Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier & National Park Scenic Flight
About This Experience
This 40-minute Southern Lakes Helicopters flight leaves from Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport and flies the full length of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest river of ice. Along the way you fly close to the mountain peaks and get clear views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest peak.
Expect hanging glaciers, blue ice and rocky summits, with photo opportunities in every direction. The pilot hovers over the Tasman Glacier so you can take in its size and scale, and the route also brings the Murchison Glacier and some of the park's remote mountain huts into view.
The flight ends with a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier, where you can get out and walk about for photos. The pilot may shut the helicopter down so you can hear the silence of the glacier. A full safety briefing comes first, and the pilot gives commentary in flight.
All flights are weather dependent. If the operator cancels because of weather you are entitled to a full refund, and rescheduling may also be offered. Bags, drones and selfie sticks are not allowed on board, so bring only a camera or a charged phone.
Highlights
- The full length of the Tasman Glacier from the air
- A snow landing on the Tasman Glacier
- Close views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak
- Hanging glaciers, blue ice and the Murchison Glacier
- A chance to hear the 'sound of silence' when the pilot shuts down
- Remote mountain huts of the national park from above
What's Included
- ✓ 40-minute scenic helicopter flight
- ✓ Snow landing on the Tasman Glacier
- ✓ Professional pilot
- ✓ In-flight commentary
- ✓ Full safety briefing
Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What to Bring
- Sunglasses
- A camera
- A charged smartphone
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Closed-toe shoes
Good to Know & Caveats
- All flights are weather dependent.
- If the operator cancels because of weather, you are entitled to a full refund; rescheduling may also be offered.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time.
- Bags, drones and selfie sticks are not allowed on board.
- The meeting-point directions use the name Heliworks Mt Cook; the listed provider is Southern Lakes Helicopters.
Meeting Point
Meet at the Southern Lakes Helicopters desk (the listing's directions call it Heliworks Mt Cook) in the terminal at Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport, State Highway 80. Turn left after the sliding doors. Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Hotel pickup is not included.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.7/5 by 22 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
A thrilling experience for us as it was our 1st time in a helicopter. The view from the chopper soaring alongside the mountains & views of Mt Cook, the landing on a glacier being able to get down & walk about taking pics, the Pilot's niceness, etc was simply fabulous.
— Raghu, March 10, 2025
It was too good, worth it totally! Special shout out to our captain Toby Morris - very humble and experienced navigator. Kudos
— Rishabh, July 25, 2024
Exceptional moment with radiant sunshine Sensational helicopter flight with magnificent landscapes
— Alain, November 29, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I check in?
At Aoraki/Mount Cook Airport on State Highway 80. Go through the sliding doors into the terminal and turn left to the desk, which the listing's directions call Heliworks Mt Cook; the provider is listed as Southern Lakes Helicopters. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. Hotel pickup is not included.
Does the flight land on the glacier?
Yes. The flight finishes with a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier, after flying its full length and hovering to show its scale. Reviewers describe getting out to walk about and take photos. The pilot may shut the helicopter down so you can hear the quiet of the glacier.
What will I see during the 40 minutes?
The full length of the Tasman Glacier, close views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, hanging glaciers and blue ice, rocky mountain peaks and the Murchison Glacier, along with some of the park's remote mountain huts. The pilot gives commentary in flight, and there are photo opportunities in every direction.
What happens if the weather is bad?
All flights depend on the weather. If the operator cancels because of conditions, you are entitled to a full refund, and you may also be offered a new time. Mount Cook weather changes quickly, so booking early in your stay leaves room to try again on another day.
What should I bring?
Sunglasses, a camera and a charged smartphone, plus weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes for the snow landing. Bags, drones and selfie sticks are not allowed on board, so leave them behind. Food and drinks are not included, and there is no hotel pickup for this flight.
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
