Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Te Wahipounamu is a landscape of towering peaks, sprawling glaciers, and deep valleys that simply demand to be seen from the sky. While hiking and photography are fantastic ways to explore, nothing beats the thrill of heli-tours to truly grasp the scale and majesty of this rugged wilderness. Among the many options, the 45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook is a favorite, offering an all-around spectacular view with a glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier—something that makes many travelers say it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you’re looking for a mixed experience that combines different aircraft and scenery, the 45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour stands out. It offers an exclusive chance to fly in both a ski plane and helicopter, landing on snow-covered peaks and flying through the Tasman Valley. For those interested in a shorter, more accessible adventure, the 25-Minute Helicopter flight including an alpine landing provides a quick but memorable peek at mountain valleys and glaciers. And for travelers seeking a longer, more comprehensive experience, the 55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter takes you over multiple glaciers and peaks, including a glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier.
1. 45-Minute Glacier Highlights Helicopter Tour from Mount Cook
At number 1 on our list, this 45-minute helicopter tour offers a comprehensive look at Aoraki Mount Cook National Park with a highlight that truly makes it special: a glacier landing on the Tasman Glacier. Once airborne, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and braided rivers that feed into the glacier. The landing zone is a highlight—spending 10-15 minutes on the glacier allows you to stand amidst ice and snow, away from the noise of the helicopter, taking in the silence and the vastness around you. Many reviewers note that the scenery is breathtaking, and the landing is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The flight also includes flying over the Tasman braided rivers and the iconic Mt Cook itself.
This tour is ideal for first-timers or anyone wanting a balanced mix of aerial sightseeing and close-up glacier experience. The price of around $383.58 per person reflects its premium access to the park’s most dramatic features, and the 5-star reviews highlight how memorable the experience is. Keep in mind, check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight, so early planning is wise.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a perfect balance of scenery, adventure, and value for those wanting to land on a glacier and see the best of the park from above.
2. 45-Minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo Tour
The 45-minute Mount Cook Ski Plane and Helicopter Combo is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s the only flight offering a dual aircraft adventure, switching from a ski plane to a helicopter mid-flight on the Tasman Glacier. This makes it a true exclusive—by landing on snow-covered peaks, you’ll get a perspective most visitors never see. The flight includes flying past Aoraki Mt Cook, over braided rivers, and landing on the Tasman glacier, all while changing aircraft on the glacier itself. The switch-over adds a layer of excitement and insight into different aircraft capabilities.
Guests consistently praise this tour for its uniqueness and the opportunity to stand on a glacier with both a ski plane and helicopter. The approximately $304.31 cost offers excellent value considering the rarity of this experience. Weather can influence the experience, but on clear days, the views are extraordinary. Reviewers mention the smoothness of the glacier landing and the chance to see mountains, lakes, and huts along the way.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a rare, bucket-list experience that combines two aircraft types and offers glacier landings, this tour is hard to beat.
3. 25-Minute Helicopter flight including an alpine landing
The 25-minute helicopter flight is perfect for travelers pressed for time but still craving a mountain adventure. It includes a landing on Brass Peak or Liebig Dome within the park, providing a close-up view of snowy peaks and valleys. This shorter flight is ideal if you want to maximize your sightseeing in a constrained schedule or prefer a more affordable option at about $212.83.
Guests rave about the experience, with many saying it’s a “memorable first helicopter ride” with “captivating views from takeoff to landing.” The flight explores the valleys, icebergs at Tasman Terminal Lake, and mountains, with pilots offering engaging commentary throughout. The main advantage is its ability to deliver a high-impact, scenic experience without the longer commitment of other tours.
Bottom Line: This is the best choice for those seeking a short but impactful helicopter tour that offers alpine landings and mountain vistas.
4. 55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter
For those wanting to see the entire region in a comprehensive flight, the 55-Minute Grand Circle Helicopter is the top option. It covers the mountains, glaciers, and West Coast—flying over Fox, Franz Josef, and Tasman glaciers, with a glacier landing included. The route is extensive, giving you a full panorama of the Southern Alps, with the chance to land on New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman.
Rated highly with a 4.5/5 from reviewers, this tour is considered a bucket-list must-do. Travelers love the chance to see multiple glaciers and mountain ranges in one flight, with the added thrill of a glacier landing. The price of around $444.57 reflects the extended duration and scope, making it suitable for those with a bit more time and budget.
Bottom Line: If you want an all-encompassing scenic flight that includes glaciers and mountain views across multiple national parks, this tour delivers.
How to Choose the Perfect Helicopter Tour
When selecting your helicopter experience in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a comprehensive, all-in-one adventure, the Grand Circle Helicopter offers a broad tour, but if you want a quick taste or a glacier landing, the 25-minute alpine flight provides a great introduction.
Those wanting a specialized experience should look at the ski plane and helicopter combo, which stands out for its exclusivity. Weather is a key factor; clear days mean spectacular views, so check the forecast when booking. Early booking is advisable, especially during peak months, to secure your preferred time slot.
In summary, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park offers a diverse range of helicopter experiences—from quick scenic flights to extended multi-glacier journeys. For most travelers, the 45-minute glacier highlights hits the sweet spot of value, scenery, and adventure. But if you’re after a truly unique experience, the ski plane and helicopter combo stands out. Either way, booking early ensures you don’t miss out on these unforgettable views.