Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight

4.7 (141 reviews on Viator)

Pilot pointing out peaks to three passengers on a snow landing, The Helicopter Line helicopter parked behind

Helicopter flying beside a massive snow-covered peak in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Aerial view over a wide glacier snowfield and crevasses toward a line of snow-covered peaks

Red, white and blue helicopter hovering over a snowfield beside a rocky outcrop

Crevassed glacier ice and dark rock spires seen through a helicopter window

About This Experience

The Helicopter Line calls this 55-minute flight its premier trip over Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with its vast glaciers and snowfields. It begins over the ancient waters of the Tasman Glacier lake, then flies the length of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest at about 23 km. Next comes an alpine landing where you stand in snow among the mountains, facing Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest peak at 3,724 m.

After the landing the helicopter crosses the Southern Alps to the West Coast for views of the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. It then turns back to finish with uninterrupted views of the summit ridge of Aoraki/Mount Cook. In under an hour you see the glaciers on both sides of the Alps, the Tasman on the eastern side and Franz Josef and Fox on the west, all from a seat with a pilot guide.

The snow landing depends on the season and on snow levels, and every flight depends on favorable weather. If poor weather cancels yours, you can choose an alternative date or a full refund, so it helps to book early in your stay near Mount Cook. The price includes GST. Wear warm clothing and suitable footwear, because it is cold at altitude and on the snow.

The flight suits all fitness levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants under 15 kg sit on an adult's lap at an infant rate, as long as they do not take a seat. There is no pickup. You meet at the start point, The Helicopter Line's base at Glentanner Park on State Highway 80, which is not the same place as Mount Cook Airport. The booking has free cancellation under Viator's standard policy.

Highlights

Fly the length of the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's longest at about 23 km
Stand in snow at an alpine landing facing Aoraki/Mount Cook (3,724 m)
Cross to the West Coast for views of the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers
Pass over the ancient waters of the Tasman Glacier lake
Finish with uninterrupted views of Aoraki/Mount Cook's summit ridge
Suitable for all fitness levels

What's Included

✓ 55-minute scenic helicopter flight
✓ Alpine snow landing (seasonal)
✓ Pilot guide, with commentary in English
✓ GST (Goods and Services Tax)
✓ Infant rate for lap infants under 15 kg who do not need a seat

Not Included

Items of a personal nature
Hotel pickup and drop-off (meet at the start point)

What to Bring

Warm clothing
Suitable footwear, such as sturdy closed-toe shoes
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Camera

Good to Know & Caveats

The alpine landing is a seasonal snow landing and depends on snow levels
The flight depends on favorable weather; if poor weather cancels it, you can choose an alternative date or a full refund
Warm clothing and suitable footwear are recommended because of the cold
Infants must sit on an adult's lap; infant rates apply if they are under 15 kg and do not take a seat
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Free cancellation under Viator's standard policy

Meeting Point

Meet at the start point, The Helicopter Line base at Glentanner Park on State Highway 80, not Mount Cook Airport. The listing includes no pickup.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.7/5 by 141 reviewers on Viator.

Just do it. Fabulous and lifetime experience. Would do it again. Views were unbelievable and helicopter trip was surreal!
— Max T, 2026-05

I had an amazing experience with the 55 min helicopter ride, we had to wait for a while due to bad weather but the staff was helpful and booked us on a later ride on the same day. The landing on the snow was just too good and the pilot even helped us with the photographs.
— Rahul K, 2026-01

It was an amazing experience the views were breath taking. I would highly recommend this helicopter trip.
— Becky F, 2025-09

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this flight land on the snow?

Yes, there is an alpine landing where you step out onto the snow, facing Aoraki/Mount Cook. It is a seasonal snow landing, so it depends on snow levels and the weather on the day.

Does the flight really go to Franz Josef and Fox glaciers?

Yes. After flying the length of the Tasman Glacier and landing, the helicopter crosses to the West Coast to view the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, then returns past the summit ridge of Aoraki/Mount Cook. You view the West Coast glaciers from the air; the landing is on the Mount Cook side.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The flight depends on favorable weather. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose an alternative date or a full refund, so plan it early in your stay if you can.

Where does it leave from, and is pickup included?

Pickup is not included; you meet at the start point. That is The Helicopter Line base at Glentanner Park on State Highway 80, which is a different place from Mount Cook Airport.

Can children and babies fly?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants under 15 kg sit on an adult's lap at an infant rate, as long as they do not take a seat.

What should I wear?

Wear warm clothing and suitable footwear, because it is cold at altitude and you step out onto snow at the landing. The operator also suggests sunglasses and sunscreen.