Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight
About This Experience
This 40-minute Glacier Helicopters flight leaves from the base in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and heads for the Hochstetter Icefall, where ice cascades down the side of Aoraki/Mount Cook. From there you fly over the upper Tasman Glacier, with its névés and crevasses formed over centuries.
High on the glacier the helicopter lands, with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the cloud piercer, in front of you. Reviewers describe pilots who take photos of passengers on the snow and make sure everyone gets the same views.
On the way back you look out over the Burnett Mountains and the wide Mackenzie Basin before returning to the village. The listed flight time is approximate and includes the landing, and the price includes concession fees that go toward conservation in the national park.
Flights, landings and routes vary with the weather and at the pilot's discretion, and minimum passenger numbers apply. If poor weather or low numbers cancel your flight, you choose another departure or a full refund. Children aged 4 to 14 and over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee.
Highlights
- The Hochstetter Icefall cascading down Aoraki/Mount Cook
- A flight over the upper Tasman Glacier's névés and crevasses
- A glacier landing with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook
- The Burnett Mountains and Mackenzie Basin on the return
- Departs from a base in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village
What's Included
- ✓ Scenic helicopter flight of about 40 minutes
- ✓ Glacier landing on the upper Tasman Glacier
- ✓ Panoramic views of the Hochstetter Icefall and Aoraki/Mount Cook
- ✓ Check-in at the Glacier Helicopters base in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village
- ✓ Concession fees contributing to conservation in the national park
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What to Bring
- Warm clothing
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- A camera
Good to Know & Caveats
- Flights, landings and routes can vary with the weather and at the pilot's discretion.
- Flight times are approximate and include your landing.
- Minimum passenger numbers apply. If a departure cannot run, you are offered another time or a full refund.
- If poor weather cancels the flight, you choose another date or a full refund.
- Children aged 4 to 14 and over 15 kg need their own seat; infants under 4 and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee.
- Selfie sticks, drones and tablets are not permitted, and smoking is not allowed.
Meeting Point
Check in at the Glacier Helicopters base, 81 Bowen Drive, Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Hotel pickup is not included.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 11 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
We had a great flight and landing, later than planned, but that’s the weather for you! Dan was a great pilot - very informative, took some great photos of us and gave everyone an opportunity to see the same views. Highlight of our trip!
— Nicole, April 13, 2025
The flight was canceled. I'm still waiting for a refund after three days.
— Dirk, April 7, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this flight land?
On the upper Tasman Glacier, after a pass of the Hochstetter Icefall. The listing calls it a glacier landing with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. As with every flight here, the landing site and route can change with the weather and at the pilot's discretion, so the exact spot is decided on the day.
How is it different from the 30-minute Glacier Helicopters flight?
Both leave from the same base in the village. The 30-minute flight crosses the lower Tasman Glacier and the Liebig Range to an alpine landing. This 40-minute flight goes higher, past the Hochstetter Icefall to a landing on the upper Tasman Glacier, and returns over the Burnett Mountains.
Where do I check in?
At the Glacier Helicopters base, 81 Bowen Drive, in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village. Hotel pickup is not included. A reviewer on the operator's shorter flight found the office hard to see from outside, so allow a few extra minutes to find it before your check-in time.
What happens if the flight is cancelled?
If poor weather cancels your flight, you choose another date or a full refund. The same applies if minimum passenger numbers are not met. One reviewer reported waiting several days for a refund after a cancellation, so keep your booking details handy and follow up if it does not arrive.
Can children fly?
Yes. Children aged 4 to 14 who weigh over 15 kg must have their own seat, and infants under 4 years and under 15 kg sit on an adult's knee. Dress everyone warmly with sturdy closed-toe shoes for the glacier, and bring sunglasses and sunscreen, because the glare off the snow is strong.
More Mount Cook Scenic Flights
Mount Cook: Alpine Explorer 35 Minute Flight
Mount Cook: 25-Minute Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight
Mount Cook: Aoraki & The Glaciers 55-Minute Flight
Mount Cook: Glentanner High Country Heli Hike
Lake Tekapo: 50-Minute Mount Cook and Beyond Scenic Flight
Mt Cook: 55-Minute Scenic Flight in Helicopter or Ski Plane
Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
Mount Cook: Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight
Mount Cook: Mountains High 40 minute Flight
Mount Cook: 3-Hour Tasman Glacier Helicopter Ride and Hike
Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier
