and that figure includes your glacier landing. Flight times are approximate. Actual routes and landing spots can vary with weather.

What Is Included In The Price?

The flight with an alpine landing on the glacier and panoramic views along the way. Prices also include concession fees that contribute to conservation and sustainability management. Food, drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where Does The Flight Depart From?

Check-in is at the base at Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, 81 Bowen Drive, Canterbury. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own transport to the village. Full meeting point details are on the live booking page.

Can Children Take This Flight?

Yes. Children from 4 to 14 years old who weigh over 15kg must have 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, you can choose an alternative date or a full refund. If minimum passenger numbers cannot be met, you get the same choice of a different departure or a refund.

What Should I Bring?

Warm clothing, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and comfortable clothes. Selfie sticks, drones, and mobile tablets are not permitted, and smoking is not allowed.