Mount Cook is one of New Zealand’s most iconic peaks, and there’s no better way to see it than from the air. The rugged Southern Alps and expansive glaciers create a landscape that’s impossible to fully appreciate from the ground. Helicopter tours give you access to remote spots, snow-capped peaks, and glacier landings that are otherwise out of reach. We particularly like the Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing for its affordability and stunning views, and the Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight for its exclusive glacier landing experience. Whether you’re after a quick scenic jaunt or a longer, more immersive flight, there’s something to suit every kind of traveler.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of options, from short flights over Mount Cook to extended journeys that include glacier landings and mountain crossings. Each tour offers a different perspective—some focus on breathtaking panoramas, others on landing on ice or snow for that real alpine thrill. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a memorable view of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and its icy wilderness.
1. Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
This 25-minute adventure is a fantastic way to see Mount Cook and its surroundings without breaking the bank. It includes a helicopter flight with a memorable alpine landing right among the mountains, giving you a chance to step outside and take in the majesty of Aoraki Mount Cook up close. The flight heads over the Tasman Valley, offering views of glaciers and snowfields, with commentary from an experienced pilot guiding you through the landscape.
What makes this tour stand out is its perfect balance of affordability and breathtaking scenery. Rated 4.8 out of 5 with 366 reviews, travelers love its value and the chance to land on a mountain. The spectacular views, combined with the highlight of landing among the peaks, makes this ideal for first-time visitors or those on a tight schedule. The only drawback might be the short duration, but that’s also what keeps it accessible price-wise.
Bottom Line: A solid, well-rounded introduction to Mount Cook’s stunning scenery, especially suited for those looking for a quick, high-impact experience.
2. Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight
This 45-minute combo flight combines the thrill of a ski plane and a helicopter, culminating in a landing on the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier. It’s a rare, world-exclusive experience, offering sweeping views of the Tasman Valley, Aoraki Mount Cook, and the surrounding glaciers. The flight provides a comprehensive aerial tour, with the added excitement of landing on ice.
Rated 4.7 out of 5 with 215 reviews, travelers praise the spectacular scenery and the novelty of landing on a glacier. The combination of aircraft makes this a more immersive experience, ideal for those wanting to maximize glacier views and landings. The price reflects the extra time and complexity, but most agree it’s worth every dollar for the unforgettable glacier landing.
Bottom Line: A top pick for those who want an exclusive, longer adventure with glacier landings, perfect for photography buffs and adventure seekers.
3. Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight
For around $497, this 55-minute helicopter flight takes you over Aoraki Mount Cook, the Tasman Glacier, and even toward the West Coast to see Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. It’s a longer, more in-depth tour that offers the chance to hover over the mountains, land on snow, and enjoy expert commentary about the landscape’s geology and history.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 with 129 reviews, travelers say it’s “mind-blowing scenery” and appreciate the opportunity to walk on snow. The tour’s extended duration makes it suitable for travelers wanting a deeper experience and more photo opportunities. Some caution that the price is higher, but the comprehensive nature and spectacular vistas justify it.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a substantial, immersive helicopter experience that includes snow landing and views of multiple glaciers.
4. Mount Cook: Mountains High 40-Minute Helicopter Flight
This 40-minute aerial adventure offers a bird’s-eye view of the Southern Alps and the Burnett Mountains, with a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier. The tour departs from Aoraki/Mt. Cook Village and is praised for up-close mountain scenery and smooth flight.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 with 49 reviews, travelers highlight the thrill of landing in the snow and the panoramic views from the helicopter. This tour is ideal for those seeking a mid-length flight with a good balance of scenery and landings. The price is reasonable, especially considering the snow landing experience.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for travelers wanting a shorter, but still memorable, helicopter excursion with glacier landings.
5. Mount Cook: Alpine Vista 20-Minute Helicopter Flight
If your schedule is tight, this 20-minute scenic flight offers a quick but stunning overview of Mount Cook’s high-country terrain. It includes a mountain landing (seasonal snow permitting) and panoramic views of the Ben Ohau Range.
Rated 4.5 out of 5 with 38 reviews, travelers love the personalized experience and the opportunity to land in the mountains despite the short duration. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of the alpine environment without a lengthy commitment, offering a great bang for your buck.
Bottom Line: An excellent, short flight for travelers wanting a quick taste of the mountains with a snow or mountain landing.
6. Mount Cook Scenic 30 Minute Helicopter Flight
This 30-minute flight offers a robust exploration of the Southern Alps, including flying over the lower Tasman Glacier and the Liebig Range. It features a snow landing that lets you step out and feel the icy terrain.
Rated perfect 5.0 out of 5 with 3 reviews, this is a highly recommended option for those who want a more substantial experience without the longer flight times. Reviewers mention the smooth ride and spectacular views as highlights.
Bottom Line: For those after a mid-length helicopter adventure with a snow landing and excellent scenery.
7. Mount Cook: 50-Minute Aoraki Scenic Helicopter Flight
This 50-minute tour is designed for those wanting a comprehensive view of the Aoraki/Mount Cook area, with a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier. It includes views of three glaciers and Lake Pukaki, making it a well-rounded experience.
Rated 4.6 out of 5 with only 9 reviews, it’s praised for fantastic scenery and the ability to land on ice. It’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind splurging for a more in-depth exploration of the region.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those seeking a longer, more detailed helicopter experience with glacier landings.
8. Mount Cook Alpine Explorer 35-Minute Helicopter Flight
This 35-minute tour offers aerial views of the Ben Ohau Range and the Southern Alps, with a possible snow landing depending on conditions. You’ll hear pilot narration about the region’s features and get to step outside for photos.
Rated 4.0 out of 5 with 16 reviews, people appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to play in the snow if conditions allow. It’s suitable for those wanting a more intimate tour with some adventure.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a customizable helicopter experience with an emphasis on scenery and the snow experience.
9. Mt Cook: 55-Minute Scenic Flight in Helicopter or Ski Plane
This longer, 55-minute flight offers sweeping views of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and Mount Sefton, with options for helicopter or ski plane. It’s perfect for avid scenery lovers wanting a broad perspective of the landscape.
Rated 4.3 out of 5 from six reviews, it’s valued for extensive views and the flexibility of aircraft. It’s best for those who want a comprehensive aerial experience.
Bottom Line: A top pick for travelers eager to see as much as possible in a single flight, with a flexible aircraft choice.
10. Glacier Discoverer 40-minute Helicopter Flight
This flight takes you over the Hochstetter Icefall and the upper Tasman Glacier, with a glacier landing included. It’s a shorter, more focused tour, ideal for those interested in glacier features and icy landscapes.
Rated 0 reviews, the experience promises breathtaking views of crevassed glaciers and mountain peaks, making it suitable for adventure-oriented travelers.
Bottom Line: A good option for those wanting a glacier-focused helicopter experience, especially if they are short on time.
$361.93 per person
11. Mount Cook Grand Glacier Experience Helicopter Flight
This 50-minute tour offers a comprehensive glacier experience, flying over the Tasman Glacier Lake, landing on a glacier, and crossing to the West Coast to see Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Rated 0 reviews, it’s designed for those who want the ultimate glacier adventure with multiple landings and crossing the Southern Alps.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting an extended, all-encompassing glacier experience with multiple landings.
$464.02 per person
How to Choose Your Helicopter Tour
Choosing the right helicopter flight depends on your budget, time availability, and what kind of experience excites you most. If you’re after a quick overview with a mountain landing, the Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing offers excellent value. For a longer, more immersive experience that includes glacier landings and mountain crossings, the 55-minute flights or the combo glacier flight are better suited.
Consider weather conditions—many tours advise booking early in your trip, as weather can change quickly. For those with a keen eye on photo opportunities, tours with snow or glacier landings provide unique perspectives. Lastly, if you’re pressed for time, the 20-minute scenic flight delivers a memorable taste of the landscape without a lengthy commitment.
Final Thoughts
Mount Cook offers some of the most stunning aerial views in New Zealand, and with so many options, there’s a helicopter tour for every traveler. The Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing is perfect for a quick, impactful experience, while the 55-minute Glacier Flight offers a more comprehensive adventure. For those seeking the thrill of landing on ice or snow, the combo flights and longer tours provide unforgettable moments.
For the best experience, book your tour well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Whether you’re after a short scenic jaunt or a full glacier exploration, this list helps you find the perfect helicopter adventure in Mount Cook, making your visit truly extraordinary.