Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Te Wahipounamu stands out as one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes, where towering peaks, vast glaciers, and deep valleys form a dramatic canvas for adventure. The park is famous not just for its stunning scenery but also for the incredible range of guided tours and adventure experiences available. Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush, an up-close glacier encounter, or a scenic flight, this region delivers. Our favorites include the Tasman Glacier Heli-hike for its combination of helicopter flight and glacier exploration, and the Grand Circle Ski Plane for a sweeping aerial view of multiple glaciers and mountain ranges. These tours aren’t just about seeing the landscape—they’re about experiencing it in a way that’s both memorable and uniquely Kiwi.
If you’re trying to decide which experience suits your style, consider the different ways to explore. Do you prefer the quiet serenity of landing on a glacier for a walk, or a high-flying scenic adventure that lets you see the whole range from above? With options like helicopter rides, ski planes, and multi-hour glacier hikes, there’s something in the list below for every type of traveler.
Quick Overview
The list below combines scenic helicopter tours, glacier hikes, and unique aircraft experiences that showcase Aoraki Mount Cook’s awe-inspiring terrain. Some tours focus on mountain flights (like the 45-minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour), offering quick but unforgettable views of the glaciers and peaks. Others, such as the Tasman Glacier Heli-hike, blend helicopter access with a guided walk on the ice, perfect for those wanting a more immersive experience. For thrill-seekers, the combo flights like the Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Tour offer a rare chance to switch aircraft mid-flight and explore the glaciers from multiple angles. Each tour offers a different way to appreciate the park’s unmatched scenery.
1. The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli-hike
At number 1, this tour combines a helicopter flight with a guided glacier hike on the Tasman Glacier—one of the most iconic glaciers in New Zealand. The experience begins with a spectacular helicopter ride that soars over Mount Cook, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the highest peak in New Zealand. Once on the ice, a guided walk on the glacier explores snow fields and ice formations at about 4,265 feet (1,300 meters). You’ll use crampons or snowshoes, crossing terrain only accessible to experienced explorers or those willing to climb overland for hours.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of adventure and accessibility. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the equipment provided keeps you warm and dry at high altitude. Several reviewers praise it as a “premium experience” with “breathtaking scenery,” and the ability to walk through ice caves and sample glacier water adds to the sense of discovery. The price of around $499.76 per person reflects this immersive, multi-hour adventure.
Bottom line: If you’re after an active, intimate experience of the glacier with a dash of adrenaline, this tour delivers. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing.
2. 45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook
For those who prefer a quick but stunning aerial overview, this 45-minute helicopter tour is hard to beat. You’ll fly over the park’s glaciers and mountains, with a 10-15 minute glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier. This allows you to stand on the ice and soak in the silence and majesty of the landscape, while also enjoying unobstructed views of Mount Cook.
This tour is especially popular because of its value for money—at $383.58 per person—and its ease of scheduling. The pilot shares insightful commentary, making the experience both thrilling and educational. Reviewers commonly cite the glacier landing as a highlight, describing it as “once-in-a-lifetime” and “fabulous.” Weather can make or break the trip, so clear days are best, but when it’s good, the views of the mountains, rivers, and glaciers are simply unforgettable.
Bottom line: This tour offers a perfect snapshot of the region’s grandeur—ideal for busy travelers or those new to helicopter adventures.
3. 45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour
At number 3, this world-exclusive flight combines a ski plane and helicopter experience, giving you a rare opportunity to see the landscape from two aircraft. The tour starts with a flight in a ski plane over the Tasman Glacier, landing on snow-covered peaks—an experience celebrated for its novelty and scenic beauty. Midway, you switch aircraft for the return journey, soaring above the peaks and glaciers from both perspectives.
The unique aspect of this tour is the aircraft switch, providing a varied view of the terrain that few others can match. The reviews highlight the smoothness of the flights and the stunning scenery, including flying past Mount Cook and over braided rivers. At approximately 45 minutes and costing $304.31, it’s a great choice for those wanting a diverse aerial experience without committing to a full-day tour.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting an exclusive, multifaceted flight adventure that combines the thrill of both ski planes and helicopters.
4. 45-Minute Glacier Highlights Ski Plane Tour from Mount Cook
This tour offers a 45-minute scenic flight in a ski plane that lands on the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest. It’s operated by the only company in NZ specializing in ski planes, which adds to its exclusivity. The route takes you over Mount Cook, the glacier lake, and surrounding peaks, providing sweeping views of the park’s iconic features. The landing on the glacier’s icy surface allows for incredible photos and a tangible sense of being in the heart of the wilderness.
Guests appreciate the quiet serenity of the snow-covered landscape, with reviews praising the duration and the overall experience. The price of $384.39 is reasonable considering the uniqueness of a ski plane landing on the glacier, especially as it’s a small-group experience with expert pilots.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a classic glacier flight with a ski plane experience, and for anyone wanting to stand on the ice itself.
5. 55-minute Grand Circle Ski Plane
This 55-minute scenic flight takes you in a loop around Mount Cook and Westland National Parks. It’s the longest, most comprehensive ski plane experience on our list, including a glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier and views of Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. For those who want to see the entire southern Alps from the air, this is the ultimate tour.
The reviews mention the “unforgettable experience” of flying close to the summit of Mount Cook and seeing multiple glaciers. The route’s extensive coverage makes this a good choice for travelers with a bit more time and appetite for aerial exploration. The cost is $445.50, which reflects the longer flight time and diverse scenery.
Bottom line: Best for serious scenery enthusiasts who want a thorough aerial tour of Aoraki’s surrounding glaciers.
6. 25-Minute Helicopter Flight Including an Alpine Landing
For those who want a shorter but still impressive helicopter experience, this 25-minute flight offers a mountain landing on Brass Peak or Liebig Dome. It’s one of the most budget-friendly options at around $212.83, yet it includes a close-up view of Mount Cook and the surrounding valleys.
Guests rave about the seamless experience and beautiful scenery, with pilots offering informative commentary during the flight. The highlight is the alpine landing, which provides a tangible sense of being among the peaks. It’s perfect for travelers pressed for time or anyone who wants a taste of helicopter adventure without a full day commitment.
Bottom line: A compact, high-impact option suited for first-time helicopter riders and those short on time.
7. 55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter
This 55-minute helicopter tour covers a grand circuit around the entire region, including flying over Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman glaciers. It features a glacier landing on the Tasman and offers views of the West Coast glaciers, making it perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive sky-high tour.
The reviews highlight the stunning views and the smoothness of the flight, making it popular among first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. The tour’s extended duration, at $444.57, provides a thorough exploration of the region’s highlights from the air.
Bottom line: Suitable for those seeking a full panoramic experience and memorable glacier landings.
8. Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike
Finally, the Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike offers a half-day adventure that combines helicopter access with a guided walk on the glacier. Starting with a scenic helicopter ride, you’ll then land directly on the ice at 1,200 meters above sea level and explore ice formations up close, including potential ice caves and the Hochstetter Icefall.
Priced at $548.44, this tour is the most comprehensive on our list, perfect for travelers eager for a full-on glacier experience. The reviews praise the expert guides and the opportunity to walk into an ice cave, making it a memorable and educational experience. The combination of flight and hike makes it ideal for those who want more than just sightseeing.
Bottom line: Best suited for adventurous travelers keen to walk on a glacier, with plenty of time to explore and learn about the ice.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, consider your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience excites you most. If you want a quick, breathtaking overview, the 45-minute helicopter is perfect. For a more immersive adventure, the Tasman Glacier Heli-hike pairs a scenic helicopter ride with a glacier walk. Don’t forget to check weather conditions—many tours depend on clear skies for the best experience—and book early, especially in peak months.
If you’re after a glacier landing and walk, go for Tours #1 or #8. For aerial sightseeing with minimal fuss, Tours #2 or #7 provide excellent views. For something truly exclusive, the ski plane combo (#3) or the Grand Circle (#5) are top choices. And if your schedule is tight but you still want a taste of the glaciers, the 25-minute helicopter offers a quick yet memorable trip.
Final Thoughts
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park offers a variety of tours that showcase its stunning glaciers, towering peaks, and rugged wilderness. For travelers who want the full mountain experience, the Tasman Glacier Heli-hike is a standout. If a panoramic view is enough, the 45-minute helicopter tours deliver breathtaking scenery in a short timeframe. For those eager for an exclusive, multi-flight adventure, the ski plane and helicopter combo is hard to beat.
No matter your choice, these tours help you see New Zealand’s highest mountain and its glaciers in a way that’s both accessible and unforgettable. Remember to book early, pack for the weather, and prepare for a trip that’s sure to be a highlight of your time in the South Island.