Best helicopter tours in Mount Cook
Mount Cook dominates the Southern Alps mountain range that divides New Zealand’s South Island into east and west.
New Zealanders often refer to Mount Cook as Aoraki or ‘the cloud piercer.’
The best way to explore Mount Cook National Park’s towering mountains, vast glaciers, and remote snowfields is by helicopter tour.
Tourists love these heli tours because of the incredible mountain views and the opportunity for a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier.
Cost of Mount Cook helicopter tours
The cheapest and most popular ride costs US$281 per person.
On the higher end, the tickets can go up to US$457 per person.
Prices of helicopter flights in Mt Cook depend on three factors.
- Amount of time you spend in the air
- The number of glaciers covered. For instance, the heli tour covering Mount Cook, Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier tend to be more expensive.
- If the helicopter ride is part of a combo tour. For example, a ride on a ski plane.
If you want a short, cheap, and best helicopter tour, check out this 20-minute Alpine Vista heli tour.
Things to know before booking your tour
Besides a ride in a state-of-the-art helicopter with a climate-controlled cabin, you also get free inflight narration.
If different passengers request more than two languages on the same flight, the audio commentary defaults to English.
All local taxes and service fees are part of the tour cost.
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Items of a personal nature
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
Helicopter tour timings
Mount Cook heli tours run all days of the week.
The 45-minute combo air trip departs from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Glacier highlights helicopter ride occurs at 8.30 am, 3.30 pm, and 4.30 pm.
Mt Cook and Glaciers helicopter flight takes off at 11.30 am and 3 pm.
Heliports & helicopters
From where do helicopters take off
The tours offer a hotel pickup facility.
Alternatively, you can reach the meeting point directly.
The Mount Cook and Glaciers helicopter flight tour, organized by The Helicopter Line, takes off from Glentanner Park.
Address: Glentanner Park, State Highway 80, Glentanner 7999, New Zealand. Get Directions
All helicopter tours organized by ” Inflite Ski Planes Limited” depart from Mount Cook Airport.
This includes the ski plane and helicopter combo tour and the glacier highlights heli tour.
Address: Mount Cook Road, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand. Get Directions
Note: The airport is located 3 minutes prior to Aoraki Mount Cook Village on State Highway 80.
Both heliports are near public transportation.
The tours end back at the meeting point.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
How to reach the heliports
To reach the Glentanner Park heliport, follow the Google Maps navigation route, as all the other public transportation options are often unavailable.
To reach Mount Cook Airport, drive to Mount Cook Airport or take the line 8 bus to the Bus Interchange near Christchurch, then catch the bus to Tekapo to reach the destination.
How many people are in one helicopter?
Generally, Mount Cook tourist helicopters have between six and twelve seats.
Depending on the tour you opt for and the number of passengers booked on the helicopter ride, you may get a six-seater or twelve-seater.
Therefore, sometimes a minimum of two or four passengers are required for the heli tour to be confirmed.
Note: Before takeoff, the pilot and the ground staff will ensure the passengers’ weight is distributed evenly in the helicopter. To achieve this balance, they may even seat you in the middle. Sitting in the middle may affect your view, but not so much as to risk your safety.
Are the heliports and helicopters accessible?
Some rides are completely accessible to guests with disabilities, and some are not, so kindly check the details before booking.
The accessible rides ensure that the aircraft, transportation, and surfaces are completely wheelchair accessible to prevent any inconvenience for the guests.
Which helicopter tour is best for you?
Air time: 40 mins
Pilot’s narrative: Yes
Air time: 20 mins
Pilot’s narrative: Yes
Air time: 55 mins
Pilot’s narrative: Yes
Restrictions strictly followed
- Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides.
- A minimum and maximum number of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, they will be canceled.
- Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
- Availability of tours cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of show availability
- A valid passport is required.
- No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
- Check-in at least 30 minutes early.
- Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
- Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Want to fly over the adventure capital – Queenstown?
This flight trip from Queenstown is one of the cheapest and best helicopter experiences. During this 20-minute flight, you fly over Lake Wakatipu for stunning aerial views and take in the fantastic views of the remarkable mountain range. You will also be able to get down to feel the snow under your feet.
Cost of the tour: US$213 per person
How about an aerial tour and a cruise along the Milford Sound?
Take a helicopter ride to Milford Sound, the most well-known fiord in New Zealand, and embark on an exciting four-hour adventure. Enjoy a scenic cruise through sheer cliffs and waterfalls, looking for dolphins, seals, and penguins. A thrilling snow landing atop Mount Tutoko to close.
Cost of the tour: US$829 per head
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before taking a Mount Cook heli tour.
The cost can vary widely depending on the tour’s duration, distance covered, season, and facilities like customizations, the tour provider, and the package. Private tours can cost significantly more as they are more tailor-made and personalized experiences where you have a whole aircraft to yourself.
Booking in advance is usually recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Some tours might require booking a few weeks in advance.
The best time depends on personal preference. However, it is mostly recommended that tourists take a morning flight. Early hours offer clearer skies and calmer weather, enhancing visibility and the overall experience.
Yes, the tour is suitable for children, but they must be accompanied by adults. Infants may not have separate seats, so they must sit on laps.
English is the standard language for all heli tours in Mt Cook, but some companies might have guides who speak other languages. It’s best to check in advance.
While there’s usually no specific dress code for a helicopter tour, it’s recommended that you dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Dress in warm layers and wear sturdy footwear. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also recommended.
It’s typically recommended that passengers arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before their scheduled heli tours. This allows for check-in, safety briefings, and any last-minute instructions.
Many operators offer customizable options, including private tours and additional stops. Contact the operator to discuss your preferences.
The number of participants in a helicopter tour will depend on the size of the helicopter, but many tours can accommodate between 4 and 6 passengers.
Reputable helicopter companies adhere to strict safety regulations, including regular maintenance checks, safety briefings before each flight, and ensuring pilots are well-trained and licensed.
All pilots operating commercial helicopter tours in Mount Cook should be properly licensed and trained. Most companies will provide information about their pilots’ experience.
Yes, taking photos or videos is usually allowed and encouraged. However, selfie sticks and large camera equipment may not be permitted for safety reasons.
Usually companies provide headphones to all passengers. These often serve the dual purpose of reducing noise from the helicopter’s rotor blades and allowing passengers to hear information from the pilot during the tour.
Still have more questions? email us at travel@thebettervacation.com
Popular helicopter tour companies
The Helicopter Line
The Helicopter Line, Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading helicopter operator, was founded in 1986 and has grown to be the largest Kiwi-owned company in its industry. With a fleet primarily comprised of AS350 flights, the company provides excellent scenic flight experiences while maintaining the highest safety standards. Their professional pilots are trained for New Zealand’s alpine environments, ensuring a memorable and safe journey. Furthermore, they offer access to unique landing areas within national parks, making it an excellent choice for everyone. Visit The Helicopter Line for more information.
Inflite Ski Planes Limited
Inflite Ski Planes Limited provides exceptional scenic flights and charter services. Founded in 2012, Inflite has expanded by acquiring renowned companies such as Mount Cook Ski Planes. Their cutting-edge fixed-wing and helicopter fleet offers luxurious transportation to some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking locations, such as remote islands and glaciers. Experienced pilots and top-notch customer support from INFLITE guarantee a memorable trip customized to your preferences. Visit Inflite Ski Planes Limited for more information.
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