Mount Cook: Alpine Explorer 35 Minute Flight

About This Experience

The Alpine Explorer is The Helicopter Line's 35-minute flight from Glentanner Park over the Ben Ohau Range and the surrounding peaks of the Southern Alps. Aoraki/Mount Cook, named the cloud piercer by Māori, rises above the ranges around it for much of the flight.

The helicopter climbs to an alpine vantage point where it is safe to land. You get out, breathe the alpine air and take photos and videos, with turquoise lakes below and glacier-carved mountains all around. In the winter season, from May to September, the mountain tops are covered in snow.

The 35 minutes include the landing. The pilot gives commentary throughout, groups are small, limited to six passengers, and complimentary transport to and from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village can be provided. The price includes concession fees for conservation.

Flights, landings and routes vary with the weather and the pilot's judgement. Check your confirmation email for the weather-check and check-in times. If weather or low numbers stop the flight, you can reschedule or take a full refund. Children and infants fly with a full-paying adult, and infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's lap.

Highlights

• A flight over the Ben Ohau Range and the peaks of the Southern Alps
• Aoraki/Mount Cook standing above the surrounding ranges
• An alpine landing where you step out for photos and videos
• Turquoise lakes and glacier-carved mountains below the landing site
• Snow-covered mountain tops in the winter season, May to September
• 35 minutes in total, including the landing

What's Included

• ✓ 35-minute scenic helicopter flight, including the landing
• ✓ Alpine landing (seasonal snow landing)
• ✓ Informative pilot commentary
• ✓ Complimentary transport to and from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village on request
• ✓ Small group, limited to 6 passengers
• ✓ Concession fees contributing to conservation

Not Included

• Food and drinks
• A guaranteed snow landing (snow is seasonal)

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• A camera
• Closed-toe shoes
• Warm clothing for the landing site

Good to Know & Caveats

• Check your confirmation email for the weather-check and check-in times before departure.
• Flights, landings and routes vary with the weather and the pilot's discretion. Flight times are approximate and include the landing.
• Minimum passenger numbers apply. If they are not met, you can move to another departure or cancel for a full refund.
• If unfavourable weather stops the flight, you can reschedule or cancel for a full refund.
• Children and infants must be accompanied by a full-paying adult. Infants under 4 years and under 15 kg sit on an adult's lap.
• Drones, iPads and selfie sticks are not allowed on board, for safety.

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. Your confirmation email gives the weather-check and check-in times, and complimentary transport to and from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village can be provided.