Glentanner offers some of the most spectacular ways to experience New Zealand’s Southern Alps and Mount Cook National Park. Its remote location on South Island makes it ideal for unique helicopter tours and scenic flights that reveal jaw-dropping views and access to rugged alpine terrain. Among these, the Mount Cook: Glentanner High Country Heli Hike stands out for its combination of a scenic helicopter flight and a guided hike on private land, giving visitors a hands-on experience of the high country. We love how this tour pairs adventure with access to historic sites — perfect for those wanting a blend of exploration and storytelling.
If you prefer flying over the mountains with a quick turnaround, the Mount Cook: Mountains High 40 minute Flight offers a breathtaking 40-minute aerial tour that includes a snow alpine landing. For a slightly shorter but equally memorable experience, the Mount Cook: Alpine Explorer 35 Minute Flight takes you over the Ben Ohau Mountains, with a chance to step out on a mountain top. Lastly, the Mount Cook: 20-Minute Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight provides a quick, scenic hop perfect for those tight on time but eager to see alpine peaks from above.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour to help you decide which adventure best fits your interests and plans.
1. Mount Cook: Glentanner High Country Heli Hike
At number one on our list, the Mount Cook: Glentanner High Country Heli Hike combines the thrill of a scenic helicopter flight with a guided trek across private land on Glentanner Station. This 3.5-hour adventure is perfect for those who want a blend of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and a touch of history. The tour begins with a helicopter ride that lands high on the station, giving you panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Once on the ground, a knowledgeable guide leads you along a well-maintained 7-kilometer track through rugged terrain, rich with native flora and rugged alpine views.
What sets this tour apart is access to the restored historic field station and exhibition, offering a peek into the area’s past. During the hike, you’ll stop for a morning or afternoon tea, with snacks and drinks provided. The helicopter ride offers incredible photo opportunities, especially when returning over the snow-capped peaks. This tour is ideally suited for active travelers who enjoy a mix of scenery, history, and a bit of adventure. The reviews highlight how friendly guides and stunning vistas make it a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: If you want a full-day adventure with expert guidance, exclusive access, and a scenic helicopter ride, this tour is a top choice.
2. Mount Cook: Mountains High 40 minute Flight
Coming in at number two, the Mount Cook: Mountains High 40 minute Flight offers a concise yet spectacular aerial overview of the region. This flight takes you past the Hochstetter Icefall on Aoraki/Mount Cook — the highest peak in New Zealand — and over the upper Tasman Glacier, giving you a close-up view of the ice’s crevasses and icy blue hues. The highlight is the alpine landing in the snow, weather permitting, which provides an unforgettable photo opportunity and a real sense of the mountaineering environment.
This tour is perfect for travelers short on time but eager for a dramatic perspective of the Southern Alps. The flight also includes views of the remote Burnett Mountains and the vast Mackenzie Basin, showcasing the region’s rugged emptiness. With a strong five-star rating from reviewers, this trip delivers what it promises: breathtaking views and a once-in-a-lifetime alpine landing. The flight is suitable for almost anyone in decent health, though it’s best to check snow conditions if that’s a priority.
Bottom Line: For a quick, impactful experience with top-notch scenery, this flight packs a punch — a perfect add-on or standalone adventure.
3. Mount Cook: Alpine Explorer 35 Minute Flight
The Mount Cook: Alpine Explorer ranks third for its focus on the majestic Ben Ohau Mountains and the stunning peaks of the Southern Alps. This 35-minute flight includes an alpine landing where you’ll step out on a mountain summit, feeling the crisp air and gazing at Aoraki/Mount Cook towering above. During this flight, you’ll enjoy views of the Ben Ohau range, characterized by jagged peaks and lush valleys, plus a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain peaks.
This tour is highly rated for its spectacular views from a “magnificent” vantage point, and the chance to stand on a mountain top elevates it beyond a simple flight. It’s suited for those who want to combine aerial sightseeing with a brief alpine experience. The guide’s commentary about the area’s geology and geography adds educational value, making it suitable for curious travelers.
Guests have called it “an amazing alpine landing” and praised the overall experience for its uniqueness. While the trip is relatively short, the sense of adventure and the views make it worthwhile for those seeking a compact but memorable mountain experience.
Bottom Line: This flight offers a stunning, active component with an alpine landing, perfect for those who want a quick but immersive mountain adventure.
4. Mount Cook: 20-Minute Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight
At number four, the Mount Cook: 20-Minute Alpine Vista Helicopter Flight provides a shorter but equally scenic helicopter experience. This quick hop takes you from Glentanner to an alpine landing amidst the peaks of the Ben Ohau mountain range. The flight is designed for travelers with limited time but who still want a taste of mountain flying.
The highlights include fantastic aerial views of the Ben Ohau peaks, with the pilot providing engaging commentary about the area’s geology and wildlife. The landing allows you to breathe in the alpine air and capture memorable photos. The experience is made more reassuring by a detailed safety briefing beforehand, ensuring you feel confident in the helicopter’s capabilities.
Reviewers describe it as “a breathtaking short flight” and appreciate the chance to touch down in the mountains without a long commitment. It’s best suited for travelers on a tight schedule or those exploring nearby areas who want a quick but impactful mountain view.
Bottom Line: For a concise, scenic helicopter ride that still delivers impressive views and a mountain landing, this tour fits well into a packed itinerary.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which Glentanner adventure suits you, consider your time availability, interest in hiking versus flying, and budget. If you’re craving a full-day activity with a mix of hiking, history, and scenery, the High Country Heli Hike (see details) offers incredible value for the experience. For those who want a quick but stunning aerial view, the 40-minute flight (see details) is perfect.
Travelers short on time but eager for an alpine landing should consider the 35-minute Alpine Explorer (see details). Lastly, if you’re after a brief scenic helicopter ride, the 20-minute Vista Flight (see details) is the way to go.
Booking early is advised, especially during peak seasons (summer months in New Zealand), and always check weather conditions for mountain landings.
Final Thoughts
Glentanner’s helicopter and flight tours offer a range of experiences — from quick scenic flights to full-day hikes with historic insights. For those who want a comprehensive adventure, the Heli Hike provides a perfect balance of scenery and exploration. If you’re pressed for time but want spectacular vistas, the shorter flights deliver breathtaking views in a flash.
Depending on your interests — whether you prefer hiking, photography, or simply soaking in mountain panoramas from above — there’s a tour to match your travel style. Remember, these experiences tend to fill up quickly, especially in summer, so plan to book well in advance and prepare for some of the most stunning scenery New Zealand has to offer.