Aoraki Mount Cook Village isn’t just a pretty face—it’s a hub for some of New Zealand’s most exhilarating and scenic experiences. Whether you’re craving soaring over glaciers on a helicopter ride, jumping out of a plane, or taking a peaceful hike, this area offers a little something for every type of traveler. We particularly love the Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier for its blend of adventure and jaw-dropping scenery, and the Tandem Skydive Experience for pure adrenaline. These tours showcase the area’s rugged beauty while offering unique perspectives you won’t get anywhere else.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or someone after a relaxing scenic flight, Aoraki Mount Cook Village delivers unforgettable experiences. With options ranging from helicopter adventures to self-guided walks, you can tailor your visit to match your interests and fitness level. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of the 11 best tours, each with its own flair and appeal.
- 1. Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier
- 2. Mount Cook: Tandem Skydive Experience
- 3. Mount Cook: Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
- 4. Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo (1 way)
- 5. Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier and West Coast Helicopter Flight
- 6. Mt Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin
- 7. Aoraki Mount Cook: 10hrs or 7hrs Tour From Timaru
- 8. Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight
- 9. Mount Cook to Queenstown Day Tour
- 10. Mt Cook Tour: Finish at Christchurch, Dunedin or Queenstown
- 11. Tekapo to Mt. Cook National Park Day Tour with Driver
- How to Choose the Best Tour for You
1. Mount Cook: 3 Hour Heli Hike to the Tasman Glacier
At number 1, this heli hike combines the thrill of a scenic helicopter flight with a guided hike on one of New Zealand’s most iconic glaciers. Starting at Mount Cook Airport, you’ll first enjoy a 20-minute safety briefing before boarding a helicopter for a 15-minute scenic flight over the Southern Alps to land directly on the Tasman Glacier. Once on the ice, a professional guide takes you on a two-hour trek, exploring ice formations, crevasses, and pristine snow. The flight continues with another 15-minute scenic helicopter ride for a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of aerial and ground adventures, offering a perspective that’s hard to beat. It’s perfect for those who love both hiking and flying, with reviews highlighting its spectacular scenery and professional guides. The tour is limited to just 10 people, ensuring a personalized experience. A bonus: the entire activity is weather-dependent but often rewarded with clear, crisp views of the glaciers and mountains.
Bottom line: If you want the thrill of flying and walking on a glacier, this is your top choice—an unforgettable, high-value experience for adventure lovers.
2. Mount Cook: Tandem Skydive Experience
Number 2 on our list, the Tandem Skydive Experience is perfect for those seeking an adrenaline rush. After a 20-minute scenic flight over the South Island, you’ll leap from a plane, experiencing up to 70 seconds of free-fall and then gliding down for around 5 minutes with a parachute. It’s an intense, heart-pumping way to see Mount Cook and the surrounding lakes from above.
The guides are experienced, and many reviews note how well the crew makes nervous first-timers feel safe and excited. You can also opt for photo and video packages to capture your leap—a must for sharing the thrill later. This tour is best suited for fit, adventurous travelers who don’t mind heights. Keep in mind that it’s weather-dependent, but when conditions are right, it offers arguably the best aerial views of Mount Cook and the lakes.
Bottom line: For a once-in-a-lifetime adrenaline rush and breathtaking vistas, this skydive ranks high, especially if you’re craving a true thrill.
3. Mount Cook: Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
At number 3, the Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing is an excellent choice for panoramic scenery lovers. In just 30 minutes, you’ll fly over the Southern Alps, taking in views of the lower Tasman Glacier and the Liebig mountain range, before touching down atop an alpine ridge for a breathtaking view of the peaks.
This tour is prized for its unique landing experience, giving you time to soak in the 360-degree vistas—something you simply can’t get from a bus or a walk. It’s suitable for travelers of most fitness levels, and many reviews praise the friendly pilots and stunning scenery. The flight also offers a great opportunity for photos, especially of the towering peaks and glaciers.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, scenic flight with the thrill of landing on a mountain ridge, this is a fantastic short adventure with a big wow factor.
4. Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo (1 way)
Number 4 on our list, the Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo trip is all about scenic comfort and sightseeing. This 8-hour journey includes stops at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Pukaki, and the Fairlie Bakehouse—famous for its delicious, pre-ordered lunch.
The tour features a comfortable van ride, with photo stops and short walks at key viewpoints. Highlights include the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, the famous church, and the spectacular vistas of Mount Cook and Pukaki. Many travelers appreciate the local knowledge of the guide and the chance to relax and take photos along the way.
This experience is ideal if you prefer to combine scenic driving with sightseeing, rather than hiking or flying, making it perfect for a leisurely day. It’s highly rated for its value and the ease of travel.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a scenic, comfortable transfer with plenty of photo opportunities and commentary.
5. Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier and West Coast Helicopter Flight
Number 5, the Tasman Glacier and West Coast Helicopter Flight offers a 50-minute scenic journey over some of New Zealand’s most impressive glaciers and mountain ranges. Starting from Mount Cook, you’ll fly over the Tasman Glacier Lake, then traverse the Southern Alps to the wild West Coast, crossing over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
This tour is especially good for travelers who want an extended scenic flight with multiple glacier and mountain views. The landing on a pristine glacier allows you to absorb the stark beauty of the ice and snow up close. Many reviews mention the “spectacular vistas” and the impressiveness of flying over both glaciers and mountains.
A great option if you want a generous flight time and to see a broad sweep of the region’s glaciers, all in one trip.
Bottom line: If glaciers and mountain panoramas are your thing, this helicopter ride offers a comprehensive, visually stunning experience.
6. Mt Cook Tour: Finish at Queenstown, Christchurch or Dunedin
Number 6, the Mount Cook Day Tour is a full-day private vehicle tour. It includes a scenic drive with stops at Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Mount Cook itself. The tour offers light snacks, bottled water, and Wi-Fi, making it comfortable and flexible.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a personalized experience and the flexibility to choose where to finish—Queenstown, Dunedin, or Christchurch. The itinerary includes 3 hours of free time at Mount Cook to hike or explore, with the guide providing insights along the way. The reviews appreciate the private nature and the comprehensive sightseeing.
It’s ideal for those with a full day to spare, looking for a private, tailored experience with immersive scenery.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a flexible, private day trip with plenty of sightseeing and time to explore.
7. Aoraki Mount Cook: 10hrs or 7hrs Tour From Timaru
Number 7, the Tour from Timaru offers a self-guided scenic drive with options for either 7 or 10 hours. It includes stops at Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, and Mount Cook, with lunch options available.
This is a good choice for those who want control over their timing and pace. The tour includes scenic stops and free time at Mount Cook for hiking or photography. The reviews highlight its convenience and flexibility, especially for independent travelers who want to avoid group tours.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace, with the comfort of a guided route but the freedom to set their own schedule.
8. Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight
Number 8, the Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight lasts about 40 minutes and offers a close-up view of the glacier’s icefalls and crevasses. The helicopter lands on the glacier, giving you time to explore the icy landscape up close.
Ideal for those who love flying and want a more intimate glacier experience, this tour is praised for its smooth flight and spectacular views. It’s a shorter, more accessible option compared to longer helicopter flights, making it suitable for most travelers.
Bottom line: A great way to get a personal encounter with glacier ice, perfect for those seeking a shorter but visually rich helicopter experience.
9. Mount Cook to Queenstown Day Tour
Number 9, this day tour from Mount Cook to Queenstown is designed for travelers moving between these iconic destinations. It includes scenic drives with breaks at Omarama and Lake Pukaki, and a roughly 4-hour stop at Mount Cook for sightseeing or hiking.
This is ideal for travelers who want a seamless transfer combined with sightseeing, with the comfort of luxury transport and informative commentary. It’s a practical choice for those short on time but eager to see the highlights en route.
Bottom line: Perfect if you’re traveling between key South Island spots and want to combine transportation with sightseeing.
10. Mt Cook Tour: Finish at Christchurch, Dunedin or Queenstown
Similar to tour 6, this longer private trip offers a full-day explore-and-transfer experience. It includes stops at Lake Tekapo, Pukaki, and Mount Cook, with options to finish at different destinations. The private group aspect ensures a personalized experience.
This tour is best for travelers eager to customize their South Island exploration, with scenic stops and free time to hike or photograph.
Bottom line: A flexible, private choice for those wanting a tailored day with scenic highlights.
11. Tekapo to Mt. Cook National Park Day Tour with Driver
Finally, the Tekapo to Mt. Cook National Park is a 3-hour self-guided trip. It features a photo stop at Peter’s Lookout, a walk at the Tasman Glacier, and a self-guided hike on the Hooker Valley or Tasman Valley Tracks.
This is an affordable and flexible option for travelers who want independent exploration. The self-guided aspect allows you to decide how long to spend at each spot.
Bottom line: For the budget-conscious traveler who enjoys self-paced outdoor activities, this tour offers good value with stunning scenery.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting your experience in Aoraki Mount Cook Village, consider your budget, time availability, and interest level. If you love adventure and adrenaline, the heli hike or skydiving are standout options. For those wanting a more relaxed day, the scenic drives or self-guided walks suit well.
If you’re short on time, a 30-minute helicopter or short scenic flight gives you a taste of the region’s grandeur. Longer tours, like the private day trips, are ideal if you want a comprehensive experience with added flexibility.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like skydiving or helicopter flights, to secure your spot during peak season.
Aoraki Mount Cook Village offers an incredible range of experiences for every traveler. From aerial adventures to relaxing scenic drives and active hikes, this stunning region promises unforgettable memories. Whether you prefer to soar like a bird or walk amid glaciers and mountain views, planning ahead will ensure you get the most out of your visit.