Mount Cook Scenic 40 Minutes Helicopter Flight | New Zealand
This flight takes you past the Hochstetter Icefall on Aoraki / Mount Cook and the upper Tasman Glacier before a thrilling alpine landing in the snow. You’ll fly home through the remote Burnett Mountains with the expansive Mackenzie Basin below you.
- Go on a scenic 40-minute helicopter flight through the rugged landscape of Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain
- Experience the remoteness of the Burnett Mountains and the expansive Mackenzie Basin
- Experience a once-in-a-lifetime alpine landing (seasonal)
- Take photos of the breathtaking moment with the snowy mountains as a backdrop
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Helicopter sightseeing |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Experience an unforgettable flight that takes you past the majestic Hochstetter Icefall on Aoraki / Mount Cook and the breathtaking upper Tasman Glacier.
This adventure includes a thrilling alpine landing in the snow, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning alpine environment. On your return, you'll soar through the remote Burnett Mountains, with the expansive Mackenzie Basin unfolding below. This flight combines awe-inspiring views and exhilarating experiences, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Take to the skies and fly past the Hochstetter Icefall on Mount Cook
Get stunning Tasman Glacier views from above
Fly above the remote Burnett Mountains
Enjoy a rare alpine landing experience
Purchase Notice
- As this activity is weather dependent, please ensure to call 0800 650 651, 24-hours prior to departure for a weather check and to reconfirm your booking
- Children must be accompanied by a paying adult
- Infants below 4 years old and weighing less than 15 kg are required to sit on an adult's knee. If they weigh over 15 kg, they will require their seat
- Please refer to your voucher for final confirmation of pick-up time and location
- Please select your preferred pick-up location at the time of booking, if your location is not listed, please select an alternative location from the list
- Please note that minimum numbers apply for flights, participants will share the flight with other travellers
- It is recommended booking flights early in your trip with flexibility for weather changes
- Please select your pick-up/drop-off hotel at the time of booking. If your hotel does not appear on the list, please select an alternative location nearby
- Please be informed that participating is understanding there are environmental and external elements beyond control may be risky. KKday and tour operator don't take responsibility
- When booking with KKday, guests agreed to the T&C, Risk Disclosure and Safety Management outlined here
— What To Bring —
- Warm clothing
- Sturdy covered shoes
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Phone and camera
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 60 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Check-in closes 30 minutes prior to departure time
Failure to check-in on time will be treated as a no-show and will incur full payment
The availability is accurate at the time of booking but is subject to change due to circumstances outside of the operator's control. It is strongly suggested to confirm your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours at 0800 650 651
Flights, landings and routes may vary due to weather and the pilot’s discretion
The flight is subject to favourable weather conditions; if cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
For safety reasons, drones, iPads and selfie sticks are not allowed on board
It is important clients acknowledge there are risks, understand safety information and briefings before and during their activity and follow the instructions set out by our experienced and trained teams
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
During the 40-minute Mount Cook scenic helicopter flight, you will witness spectacular natural wonders. The flight passes by the majestic Hochstetter Icefall and the vast upper Tasman Glacier. You'll gain unparalleled views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. The journey also includes flying through the remote Burnett Mountains, offering expansive panoramas of the Mackenzie Basin below. A thrilling alpine landing in the snow is also part of this unforgettable experience.
While this scenic helicopter flight offers breathtaking close-up views of Aoraki / Mount Cook, including flying past the Hochstetter Icefall and the upper Tasman Glacier, it does not typically land directly on the summit area. The experience includes a thrilling alpine landing in the snow at a designated high-altitude spot, allowing passengers to step out and take photos amidst the snowy mountains, providing an immersive high-mountain experience.
The Mount Cook scenic helicopter flight itself is designed for a duration of 40 minutes. This allows ample time to take in the stunning aerial views of the Hochstetter Icefall, Aoraki / Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and the Burnett Mountains, culminating in an alpine landing before returning. The total experience time including check-in and safety briefing would be slightly longer.
Yes, the Mount Cook scenic helicopter flight includes a memorable alpine landing experience in the snow. This thrilling stop allows passengers to disembark and immerse themselves in the pristine mountain environment, offering a unique opportunity for photographs with the magnificent snowy peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook as your backdrop. This landing is seasonal and subject to weather and snow conditions for safety.
Public transportation to the Mount Cook region primarily involves intercity bus services. Intercity operates routes that can take you to Mount Cook Village, serving as a gateway to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. These services often connect from major hubs like Queenstown, Christchurch, and Tekapo. It's advisable to check schedules and book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as services may not be very frequent.
Yes, there are public transport services that connect Mount Cook Village with nearby towns such as Lake Tekapo. Intercity bus services frequently operate this route, providing a convenient option for travelers to move between these popular South Island destinations. The journey offers scenic views of the Mackenzie Basin. It's recommended to consult the latest bus timetables and make reservations to ensure availability.
Driving to Mount Cook Village is a highly scenic experience, primarily via State Highway 80, which branches off State Highway 8 near Lake Pukaki. The road is generally well-maintained. However, conditions can vary significantly with weather, particularly in winter (June to August), when snow and ice are possible, requiring snow chains. Always check road conditions before departure. The drive offers stunning views of Lake Pukaki and the Southern Alps, culminating in the dramatic landscape of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.
Aoraki and Mount Cook refer to the same peak, New Zealand's highest mountain. Aoraki is the traditional Māori name for the mountain, meaning 'cloud piercer,' and holds significant cultural importance to the Ngāi Tahu iwi. Mount Cook is the name given by European settlers. The mountain is officially known by its dual name, Aoraki / Mount Cook, reflecting both its Māori heritage and European history, and acknowledging both cultural designations.
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