Mount Cook is one of New Zealand’s most striking natural wonders, and it’s no surprise that so many tours revolve around its breathtaking peaks, glaciers, and alpine landscapes. Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush, a scenic photo op, or a peaceful hike, Mount Cook offers something for every traveler. We especially love the small-group scenic day tour from Queenstown for its comprehensive approach—combining stunning scenery with plenty of free time to explore or just soak it all in. It’s perfect for those who want a balanced mix of guided travel and personal adventure. For a truly immersive experience, the Glentanner High Country Heli Hike combines a helicopter ride with a mountain hike, giving a spectacular views and a sense of the distant past of these ancient landscapes.
If you’re craving thrills, the skydiving options or helicopter glacier flights will deliver unforgettable views. For those with limited time, the small group transfer from Mount Cook to Christchurch offers a scenic, relaxed journey with interesting stops. Whatever your style, you’ll find plenty of ways to experience the grandeur of Mount Cook’s area.
Quick Overview: This guide covers a variety of tours in Mount Cook, from full-day scenic adventures to adrenaline-pumping skydives. You’ll find scenic day tours, breathtaking heli flights, and challenging glacier hikes. There are even multi-day options like the 2-day tour from Queenstown. Each offers something unique—whether it’s the views, the activities, or the convenience—so you can pick the experience that fits your interests and schedule.
1. Mt Cook Small Group Scenic Day Tour from Queenstown
At number 1, this fully guided small-group tour from Queenstown is a top pick for its balanced mix of scenery, comfort, and flexibility. The 13-hour trip covers highlights like Lake Pukaki, Kawarau Gorge, and Lindis Pass, with plenty of commentary about the landscape and history. What sets this apart is the three hours of free time at Mount Cook, allowing you to hike, fly, or simply relax in the stunning surroundings. Past travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and scenic stops, with quotes like “spectacular scenery” and “the best trip ever.” The price of around $152 offers excellent value, considering the length and the variety of experiences packed in. Best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive day without the hassle of self-driving.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a guided, full-day experience with plenty of flexibility and iconic Kiwi scenery.
2. Mount Cook: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
This 25-minute helicopter flight offers a quick but unforgettable peek at Mount Cook’s rugged beauty. The highlight is the alpine landing where you can step out on the mountain itself, providing a sense of being truly “on top of the world.” Flying over the Tasman Valley, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of glaciers and snow-capped peaks, with an expert pilot pointing out features along the way. The 4.8-star rating reflects consistent customer satisfaction, especially with the stunning vistas. It’s a perfect option if you’re short on time but want a taste of the high country. The $204 price is reasonable given the scenery and the chance to land on a remote mountain. Ideal for travelers seeking a quick adrenaline rush or a unique photo opportunity.
Bottom Line: Quick, exhilarating, and unforgettable—perfect if you want a glimpse of Mount Cook’s majesty from the air.
3. Mount Cook: Ski Plane and Helicopter Glacier Combo Flight
For around $292, the Glacier Combo Flight offers a 45-minute high-altitude adventure over Mount Cook’s glaciers. This combo uses both a ski plane and helicopter, providing multiple perspectives of the Tasman Glacier and surrounding peaks. What makes this tour truly special is the glacier landing, giving you a rare chance to step onto one of New Zealand’s largest ice bodies. Travelers rave about the sweeping views and the thrill of the flight, making it suitable for those who want a more immersive experience. The combination of aerial views and a land-based glacier visit makes it excellent value. This tour is best suited for adventure lovers eager for a broader perspective on the region’s icy landscapes.
Bottom Line: A great choice for travelers craving a comprehensive, high-adrenaline glacier experience.
4. Glentanner High Country Heli Hike
This 4-hour tour, rated 5.0 stars, blends a helicopter ride with a mountain hike. Starting with a scenic flight over the Southern Alps, you’ll then hop off to trek through the wild high country, learning about glaciers and geology from your guide. The highlight is the mountain scenery both from above and on foot, with plenty of photo stops and a chance to explore a restored historic station. The tour includes all hiking gear and a small group setting, making it personal and engaging. The $301.87 price reflects the quality experience and the expert guiding. Perfect for active travelers interested in combining flightseeing with a walk and keen to learn about local history.
Bottom Line: An excellent, well-reviewed option for those who want a bit of everything—flying, hiking, and learning.
5. Mount Cook and The Glaciers 55-Minute Helicopter Flight
This premium 55-minute helicopter tour, priced at around $497, takes you over the highest peaks and glaciers, including a snow landing on Tasman Glacier. It’s a longer, more comprehensive flight that also crosses to the West Coast to view Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. The immersive experience offers stunning views of Aoraki, the Tasman Glacier, and the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. Travelers describe it as “mind-blowing” and “worth every penny,” especially with the opportunity to walk around on snow. It’s best suited for those seeking an in-depth aerial exploration and top-tier scenery.
Bottom Line: A luxury experience perfect for special occasions or serious scenery lovers.
6. Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo 2-Day Small Group Tour from Queenstown
This 2-day tour offers a relaxed, guided visit to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook, with overnight accommodation included. The itinerary includes scenic stops like the Kawarau Gorge and Lindis Pass, plus time for short walks and sightseeing at iconic spots such as the Church of the Good Shepherd. Past travelers enjoy the intimate group size—max 16—and the storytelling from guides, often praising the combination of scenery and local insights. The price of about $458 reflects the value of two days exploring, with the convenience of transportation and accommodation. Great for travelers wanting a deeper experience without the hassle of self-driving.
Bottom Line: A comfortable, two-day way to see the highlights at a leisurely pace, especially if you value guided storytelling.
7. Mt Cook to Christchurch One-Way Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo
This 5-6 hour one-way transfer combines transportation with sightseeing. Starting from Mount Cook, you’ll stop at Aoraki/Mt Cook, then travel along the scenic route to Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, ending in Christchurch. The route features spectacular views of Aoraki, the Tasman Glacier, and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Travel in a comfortable small group, with commentary along the way. Past reviewers mention the high-quality driver and the convenience of a guided transfer. It’s ideal for those with limited time or who prefer traveling with storytelling rather than self-driving.
Bottom Line: A smooth, scenic transfer option for efficient travelers wanting to see the highlights en route.
8. Mount Cook: Mountains High 40-Minute Helicopter Flight
This 40-minute helicopter tour offers a bird’s-eye view of Mount Cook’s Hochstetter Icefall and Tasman Glacier. The highlight is the snow landing, where you can walk on a glacier and take in the surrounding peaks. Travelers love the “spectacular views” and the chance to get close to the ice. The flight’s focus on the mountains and glaciers makes it ideal for photography and those wanting to see the glacial landscape up close. The $372 price is quite competitive for a longer helicopter experience with a snow landing. Suitable for travelers who want a mid-length helicopter adventure with a focus on the glaciers.
Bottom Line: A solid, scenic helicopter experience with a memorable snow landing.
9. Mount Cook: Alpine Vista 20-Minute Helicopter Flight
For those on a tight schedule, this 20-minute helicopter ride is perfect. It offers sweeping mountain views with an alpine landing in the high country. The route includes views over the Ben Ohau Range and valleys shaped by glaciers. Travelers comment on the “great photo opportunities” and the “personalized experience.” The $218.92 price makes it an accessible way to see significant scenery quickly. Best for travelers who want a taste of helicopter adventure without a big time commitment.
Bottom Line: An ideal quick scenic flight that still delivers the thrill of landing in the mountains.
10. Skydive Mt. Cook – 20+ Seconds of Freefall from 10,000ft
If you’re after pure adrenaline, this skydiving experience is unbeatable. Enjoy 20 seconds of freefall from 10,000 ft with stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lakes. Rated 5 stars, it’s a true bucket-list activity. The two-hour experience includes training, gear, and the jump itself. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers who want a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of Mount Cook’s epic scenery from the sky.
Bottom Line: For adrenaline junkies, this skydiving adventure is the ultimate way to see the region’s wild beauty.
11. Mt Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour (One-Way)
This 4-5 hour small-group transfer offers a scenic and informative journey back to Queenstown. Highlights include Lake Pukaki and a stop at High Country Salmon to feed the fish and taste fresh salmon. Past travelers appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable guide and the comfortable Mercedes Benz bus. The $110 price makes this an economical way to travel with scenery and storytelling. It’s suited for those who prefer a guided transfer with interesting stops rather than a direct drive.
Bottom Line: A reliable, scenic transfer option perfect for travelers wanting comfort and local insights en route.
12. Skydive Mt. Cook – 70+ Seconds of Freefall from 16,500ft
This extended skydiving jump, rated 5 stars, offers over a minute of freefall from 16,500 ft for the ultimate adrenaline rush. The flight offers superb views of glaciers, mountains, and lakes before the jump. It’s a serious thrill for experienced skydivers or those ready to push their limits. The experience includes training and gear, with a duration of about two hours. If you’ve always dreamed of jumping over Mount Cook, this is your chance.
Bottom Line: A once-in-a-lifetime thrill for experienced skydivers or brave beginners with a sense of adventure.
13. Mount Cook Scenic 30 Minute Helicopter Flight
This 30-minute scenic helicopter flight offers a rundown of the Southern Alps. Flying over Tasman Glacier and Liebig Range, it ends with an alpine land in the mountains. Travelers praise the smooth ride and panoramic views, perfect for photography. The $228.67 price is a good value for a longer helicopter experience with a snow landing and a focus on the mountain scenery.
Bottom Line: Well-rounded, scenic helicopter experience ideal for those who want a longer flight with the chance to land in the mountains.
14. Mount Cook: 50-Minute Aoraki Scenic Helicopter Flight
This 50-minute helicopter tour takes you across three glaciers, Lake Pukaki, and the mountain peaks of Aoraki. It includes a snow landing on the Tasman Glacier, making it a luxurious, scenic journey with plenty of photo opportunities. Travelers note the spectacular visuals and the comfort of a longer flight. At $439, it’s best suited for those wanting an immersive, high-end helicopter experience.
Bottom Line: An exceptional, scenic helicopter ride for those wanting a full, comprehensive view of Mount Cook’s icy landscapes.
15. Tasman Glacier Ice Adventure
This full-day glacier adventure combines a scenic helicopter flight with a glacier hike—up to 5 km of exploring ice features like moulins, caves, and crevasses. Rated 5 stars, it’s designed for fit and adventurous travelers. The tour includes technical gear, ice skills coaching, and a chance to walk on a glacier, making it perfect for those who want hands-on exploration. The 7-hour experience, at $791, is a significant investment but delivers a genuine, intimate glacier encounter.
Bottom Line: For serious adventure lovers willing to spend a day exploring ice formations up close, this is the ultimate experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When selecting a tour in Mount Cook, consider your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience excites you most. If you want a comprehensive day trip with flexibility, the small group scenic tour from Queenstown is hard to beat. For maximum scenery in a short time, the scenic helicopter flights and mountain flights offer stunning views and unique landings.
If you’re after adrenaline, the skydiving experiences are unmatched for excitement, while the glacier hikes provide a more hands-on, adventurous way to explore the ice. For those seeking a leisurely pace, the 2-day tour combines sightseeing and comfort with the advantage of overnight stays.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular activities like helicopter flights and skydiving, as they tend to fill up fast. Also, consider the weather—many of these tours depend on clear skies for the best views—so plan your trip during the New Zealand summer or early autumn for the most reliable conditions.
Mount Cook’s landscape offers more than just a view; it’s an experience that sticks with you. Whether you’re admiring glaciers from a helicopter, hiking among ancient ice, or jumping out of an airplane, the options are as diverse as the peaks themselves. For different traveler types—adventure seekers, scenery lovers, or leisurely explorers—there’s a perfect tour waiting. Remember to book early, pack accordingly, and prepare for some of the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer.