Aoraki Mount Cook Village is a prime destination for those seeking to see the Southern Alps from above. The area’s dramatic peaks, expansive glaciers, and rugged valleys make it a perfect place for helicopter flights. We particularly love tours that offer not just sweeping views but also the chance to touch down on glaciers or alpine landscapes—experiences that turn a scenic flight into something truly memorable. Whether you’re after a quick 30-minute jaunt or a longer, more detailed exploration, these helicopter tours deliver unforgettable views and a real sense of adventure.
If you have limited time, the Mount Cook: Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing offers a spectacular scenic overview with the thrill of touching down in the mountains. For those interested in experiencing the grandeur of the Tasman Glacier and beyond, the Tasman Glacier and West Coast Helicopter Flight is a longer, more comprehensive trip that combines glacier views with the rugged West Coast. And for a focus on glacier close-ups and icy terrains, the Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight provides a chance to land amid the ice and explore the upper Tasman Glacier and Hochstetter Icefall. Each offers a different perspective on this stunning region.
1. Mount Cook: Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing
For around 30 minutes, the Mount Cook: Helicopter Flight with Alpine Landing offers a quick but intense taste of the Southern Alps’ majesty. This tour takes you soaring high over Aoraki / Mount Cook, the tallest peak in New Zealand, and the surrounding Southern Alps. You’ll fly past the lower Tasman Glacier, one of the fjord-like ice formations that seem carved out by giants, and above the Liebig mountain range.
What makes this tour stand out is the alpine landing—a rare thrill that allows you to step onto the snow and ice, surrounded by towering peaks. It’s a perfect choice if you’re short on time but want the experience of being in the mountains, with enough time to take photos and soak in the views. The 4.8-star rating from 34 reviews indicates how well this trip is loved, especially for its breathtaking scenery and the opportunity for a true mountain experience.
Bottom line: This is a compact, high-impact tour ideal for travelers who want a taste of the mountains with a memorable landing. It’s perfect if you’re on a tight schedule but still crave a helicopter adventure that delivers the wow factor.
2. Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier and West Coast Helicopter Flight
At 50 minutes long, the Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier and West Coast Helicopter Flight is the most comprehensive tour on our list. It takes you beyond Mount Cook’s peaks to explore the Tasman Glacier, Franz Josef, and Fox Glaciers—some of New Zealand’s most famous ice formations.
This flight crosses the Southern Alps, giving you a sweeping view of the rugged high country, and then heads over to the West Coast, a wild and scenic region with rainforests, waterfalls, and glaciers. The highlight is landing on a glacier, allowing you to walk on ice and take in the spectacular scenery of crevasses and icefalls. Many travelers praise this tour for its variety—combining mountain vistas, glacier exploration, and a trip across diverse landscapes.
The reviews are perfect, with a 5/5 rating from just five reviews, reflecting how impressed travelers are with the scope of this tour. It’s suited for those who want a full-blown adventure and a chance to experience glaciers up close.
Bottom line: For travelers wanting a longer, more varied helicopter experience that includes glacier landings and a trip to the West Coast, this is the best pick. It’s fantastic for those interested in ice and mountain panoramas combined with a sense of remote wilderness.
3. Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight
The Mount Cook: Tasman Glacier Helicopter Flight lasts around 40 minutes and focuses heavily on glaciers. This tour takes you over the Tasman Glacier, the largest in New Zealand, and the Hochstetter Icefall, a stunning cascade of ice that’s visually impressive and dramatic.
What makes this flight unique is the opportunity to land on the glacier itself. Once on the ice, you can walk among neves and crevasses, marveling at the massive, shifting ice formations. The views extend over the Burnett Mountains and the Mackenzie Basin, giving you a true sense of the scale and wild beauty of the area. The tour is rated 4.3/5 from seven reviews, which, while slightly lower, still reflects high satisfaction, especially among those who want to get up close with glaciers.
This trip is ideal for ice enthusiasts and travelers eager for a hands-on experience. The glacier landing and exploration make it stand out as a more immersive adventure compared to simpler flyovers.
Bottom line: If glaciers and icefalls excite you, and you want a combination of soaring and walking on ice, this tour offers a memorable, cool (literally) experience.
How to Choose Your Perfect Helicopter Tour
When choosing among these options, consider your time availability, interest in glaciers, and your budget. The quick alpine landing is perfect if you’re pressed for time but want a high-impact experience. The longer Tasman Glacier and West Coast flight suits travelers looking for variety and a full-day feel. Meanwhile, the Tasman Glacier helicopter is best for those wanting a close-up glacier experience with walking opportunities.
Booking early is advised, especially during peak seasons, as these flights are popular. Think about your fitness level and comfort with heights—landing on glaciers involves some walking on uneven ice, which can be challenging for some. Check with operators about weather conditions, as New Zealand’s mountain weather can be unpredictable.
Aoraki Mount Cook Village offers some of New Zealand’s most spectacular aerial views, and these helicopter tours provide different ways to experience them. Whether you prefer a quick panoramic flight, a lengthy glacier adventure, or a close-up ice exploration, there’s a helicopter experience suited to your style. For a truly memorable trip, consider combining one of these flights with a hike or a visit to the nearby Mount Cook National Park—just don’t forget to book early to secure your spot in the sky.