Mount Cook: 25-Minute Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight

About This Experience

The Alpine Vista is The Helicopter Line's short scenic flight, 25 minutes in total including the landing. It suits anyone who wants the thrill of a first helicopter ride and a landing in the mountains without committing to a longer flight.

You take off from the Glentanner Park base and rise above Lake Pukaki, then sweep through the rugged high country of the Ben Ohau Range to an alpine landing site. Snow depends on the season. The landing lasts about 10 minutes, long enough to step out, breathe the alpine air and take photos.

The return drops back down valleys carved by glaciers. A detailed safety briefing comes before the flight, the pilot gives commentary on the area, and groups are small, limited to six passengers.

Flights, landings and routes vary with the weather and at the pilot's discretion. Minimum passenger numbers apply, and if weather or low numbers stop your departure you can move to another time or take a full refund. The price includes concession fees for conservation. The flight is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Highlights

• A flight above Lake Pukaki and through the Ben Ohau Range
• An alpine landing of about 10 minutes, with seasonal snow
• Pilot commentary on the area and its glacier-carved valleys
• A detailed safety briefing before take-off
• The thrill of taking off and landing in a helicopter
• Small groups of no more than six passengers

What's Included

• ✓ 25-minute scenic helicopter flight, including the landing
• ✓ Alpine landing of about 10 minutes (seasonal snow)
• ✓ Pilot commentary
• ✓ Detailed safety briefing before the flight
• ✓ Small group, limited to 6 passengers
• ✓ Concession fees contributing to conservation

Not Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• A guaranteed snow landing (snow depends on the season)

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sunglasses
• A camera
• Sunscreen
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, landings and routes vary with the weather and at the pilot's discretion. Flight times are approximate and include the landing.
• Snow at the landing site depends on the season.
• Wear sturdy, covered shoes for the landing site.
• Minimum passenger numbers apply. If they are not met, you are offered another departure or a full refund.
• If poor weather cancels the flight, you choose another date or a full refund.
• Selfie sticks and tablets are not allowed on board.

Meeting Point

Check in at the front desk of The Helicopter Line's base at Glentanner Park Centre, State Highway 80, on the shore of Lake Pukaki about 18 km from the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park boundary. Hotel pickup is not included for this flight.