Mount Cook dominates the Southern Alps mountain range that divides New Zealand’s South Island into east and west.
People of New Zealand 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 a helicopter tour.
Tourists love these heli tours because of the incredible mountain views, and the opportunity for a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier.
In this article, we share everything you must know before you book your Mount Cook helicopter tour.
Mount Cook helped Sir Edmund Hillary develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Everest.
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Best Mount Cook helicopter tours
Mt Cook helicopter rides come in many flavors.
We present below our favorite six heli ours, which are popular with vacationers in this part of New Zealand.
Mount Cook and The Glaciers Helicopter Flight
During this helicopter tour, you see the mighty three – Mount Cook, Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier.
During the trip, you also enjoy aerial views of the Tasman Glacier Lake and the stunning Tasman Glacier itself.
Midway through the trip, you land on the snow with the indomitable Aoraki/Mount Cook in front of you.
Departure: The Helicopter Line Base, Glentanner Park, State Highway 80, Glentanner 7999, New Zealand (Get Directions)
Duration: 50-55 minutes
Tour Operator: The Helicopter Line
Tour timings: 11.30 am and 3 pm
Cost of the helicopter tour
Adult ticket (15+ years): US$484
Child ticket (4 to 14 years): US$339
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): US$242
Mount Cook Mountains High Helicopter Tour
The focus of this helicopter tour is Mount Cook, and you don’t get to see Franz Josef Glacier & Fox Glacier.
You marvel at the Hochstetter Icefall on Aoraki/ Mount Cook, and then do an Alpine landing in the snow for 5 to 10 minutes.
You then fly by the Burnett Mountains and also take in panoramic views of the expansive Mackenzie Basin.
Departure: The Helicopter Line Base at Glentanner Park (Get directions)
Duration: 40 minutes
Tour Operator: The Helicopter Line
Tour timings: 10.30 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm
Cost of the helicopter tour
Adult ticket (15+ years): US$332
Child ticket (4 to 14 years): US$233
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): US$166
Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour
This trip is a fascinating Mount Cook tour because you get to experience both a helicopter ride and a ski plane.
You go up the Tasman Valley over the blue glacier lake to see the Hochstetter Icefall and the cloud-piercing Aoraki.
You then land on the upper snowfields of the Tasman Glacier and take pics and fresh air.
Once the pilot says it is time to go, you swap the flying machine and return.
Hotel pickup and drop-off is included in the ticket price.
Departure: Aoraki Mount Cook Airport, Mount Cook Road, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand. (Get directions)
Note: The airport is located 5 minutes prior to Aoraki Mount Cook Village on State Highway 80.
Duration: 45 minutes
Tour Operator: Inflite Ski Planes Limited
Tour timings: 10.30 am to 5.30 pm
Cost of the helicopter tour
Adult ticket (15+ years): US$278
Child ticket (4 to 14 years): US$247
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free entry
Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook
You must opt for this helicopter tour if you want to experience everything the Mount Cook National Park has to offer.
You get to see Mount Cook, soar over the Tasman Terminal Lake, swoop past the Hochstetter Icefall, and finally touch down on the Tasman Glacier.
Departure: Aoraki Mount Cook Airport (Get directions)
Duration: 45 minutes
Tour Operator: Inflite Ski Planes Limited
Tour timings: 8.30 am, 3.30 pm, and 4.30 pm
Cost of the helicopter tour
Adult ticket (15+ years): US$371
Child ticket (4 to 14 years): US$340
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free entry
Grand Circle Helicopter tour
This trip is the ultimate Southern Alps aerial tour.
You start with the majestic landscape of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers.
Then you move North along the Tasman Sea before recrossing the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman Glacier.
After enjoying the beautiful views of the Aoraki Mountain, you fly past the Grand Plateau and the Hochstetter Icefall.
Then you pass under the East face of Aoraki Mt Cook for ten minutes of snow landing on Tasman Terminal Lake.
You can choose if you want this to be a helicopter tour or a ski plane adventure.
Departure: Aoraki Mount Cook Airport (Get directions)
Duration: 55 minutes
Tour Operator: Inflite Ski Planes Limited
Tour timings: 8.30 am, 3.30 pm, and 4.30 pm
Cost of the helicopter tour
Adult ticket (15+ years): US$402
Child ticket (4 to 14 years): US$371
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free entry
Alpine Vista Helicopter Tour
The Alpine Vista Helicopter tour is the cheapest heli tour from Mount Cook.
If you want to experience the thrill of a helicopter flight and snow landing, this is the perfect tour departing from Mount Cook township.
During the flight, you will see fantastic visuals of the Ben Ohau Mountain Range and then have a 10-minute snow landing in the fresh Alpine air.
Departure: The Helicopter Line Base at Glentanner Park (Google Map)
Duration: 20 minutes
Tour Operator: The Helicopter Line
Tour timings: 9.30 pm, 1 pm, and 4 pm
Cost of the helicopter tour
Adult ticket (15+ years): US$190
Child ticket (4 to 14 years): US$133
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): US$95
If you want the same flight to be a little longer, check out the Alpine Explorer Helicopter Flight, where the duration of the helicopter flight is 35 minutes.
What to expect on a Mount Cook tour
A Mount Cook heli tour is a perfect opportunity to get stunning visuals of a snow-capped mountain and then land on a glacier without the need for expert mountaineering skills.
Check out this video to know what to expect when you sit in a chopper and fly over New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter rides over Mount Cook.
A minimum and maximum number of passengers are required on these tours, failing which, it will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
It is recommended that warm clothing and suitable footwear be worn on this tour due to cold temperatures.
Some of the tours are not wheelchair accessible.
A valid photo ID is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
Check-in at least 45 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.
Exclusions of the air tour
Mount Cook heli tours do not include food and drinks, unless stated otherwise.
Photos for souvenirs and items of a personal nature are excluded from your ticket.
Your ticket price is also not inclusive of gratuities.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Tours in New Zealand
# Helicopter tours to Milford Sound
# Helicopter tours from Queenstown
# Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tours
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