Mount Cook: 25-Minute Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight

About This Experience

The Alpine Vista is the shortest scenic option from The Helicopter Line's base at Glentanner Park, on State Highway 80 on the way to Aoraki/Mount Cook. Allow 25 minutes in total, landing included. You lift off, rise above Lake Pūkaki, and head into the Ben Ohau Range for an alpine landing of about 10 minutes, where any snow depends on the season. It suits a first helicopter flight in the area, without committing to a longer glacier trip.

Before takeoff the pilot gives a detailed safety briefing. Then the helicopter sweeps through the rugged high country of the Ben Ohau Range to a landing site in the mountains. You step out, breathe the alpine air and take in the views on all sides, a stop the itinerary lists as a photo stop. Afterward the pilot flies you back down valleys carved out by glaciers long ago, with commentary over the headsets from start to finish.

The route is the Ben Ohau Range, and the listing does not promise a close pass of Aoraki/Mount Cook or a landing on a glacier. Flights, landings and routes can change with the weather and at the pilot's discretion. Groups are limited to six. Each departure also needs a minimum number of passengers, and if that is not met you can move to another departure or take a full refund.

Wear warm clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a camera. Selfie sticks and tablets are not allowed on board. If poor weather cancels the flight you can choose another date or a full refund, and free cancellation runs up to 24 hours before. There is no hotel pickup, so drive yourself to Glentanner Park, which is a different place from Mount Cook Airport. The price includes concession fees that go toward conservation.

Highlights

• Rise above Lake Pūkaki straight after takeoff
• Sweep through the rugged high country of the Ben Ohau Range
• Touch down in the mountains and breathe the alpine air
• Fly back down valleys carved out by glaciers
• The thrill of a helicopter takeoff and landing, ideal for a first flight

What's Included

• ✓ Scenic helicopter flight from Glentanner Park
• ✓ Alpine landing of about 10 minutes (snow is seasonal)
• ✓ Pilot commentary in English
• ✓ Detailed safety briefing before the flight
• ✓ Concession fees toward conservation and sustainability management
• ✓ Small group, limited to 6 participants

Not Included

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

What to Bring

• Warm clothing
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera
• Sturdy closed-toe shoes

Good to Know & Caveats

• Flights, landings and routes may vary because of weather and at the pilot's discretion
• Flight times are approximate and include your landing
• Minimum passenger numbers apply; if they are not met, you can move to another departure or get a full refund
• If poor weather cancels your flight, you can choose an alternative date or a full refund
• Selfie sticks and tablets or iPads are not allowed
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Meeting Point

The Helicopter Line base at Glentanner Park, State Highway 80, Glentanner 7999. This is a different place from Mount Cook Airport, and there is no hotel pickup.